Showing posts with label asian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asian. Show all posts

SANDRA’S ASIAN CABBAGE MANDARIN RAMEN SALAD


This healthy salad is

just as vibrant as it is delicious…


Servings: 10-12

Prep: 30 Mins.

Refrigerate: Min. of 1 hr. before serving

 

INGREDIENTS

 

Salad

 

6 cups shredded green cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 pkg chicken ramen noodles broken into small pieces, reserving seasoning pkt for dressing

½ red bell pepper, julienned

¼ cup sliced green onions, both white and green parts

2 (13-oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained

¼ cup toasted and chopped almonds

 

Dressing

 

½” piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, grated

Seasoning pkt from ramen

½ cup canola oil

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 TB rice wine vinegar

¼ c lemon juice

2 TB low-sodium soy sauce

1 TB agave

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

 

METHOD

 

Place all the salad ingredients into a large bowl. 

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until emulsified.

 

Pour the dressing over salad mixture and toss coat evenly.

 

Cover and store in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before serving. ~ Enjoy!

 

SANDRA’S QUICK ASIAN VEGETABLE STIR-FRY WITH NOODLES

There are times when I have a craving for Asian food,
and this quick entree fits the bill perfectly...
Servings: 4 to 6
Prep: 10 Mins.
Cook: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Noodles:
8 oz’s (half a box) thin spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions

Pre-steam broccoli:
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut smaller
--(Pre-steam on high for 3 minutes in a covered microwave-able bowl with 2 TBs water)

Vegetables:
2 tablespoons Mazola oil
2 cups pre-steamed (above) broccoli florets, drain water beforehand
1 small yellow onion, julienned
1/2 red bell pepper, julienned
1/2 orange bell pepper, julienned
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
--2 green onions, white and green parts sliced on the diagonal (added last)

Sauce:
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
3/4 cup low-sodium beef broth

Garnish:
1 TB roughly chopped fresh cilantro

METHOD

Prep all stir-fry ingredients, including pre-steaming broccoli in microwave, and mixing the sauce in a small bowl, prior to making stir-fry; set all aside.

Begin cooking noodles, according to package directions.

Heat a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat; add oil. When hot, stir-fry pre-steamed broccoli, onion, bell peppers, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for 7-9 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender. Stir in sliced green onions.

Whisk the sauce, then add to the skillet. Cook, while stir-frying for 2 minutes.  Add hot noodles to the skillet, toss, using tongs, to combine.

Transfer stir-fry to a serving platter, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve family style. ~ Enjoy!


SANDRA'S HOMEMADE SWEET THAI CHILI SAUCE

A delightful sweet chili sauce I created today in under 20 minutes,
and at the rate we go through this decadent condiment ~
it's bound to be quite the '$$ saver' as well...
Yield: 1 cup

Prep: 5 Mins.
Cook: Appx. 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons quality white wine
3 teaspoons garlic granules (or powder)
1/2 to 1 tablespoon dried red chili flakes (1/2 TB mild, or 3/4 TB spicy, or 1 TB hot)
--1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons cool water
--2 drops red all-natural organic food coloring

METHOD

Place all ingredients (except cornstarch-water slurry mixture, and food coloring) in a small, heavy-bottom saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium and let boil for 10 minutes to reduced sauce by half. (The vinegar odor will be quite pungent as it burns off.)

In a small bowl, combine 4 TB water with 1-1/2 TB cornstarch to form a slurry.

Reduce heat to low and add cornstarch-water slurry mixture, and the red food coloring. Stir to incorporate, then continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Remove saucepan from heat and carefully taste-test (I do so by spooning some sauce on a plate to let cool slightly). You should first taste sweet, followed by sour, then spicy and salty hints. If sauce isn't sweet enough, add a little more sugar. If not spicy enough, add more chili flakes.

Pour finished sauce into a 1/2-pint Mason jar, cover, and store in refrigerator (will last up to 6 months).  Serve as a condiment, dip, or marinade. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ALASKAN HALIBUT FRIED RICE

An incredible and  tasty one-pot-wonder that is quite versatile
in that you can change it up by substituting halibut with
shrimp, chicken, or pork, and so on..
.

Servings: ( 8 to 10)
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 eggs, lightly beaten
8 oz. fillet halibut, cut into 1" cubes
2 cups *pre-steamed carrots and sweet petite peas (See How To TIP below)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
5 cups cooked white rice
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon rice vinegar

METHOD

In a Dutch Oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and stir fry, while breaking into large bits; remove to a plate. Wipe out pot clean, and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the halibut, and stir fry until opaque. Remove halibut to same plate as eggs; set aside.

Wipe out the skillet, place it back on heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the mixed vegetables, ginger, garlic powder, and dried minced onion, pepper and rice, and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar; stir to combine, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Gently add back in the halibut and chopped egg and fold for another 2 minutes to combine and heat through. Serve immediately. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip:

*PRE-STEAM VEGGIE PREP:

Finely dice the carrots to equal 1 cup. Add the carrots and frozen petite sweet peas to a microwave-able bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Cover bowl with a plate, and microwave on High for 3 minutes to pre-steam. Drain.

SANDRA'S LIGHT ASIAN DIPPING SAUCE with WILD ALASKA PAN SEARED SCALLOPS

A terrific Light Asian Dipping Sauce I created while in Yakutat, Alaska
preparing a family dinner when I had minimal on-hand ingredients,
served as a first course with Pan Seared Wild Alaska Bay Scallops ~ Delish!


Serves: 4
Prep: 10 Mins.
Indoor Grill: 4 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Light Asian Dipping Sauce:
1 tablespoon low-sodium Tamari (soy sauce)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey, more/less to your desired sweetness
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Dash of garlic powder
Dash of onion powder
Dash of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro (measured after mincing)

Scallops:
2-1/2 lbs Wild Alaska Bay Scallops

METHOD

Whisk all dipping sauce ingredients in a small glass (non-reactive) bowl. Let flavors meld at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, rinse and pat scallops dry. Place on paper towel-lined baking dish. (Can be stored covered with plastic wrap in refrigerator for a few hours as such, although bring to room temperature for 20 minutes prior to searing.) Lightly pat tops of scallops one final time with paper towel prior to searing.

Preheat a dry cast iron grill-ribbed skillet over medium-high heat. Pan sear bay scallops for 1-2 minutes per side, depending upon size. (Larger scallops will take slightly longer to sear.) Do not overcook scallops or they'll become tough.

Place seared scallops on serving platter in a single layer with dipping sauce in a small, decorative bowl at the center, along with small dipping forks. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tips: Pan sear scallops in batches so as not to overcrowd pan, preventing steaming scallops. Also, if using larger sea scallops, cut them into quarters prior to searing.


SANDRA'S TERIYAKI SAUCE (Homemade)


An easy and tasty option to make your own Teriyaki Sauce.

I always have some of this Asian sauce on hand for those last-minute stir-fry recipes
for quick meal options on those busy nights...

Prep: 5 Mins.
Yields: 1 Pint (2 Cups)

1-½ cups dark brown sugar
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (An Asian-style barbecue sauce)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
2 garlic cloves, grated
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a nonreactive (glass/ceramic) bowl, and whisk to combine. Use in your favorite teriyaki recipe or as a marinade, including basting grilled meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish.

Store in an airtight jar in refrigerator~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S ASIAN-STYLE STIR-FRY SAUCE (Homemade)

An incredibly quick and easy stir-fry sauce recipe
that pairs well combined with a variety of Asian meat, poultry, and vegetable
stir-fry main dish meals...


Prep: 10 Mins.
Cook: 5 Mins.
Yields: (Appx. ¾ Cup)

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons chicken broth
3 tablespoons rice wine
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Pinch of white pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon arrowroot (or cornstarch)
2 tablespoons cold water

METHOD

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, broth, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil and white pepper.

Dissolve arrowroot in 1/4-cup cold water (slurry), and set aside nearby.

Heat all ingredients, except slurry, in a small saucepan until gently boiling.

Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 minute. Mix the slurry (as it will tend to settle), and add to saucepan while whisking.  Cook, whisking, until the sauce boils and thickens.  Remove from heat and use this sauce with your favorite meat and/or vegetable stir-fry recipe. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S AUTHENTIC PORK ADOBO

Believe me, you can never make enough of this Pork Adobo recipe
as it seems disappear in a flash...


Prep: 5 mins. 
Cook: 1 Hr.
Servings: (6 to 8)

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs. pork sirloin tip roast, trimmed, and cut into 1-1/2" cubes (Purchased in a 2-pk @ Costco; used 2/3's of a 3lb. roast)
2 tablespoons light olive oil
4 cups hot water
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ teaspoon organic black peppercorns
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon organic pickling spice
1 teaspoon organic chili powder
1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon organic ground paprika
4 tablespoons organic arrowroot powder [or cornstarch] (mixed w/1/4 cup cold water to dissolve and form slurry)

--Prepared steamed rice

Garnish:
--Toasted sesame seeds

METHOD

Begin preparing steamed rice.

Heat dutch oven to medium-high heat. When hot, add olive oil, then pork and sear for 5 minutes; turning and doing so on other side for an additional 5 minutes (try not to disturb chicken while browning). Add all other ingredients, except cornstarch and water for slurry, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover setting lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 50 minutes. Remove lid, re-whisk the cornstarch and water slurry, and while gently stirring with a spoon add to pot and bring to boil to thicken.

Serve Pork Adobo over steamed rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tip: Japanese Salad with Restaurant-Style Dressing (links provided below) pairs well as a side.  Also, if you do not like the pickling spice loose, simply tie in cheesecloth and toss in dutch oven.


Sandra's Restaurant-Style Japanese Salad Dressing
(Click for recipe)...

Sandra's Japanese Restaurant-Style Salad
(Click for recipe)...

SANDRA'S RESTAURANT-STYLE JAPANESE SALAD DRESSING

For a fast and easy Japanese dressing recipe tasting super similar
to those found in top-notch Japanese restaurants ~ This one's for you!


Yields: (1-1/2 cups)
Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup finely chopped sweet white onion
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons ground ginger (or 2 tablespoons freshly grated)
2 tablespoons minced celery
3 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

METHOD:

Add all ingredients in order listed in blender.  Place lid on top, and blend on high speed for a minimum of 30 seconds, until dressing is smooth. Let dressing stand a minimum of 4 hours in refrigerator for flavors to meld before serving. ~ Enjoy!

Sandra's Japanese Restaurant-Style Salad
(Click for recipe)...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip: Store dressing in refrigerator in a tightly covered glass container for up to 1 week. It's also fab as a condiment on hoagie roll and grilled sandwiches...or, as a dip for veggies (quite a thin dressing, but I like it that way as it's not supposed to be thick: FYI)

SANDRA’S SPRING ASIAN SWEET PEA GREEN SALAD with HONEY-LIME DRESSING

I created this vibrant and crunchy salad today,
mainly from "green" ingredients I had on hand;
it’s superb and will fare well alongside any main dish...
Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 10 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lime juice

Salad:
6 cups romaine lettuce, torn
1-1/2 cups frozen sweet green peas, thawed, and pat dry
1 (8 oz. can) sliced water chestnuts, drained, pat dry, and cut into slivers
3 ribs celery, diagonally sliced
4 long green onions (green parts only), sliced
Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
--(Or, 2 tablespoons dried parsley)

Garnish:
--Toasted sesame seeds

METHOD

In a medium glass (or non-reactive) bowl, add and whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Toss in all salad ingredients, and fold to combine. To serve, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. ~ Enjoy!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I served this salad for lunch with homemade meatloaf, and smashed potatoes with sour cream and chives topped with mushroom-sage gravy. We'll also have this same salad this evening for dinner with barbecue pulled pork burgers.

SANDRA’S ASIAN SLOW-COOKER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

A perfect dinner to quickly throw together
either in the morning and slow cook on low for 8 hours,
or during your lunch hour and slow cook on high for 4 hours...

Servings: (6 to 8)
Prep: 10 Mins.
Slow Cook: High 4 Hrs, or Low 8 Hrs.; + Broil: 3-5 Mins

INGREDIENTS:

Chicken:
1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
1-½ cups brown sugar
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (An Asian type of barbecue sauce)
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Garnish:
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

--Prepared steamed rice
--Prepared garden salad

METHOD:

In mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and pepper, then set aside.

Place onion wedges in bottom of slow cooker, chicken thighs on top, and pour teriyaki mixture over chicken.

Cover slow cooker and cook on high-heat setting for 4 hours, or low-heat setting for 8 hours.

Transfer chicken thighs skin side up to a broiler using a slotted spoon.  Pierce chicken skin with a paring knife.  Broil teriyaki chicken in oven on top rack position until brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Sprinkle teriyaki chicken thighs with parsley and sesame seeds, then serve with prepared steamed rice and a nice garden salad. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S TRADITIONAL PORK GREEN SOUP with STEAMED RICE

A traditional recipe I grew up preparing that's quick and easy, 
albeit incredibly delicious!
A Filipino Classic that has many, many variations  ~ this is my favorite...






Servings: (8-10)
Prep: 15 Mins.
Cook: 1 hour total time

INGREDIENTS

Meat:
2-1/2 to 3 lb Pork Sirloin Tip Roast (Costco), cut into 1/2x1-1/2" strips
2 TB veg oil
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Soup:
4 ribs celery, sliced
1/2 yellow onion, julienned
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp onion granules
2 tsps ground ginger
1 bay leaf
3 TB rice vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
1-2 TB worcestershire, to taste
2 tsp soy sauce
2 qts low-sodium chicken broth

Finishing:
4 green onions (all parts), sliced
2 lg eggs, beaten with 1 tsp cold water
1 heart of romaine, julienned
1 TB dried parsley

--2-1/2 cups rice, prepared (Yielding 5 cups cooked)

METHOD

In a high-side nonstick large skillet, add 2 tbs vegetable oil and heat on medium high. Toss sliced pork with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Add 1/2 the pork to skillet and sear until lightly golden, use a slotted spoon (reserving oil in pan). Repeat with remaining meat. Remove all cooked meat to the plate; set aside.

Add onions and celery to skillet, sauté until onions are translucent for 5-7 minutes, (adding additional oil if needed). Add minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds.

Add remaining ingredients including meat to skillet -- except finishing ingredients: green onions, egg mixture, romaine and dried parsley.

Bring soup to a boil, reduce to low simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.


Remove skillet from heat. Add the egg mixture while stirring soup with a fork (to form ribbons), then add romaine and let set 3-5 minutes before ladling into soup bowls over steamed rice. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S 15-MINUTE SWEET and SOUR ALASKA HALIBUT

Our all-time ‘go to’ favorite
sweet and sour halibut 
we end up craving
from time to time...



























Serves: (6)
Prep/Cook: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1-½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 lb. boneless skinless halibut fillets, cut into 1” cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces
½ yellow onion, cut into 1" pieces
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 (8 oz.) can of pineapple chunks, drained and cut in half (reserve ¼ cup of juice)
½ teaspoon ground ginger

--Prepared steamed rice

METHOD

In a bowl, combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in cider vinegar, broth, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice. Set aside.


In a resealable plastic bag combine flour, salt and pepper. Add halibut cubes and shake to coat. 


In a small skillet, saute halibut in oil over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes, just until lightly golden and halibut flakes easily with a fork; remove to a plate. Set aside.


In the same skillet, saute red pepper, onion, red pepper flakes for 4 to 6 minutes, just until vegetables are crisp-tender. 


Add ground ginger, and pineapple to skillet.  


Stir sauce in bowl then add to skillet while scraping up bits from bottom, and bring to a boil.


Cook while stirring for 2 minutes, until thickened. Reduce heat to low, and return halibut chunks to skillet; heat through for a couple of minutes. 


Serve over steamed rice. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~
Tip: Feel free to substitute halibut with the same amount of chicken, pork, or beef, although adjust cooking time accordingly.

SANDRA’S EXOTIC CURRIED COCONUT CHICKEN

An incredible and delicious
chicken curry entree
that’s guaranteed
to warm your soul...
Servings: (6 to 8)
Prep: 5 Minutes
Cook: 1 Hour-20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Chicken Curry:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 stick of lemon grass
--(or 1 teaspoon lemon grass paste)
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½” cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Lemon Grass Paste
found in the produce
section of market
1 (14 oz. can) coconut milk (not lite, or cream)
1 (14 oz. can) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (14 oz. can) tomato sauce
3 tablespoons honey

Side options:
--Prepared steamed Jasmine rice
--Prepared steamed broccoli

METHOD:

Heat olive oil and curry powder in a dutch oven over medium-high heat, and saute for 2 minutes.


Stir in onions and bell pepper, and saute until onions are translucent, about 7 minutes.  


Add garlic, red pepper flakes and lemon grass, and saute for 30 seconds. 


Add chicken cubes, kosher salt, and white pepper; toss to coat. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes, while occasionally stirring. 


Add coconut milk, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and honey; stir to combine. 


Stir to combine, and bring to a gentle boil.  Reduce heat to low to simmer and cook, uncovered, while occasionally stirring for approximately 1 hour to allow sauce to reduce by half (from what's shown below) and for flavors to meld. 


(Meanwhile, prepare steamed jasmine rice and broccoli, if making.)

Toss stick of lemon grass (if using).

Serve curried coconut chicken over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli on the side. ~ Enjoy!


SANDRA’S ASIAN PORK DUMPLINGS with GINGER SOY DIPPING SAUCE

These delicate dumplings
are fun to prepare,
aromatically pleasing and just
an overall exceptionally satisfying appetizer...
I decided to create a recipe for Asian dumplings because of the pork I had on-hand that needed to be prepared.  I’m so pleased that these dumplings turned out to be quite extraordinary...

Yields: (40)
Prep: 30 Mins.
Boil: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dipping Sauce:
-(Yields: Appx. 1/2 Cup)
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Pork Dumplings:
4 uncooked boneless pork chops, cubed
½ cup shredded green cabbage
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 green onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 package (40) ‘round’ wonton wrappers

METHOD

Whisk dipping sauce ingredients in a small glass or ceramic bowl, and set aside for flavors to meld.

Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe
For the dumplings, combine pork, cabbage, cilantro, green onions, garlic, ginger, pepper, seasoned rice vinegar, and soy sauce in the food processor.


Pulse dumpling mixture, until finely chopped and combined.


Create an assembling work space (as shown in the next photograph).  Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Moisten the edges with water.


Fold the wrappers in half, then use your index finger and thumb to pinch the edges together to seal.


Gather the pinched edges together to form ruffles. Transfer dumplings to a sheet of wax paper and repeat process until all dumplings are formed.


Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently lower 8 dumplings at a time into water using a slotted spoon and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.


Carefully remove dumplings using the slotted spoon to a wire rack placed over a foil-lined baking sheet to drain, while ensuring they are not touching each other to prevent sticking together.


Serve immediately with the dipping sauce. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~

Tips:

--You can easily freeze the dumplings after they are formed (prior to cooking) by placing them, not touching, in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Freeze for several hours, and place in a labeled freezer ziploc bag.  After freezing, you boil them frozen using the same method until they float.

--You can also quickly make dumpling soup by simply cooking them in chicken or vegetable broth, then serve garnished with freshly sliced green onions.

SANDRA’S ASIAN GINGER SOY DIPPING SAUCE

A full-flavored dipping sauce
that is a 'go-to' favorite
of ours...
A vibrant and tasty Asian dipping sauce that will greatly accompany any dumpling, pot sticker, pan-seared scallops or shrimp recipe.

Yields: Appx. 1/2 Cup
Prep: 5 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

METHOD

Whisk dipping sauce ingredients in a small glass or ceramic bowl, and serve with your favorite dumplings, pot stickers, pan-seared scallops or shrimp. ~ Enjoy!

I highly recommend serving this sauce with the following:

Sandra's Asian Pork Dumplings Recipe


SANDRA’S JAPANESE HOT and SOUR SOUP

I like to prepare this hot and sour soup
ahead of time to allow the vegetables and tofu 
to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes,
then just reheat and serve...
Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 5 Mins.
Cook: 30 Mins.
Stand: 30 Mins. to marinate, then reheat and serve

INGREDIENTS

2 qts. (8 cups) chicken stock
3 boneless pork chops, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons low-sodium ginger soy sauce (from Fred Meyer)
1 (15 oz. can) peeled straw mushrooms, drained, and cut in half (or sliced shiitake)
1 tablespoon red chile paste
1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black)
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 (5 oz. can) sliced bamboo shoots, drained, and sliced into quarters
1 (15 oz. can) baby sweet corn cobs, drained and sliced
1 (5 oz. can) sliced water chestnuts, drained and cut into strips
1/2 cup fresh Alaska grown mung been sprouts (from Fred Meyer)
4 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons water
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 lb. firm tofu, sliced into 1”x1/4” strips
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish:
1 green onion (green parts only), finely sliced

METHOD

Bring stock to a boil in a medium-large saucepan, add pork, garlic, soy sauce, mushrooms, and chili paste, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.

Add white pepper, rice vinegar, bamboo shoots, baby corn, water chestnuts, and fresh bean sprouts; simmer 10 minutes.

Mix cornstarch with water, and slowly drizzle slurry into soup while stirring.

Bring back up to a simmer, and drizzle eggs in a very thin stream over the surface of soup while stirring.

Let soup stand for 10 seconds before gently folding in tofu, and stirring in sesame oil.

Let soup marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, then reheat and serve garnished with sliced green onions. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA’S VIBRANTLY FRESH VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS

These light spring rolls have a gentle
crunch thanks to the addition of green leaf lettuce,
Alaska grown mung bean sprouts, and carrots...
Yields: 8 rolls, or 16 halves
--(A serving is 2 rolls, or 4 halves)
Prep: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Dipping Sauce:
3 tablespoons prepared hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon minced shallots
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
3 tablespoons water
--(more of less to reach desired consistency)
2 teaspoons Asian red chili paste
2 tablespoons minced roasted peanuts

Spring Rolls:
2 ozs. bean thread (vermicelli) noodles
2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
8 (8.5” round) rice paper spring roll wrappers
12 cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, cut in half lengthwise
4 large green leaf lettuce leaves, cut into ½” strips (remove tough stems)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup julienned carrots
2 fully cooked, boneless, smoked pork chops, julienned
1 cup Alaska Grown mung bean sprouts (Purchased at Fred Meyer)

METHOD:


In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking hoisin sauce, shallots, rice vinegar, and water; heat and stir just until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat, and whisk in chili paste. Let sauce cool for 30 minutes; whisking occasionally, while preparing spring rolls. Just before serving, stir minced peanuts into dipping sauce.


 Meanwhile, cover bean thread noodles with boiling water in a glass bowl and let soak 15 minutes; drain using a sieve. Return noodles to dry bowl, and toss with seasoned rice vinegar. Cover with a damp paper towels, and set aside.


 Fill a pie plate with warm water. Immerse rice paper in warm water for 10 seconds, just until slightly soft.  

Very easy to assemble spring rolls
when you prepare the work area beforehand
Work with one rice paper at a time, being gentle as they break easily when brittle. Remove from water and place rice paper on a clean, damp kitchen cloth. Arrange three pieces of shrimp halves (cut side up) across the center of rice paper (this is so it properly shows through from the outside when wrapped).  Spread a light layer of lettuce over shrimp to outer border of rice paper, but retain 1” clear space around outer edge. Add a light layer of bean thread noodles, and sprinkle with small pinches of mint and cilantro.  Add a light layer of pork, carrots, and mung bean sprouts, while ensuring you don't overfill. Also, be sure the ingredients on top of shrimp are evenly distributed before rolling.


 Gently press down on filling with fingers to tighten the roll while folding the bottom end of the sheet nearest you over the top of the filling and roll into a cylindrical shape half of the way. 
Fold the left and right sides of rice paper up and inward.


 Complete rolling up the spring roll. 


Transfer spring roll to a plate, seam-side down, and cover each of them with a damp paper towel to ensure the spring rolls do not touch each other 
(or they will stick together). Repeat until all spring rolls are formed. 

[Note: A this point, if you choose to make these spring rolls ahead of time, 
you can store them as such in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap 
for several hours prior to serving.]

Add the minced peanuts to the cooled dipping sauce; whisk to combine.

To serve, cut spring rolls diagonally in half, and place small individual serving bowls of dipping sauce alongside. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:  I usually end up making leftover ingredients, just so I can add all of them together to form a salad; I drizzle the salad with a bit of dipping sauce when ready to serve.

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