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 ADDICTING MUSHROOM and JALAPENO POPPERS with BACON

A perfectly addicting 2-for-1 side dish/appetizer you're able to serve

 hot out of the oven or at room temperature.

Don't wait for game day to enjoy all such deliciousness...

Prep: 20 Mins.
Bake: 30 Mins.
Yields: (14 Mushrooms-7 Halved Jalapeno Poppers, with 1 jalapeno half being chopped to add to filling)

INGREDIENTS

14 medium fresh button mushrooms, stems removed; reserve stems
4 large (4" long) fresh jalapenos, stems removed, including half of the ribs and seeds after cutting in 1/2 lengthwise
--(Remove more or less ribs/seeds to your desired level of spiciness)
2 strips center-cut bacon, sliced into 1/2" pieces
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 (8 oz. tub) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup medium shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 green onions (both green and white parts), finely sliced
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon dry Italian seasoned bread crumbs

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet, spray rack, and set aside.

Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Carefully remove stems from mushrooms; set caps aside. Finely chop stems.

Cut stems from jalapenos, and toss. Remove half of the ribs and stems, more or less; set aside 7 halves.

Finely chop 1 half of a jalapeno, and set aside. [Remember to wash hands using hot water and soap!]

Place medium skillet over medium heat and saute' bacon pieces until slightly crisp and brown.

Add chopped mushroom stems and granulated garlic to skillet with the bacon, and continue sauteing for 2 additional minutes. Remove skillet from heat and set aside for mixture to cool.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl add the finely-chopped reserved jalapeno, cream-cheddar-parmesan cheeses, green onions, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the cooled mixture from skillet, including drippings; mix to incorporate.

Using a teaspoon, generously fill mushroom caps. Fill jalapeno halves so they are level with sides of peppers. (See photo below.) Lightly sprinkle filled mushroom caps and jalapeno pepper halves with Italian seasoned bread crumbs.

Place filled mushroom caps and jalapeno peppers (with 'cut' jalapeno ends flush against each other to ensure filling remains intact during baking) on sprayed rack of prepared baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until tops are golden and mushrooms and jalapenos are hot but still crisp-tender (not mushy). ~ Enjoy!

Hot out of the oven...

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Tips: The beauty of this side dish/appetizer is that you can prepare the poppers well ahead of time, simply place in refrigerator until ready to bake.

Feel free to alternatively grill these poppers, just place the same baking rack (shown above) on top of barbecue grilling rack over indirect heat (using charcoal), covered, for the same amount of cooking time.

SANDRA’S SPICE-RUBBED ROASTED KING SALMON FILLETS

The delightful spice rub adds an 

exciting, earthy, and exotic flare 

to these king salmon fillets...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Roast: 15 to 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon light olive oil

1 cup sweet onion, julienned --(I used 1/2 of a large Vidalia)

2 (6 oz.) boneless, skin-on king salmon fillets, 1-1/2” thick

Garnish:

1 green onion, finely chopped (green part only)

2 wedges of fresh lime

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

To prepare king salmon, combine first 6 ingredients; rub spice mixture evenly over fillets.

In a glass 8”x8” baking dish, toss the onions with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and spread evenly over bottom of dish.  Place the spice-rubbed fillets on top of onions.  Lightly spray all over the fillets with olive oil spray.  

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.  (If you’re using thinner/thicker king salmon fillets, reduce/increase roasting time accordingly).  Let fillets rest for 3 minutes for juices to redistribute.

To serve, sprinkle top of fillets with chopped green onion, and wedges of lime to squeeze over king salmon just prior to eating, including adding the roasted onions alongside ~ Enjoy!

Tip:  I served the king salmon fillets with steamed rice and glazed baby carrots.

SANDRA’S TRIED N’ TRUE ALASKA KING SALMON-BAKE-STYLE FILLETS

A simple and fabulous

way to get that local

Alaska Salmon-Bake-Style

essence at home...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins.

Grill: 15 to 20 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

4 (8 oz.) boneless, skin-on, 2” thick salmon fillets

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

6 tablespoons dark brown sugar

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Side options:

--Prepared steamed rice

--Prepared garden salad

METHOD

Prepare grill by placing charcoal in a pile on one side of grill (direct heat), and the opposite side without charcoal (in-direct heat).

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, add lemon juice and brown sugar, and cook just until melted while whisking. Brush the sauce over the salmon fillets.

Place salmon fillets presentation-side down on grill over (direct heat), cover, and grill for 7 to 10 minutes.  Flip the fillets over to the (in-direct heat) side of grill and baste with sauce, cover, and continue grilling for another 7 to 10 minutes; time will vary depending upon thickness of fillets.

Serve grilled salmon fillets with sides of steamed rice and a nice garden salad. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip:  This also works well baked in a 400 degree oven for the same about of time, although no flipping is required, just place the fillets in the sprayed baking pan skin-side down.

SANDRA'S ALASKA GRILLED SALMON STEAKS with a CREAMY LIME MARINADE

A perfect way to barbecue fresh salmon
on a summer day...

Servings: (4)

Prep: 5 Mins. |
Marinade 15 Mins. |
Grill: 10 mins.


Posted by: Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green onion, sliced
½ teaspoon dry rosemary
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 (1”) thick salmon steaks (if thicker, allow more cooking time)
1 lime, cut into wedges

METHOD:

Whisk together oil, lime juice, honey, yogurt, ginger, garlic, green onion, rosemary, salt and pepper in a shallow non-reactive dish. Add fish steaks and turn to coat with marinade. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes, (turning once after 7 minutes).

Preheat indoor grill to medium-high heat, or an outdoor grill. Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack, or grill pan.

Coarsely grind pepper onto steaks. Place the steaks onto hot oiled grill rack, turning once at 5 minutes; continue cooking until the fish is opaque, and flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes total (discarding marinade). Serve immediately with lime wedges. - Enjoy all!

SANDRA'S TASTY TANGERINE BBQ BONELESS PORK RIBS

What a treat these tasty boneless ribs are,
they have a great moistness inside 
and a perfect texture outside...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 10 Mins. |
Cook: 3 Hrs.

Posted by Sandra 

INGREDIENTS:

***Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs:
3 lbs. bonless country-style ribs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
sea salt and ground pepper to taste

***Marinade:
1 cup tangerine juice
1 (1.06-oz.) pkg. dry teriyaki marinade mix
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

***Sauce:
1 cup tangerine juice
1 cup barbecue sauce (recommend Bull’s-Eye Original)

METHOD:

Place ribs in a large pot of water, just enough to cover ribs, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground pepper.  Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine marinade ingredients. When ribs are done par-cooking, remove ribs with tongs and place them in a 9"x"9 baking dish, and pour marinade mixture over the top.  Cover, and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove ribs from marinade mixture, and discard marinade. Place ribs on rack of shallow broiling pan lined with foil, and sprayed with oil. Cover tightly with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.

While ribs are cooking, make sauce by adding 1 cup tangerine juice, and 1 cup barbecue sauce to a small sauce pan; stir, and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to reduce sauce, and remove from heat.

Remove ribs from oven after 45 minutes, uncover (reserving foil), and carefully baste with the sauce, and continue baking, uncovered, for 15 minutes longer; turning and brushing midway with the sauce. Remove from oven, and let rest, lightly tented with reserved foil for 10 minutes.  Serve, and enjoy!


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Tips: Serve with coleslaw, or potato salad, and baked beans! Also, at time we BBQ grill the ribs over indirect heat in the same method as for the oven (while still boiling, and marinating the ribs for the same amount of time as listed above). Further, it will cut your time immensely if you boil and marinate the ribs the morning or night before you anticipate cooking them!

SANDRA'S CHARCOAL GRILLED CEDAR PLANK WHITE KING SALMON – JAMAICAN STYLE

The flavor achieved by grilling fresh Alaska King Salmon
on cedar planks is second
to none...

Serves: (4)

Pre-Soak Plank: Min. 4 Hrs.
Prep: 5 Mins. |
Marinade: 30 Mins.
Grill: 20 to 25 Mins.

Non-treated Cedar Plank:
Weigh down and soak cedar plank totally immersed in water for a minimum of 4 hrs.

**Marinade:
2 teaspoons jerk seasoning
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

***Alaska King Salmon
4 6oz. - 2” thick, boneless, skin-on white king salmon fillets (or red king salmon, or halibut)

--Prepared steamed rice
--Prepared coleslaw
--Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves

METHOD

Begin by soaking the cedar plank fully immersed in water, as directed above, for 4 hrs. by weighing it down (I use a heavy-bottom stainless steel saucepan with a large-full can of goods inside of it).

Simply
irresistible...

A half hour before grilling, begin by whisking the marinade ingredients in small bowl, and brush liberally on flesh-side of king salmon fillets. Place seasoned king salmon into a shallow non-reactive (glass) dish, skin-side down, cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator to marinade for 30 minutes.

Prepare charcoal for grilling by making one half of bottom “in-direct heat” (no charcoal), and the other “direct heat” (a pile of charcoal), and place a spray bottle with pure water close by to douse possible flare-ups on edges of cedar plank.

Place cedar plank onto “direct” side of grill to preheat and slightly sear for 3 to 5 minutes, with lid closed.

Open grill, and move cedar plank to the “indirect” side, and brush top of plank just where you’ll be placing the king salmon fillets (please do not brush edges to avoid unnecessary flare-ups). Place the king salmon fillets onto the cedar plank skin-side down, close lid, and grill for 20 to 25 minutes, just until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Check periodically for possible flare-ups, and spray the edges of plank with water, if present, (not the fish please ;).

Place a baking sheet lined with foil close by, and when king salmon fillets are done, use care while removing the extremely hot plank to the baking sheet (I do so using two large spatulas). Lightly tent salmon with foil and let stand 5 minutes for juices to redistribute. Serve cedar plank white king salmon with fresh cilantro leaves, steamed rice, and coleslaw. – Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tips: A slightly longer cooking time is necessary because the plank absorbs more heat, versus placing the king salmon fillets directly on the grill. 

Also, please use your cedar plank for grilling only once, then toss it!

(I purchased my cedar planks at Fred Meyer in the cookware section, which came 2/pkg.)

SANDRA'S BLACKENED SEASONING BLEND (I)

A wonderful seasoning
that is equally wonderful
when cooking using the proper
method, I have provided several recipes
on this site, just search...

INGREDIENTS

4 teaspoons ground smoked paprika
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons fine-grained kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
3/4-teaspoon ground cumin
1/4-teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

METHOD

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Store in a “labeled” airtight container in your pantry.

Use in all recipes that call for blackened seasonings; plus let your imagination run wild and make up your own!  I use this by drying and then brushing a light coating of olive oil on halibut, salmon, chicken, or steak, then liberally covering it in the blackened seasoning. Place the prepared seafood or meat in a cast iron skillet over high heat, or outdoor grill, or broiler and cook.


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TIP: When using dry spices place in palm first and rub with finger to activate oils before adding to recipes.

SANDRA'S HEALTHY ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

A healthy and flavorful side dish 
addition to most any entree...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 10 mins. |
Cook: 30 to 40 mins.

Posted by Sandra

Please do not cut root vegetables any smaller than size noted, as they tend to shrink while roasting. Also, don’t skimp on the olive oil because you’ll end up with dried out root vegetables otherwise.

INGREDIENTS

2 carrots, peeled, and cut into 1-1/4” cubes
2 russet potatoes, peeled, and cut into 1-1/4” cubes
1 sweet potato, peeled, and cut into 1-1/4” cubes

Vegetables prepped for roasting

1 small butternut squash, peeled and seeded, and cut into 1-1/4” cubes
1 purple onion, peeled, and cut into 1-1/4” pieces
1/3 cup olive oil
1 small clove of garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, and set aside.

Toss the cut vegetables with the olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper in a large Ziploc bag, mixing to coat, and place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer (see photograph of prepped vegetables). Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until slightly caramelized and tender when poked with a paring knife – (be sure to turn vegetables midway through cooking process for even cooking).

Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately – Enjoy!


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


Tip: You can also grill these vegetables in a heatproof grilling basked (the type that has holes in it) for the same amount of cooking time.

SANDRA'S BLACKENED SEASONING BLEND (II)

This is a fantastic blend to use as a rub
for seasoning beef steaks or roasts, including
 on many types of seafood and shellfish before
baking, grilling or roasting...

Yields: (Appx. 3 tablespoons)


1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt

In a small bowl, add all the ingredients, and mix well.

Store any unused portion in an airtight container.

SANDRA'S OUTDOOR BLACKENED SALMON

Blackened Wild Alaskan Salmon is
a great method in which to
ensure moistness and enhanced flavor...

Servings: (4)
Prep: 15 mins. |
Grill: 7 to 8 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

4 salmon steaks, 6 to 8 ozs. ea. with skin removed (see tips for other options)
2 lemons, cut into wedges
3/4 lb. butter, melted
cooking spray

***Blackened Seasoning
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt

METHOD

Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat, (we use a charcoal grill).

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan melt the butter, and set aside.

In a shallow dish, thoroughly mix the blackening spices.

Place a medium-size cast iron skillet on the grill to heat it so it is very hot, cover grill.

Meanwhile, dip the salmon steaks into the melted butter, and generously press the salmon steaks into the blackening seasoning on each side. (Be sure to press the spices into the salmon so most adheres during searing process.) Spray both sides of salmon steaks with oil.

Place the salmon steaks on the hot skillet, cooking for 4 minutes, just until the bottom become slightly blackened, and then turn the steaks over and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side (internal temperature should read 145 degrees). Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

--I like to serve mine over caesar salad as an entree:--(View recipe at: Caesar Salad with Fresh Croutons)


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


Tips:
--Grill time/temperatures for alternatives are: Chicken breast (10 to 15 minutes per side = internal temperature should read 165 degrees); Fresh Halibut (same as recipe above); and Fresh Tuna is only 3 to 4 minutes per side, as it is most often cooked rare).


--Also, I prefer to cook “blackened” recipes outdoors because you have to cook the fish/poultry at such a high heat that it tends to set off indoor smoke alarms even with good internal ventilation systems.

SANDRA'S ORIGINAL ORANGE-PINEAPPLE BABY BACK RIBS

My husband and I agree that these are the absolute best ribs we've ever made...

Servings: (4 to 6)
Prep: 10 Mins. |
3 hrs. 45 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

***Baby Back Ribs:
3 racks pork baby back ribs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

***Marinade:
2 cups orange/pineapple juice -- (I use Tropicana)
2 (1.06-oz.) pkts. dry teriyaki marinade mix
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons smoked paprika

***Sauce:
1-1/2 cups pineapple/orange juice
1-1/2 cups prepared barbecue sauce (I used Bull’s-Eye Original)

METHOD:

Remove thin silver membrane from the back of ribs (I use clean pliers). Place ribs in a large pot of water just enough to cover ribs, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. Bring to boil, reduce heat and cover to simmer for 1 hour.  Remove ribs, and let cool for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a bowl combine 2 cups orange/pineapple juice, both packets of teriyaki mix, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, and smoked paprika. Pour marinade mixture over ribs in a non-reactive shallow pan. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (or with grill you'll be using in-direct heat).

Remove ribs from marinade mixture, but do not discard marinade. Place ribs on rack of shallow broiling pan lined with foil (meat side up). Cover tightly with foil, and bake for 1 hour (or do so over in-direct heat on a covered grill).

While ribs are baking/grilling, make the sauce by first adding the rib marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add 1-1/2 cups orange/pineapple juice, and 1-1/2 cups barbecue sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to reduce sauce; remove from heat. Pour half of the sauce into small bowl for basting ribs while cooking.  Reserve the other half separately for serving in the covered sauce pan.

Remove ribs from oven, uncover, and carefully baste with the designated sauce in the bowl, and continue baking/grilling, uncovered, for 30 minutes longer; turning and brushing half way with the designated sauce. Cut ribs into serving portions and place on a platter, along with other designated sauce from saucepan that has been reheated and poured into a small bowl for dipping. ~ Enjoy!

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Tips: Serve with grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or potato salad, baked beans, and warm and crusty bread. Also, at times we use the BBQ grill over indirect heat in the same method as for the oven (while still boiling, and then marinating the ribs for the same amount of time listed). Further, it will cut your prep time immensely if you boil and marinate the ribs the morning or night before you anticipate baking/grilling them.

SANDRA'S GRILLED HALIBUT over WILTED GREENS

Wow, a fabulous way to perk
up grilled halibut is with to use
this marinade and dressing...

Serves: (4)
Prep Time: 10 min
+ Marinade time: 1 hour |
Cook Time: 10 min.

Posted: by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

4 cups of mixed salad greens
1 fresh lemon, sliced & deseeded

***Marinade:
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 tablespoon honey
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 halibut fillets, skin and bones removed


***Dressing:
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons olive oil


METHOD

Prepare marinade by combining all ingredients, except halibut, in 10” glass pie plate. Place halibut in marinade, turn to coat fillets well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning fillets in marinade halfway through one time.

Prepare dressing by whisking together all ingredients, except olive oil, in small glass bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking briskly to emulsify. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

Spray 10-inch ridged cast iron grill pan with nonstick cooking spray, set over medium-high heat until almost smoking - about 2 minutes.

Pour marinade into small non-reactive saucepan heat to boiling, and then reduce heat and to low.

Arrange halibut stakes, not touching, on smoking-hot grill pan and grill 10 to 12 minutes, basting with hot marinade and giving steaks a gentle flip halfway through (turn 1/4-way for X grill marks); cook until no longer translucent in the center.

To serve, place salad greens on serving plates, whisk dressing until creamy, then drizzle evenly over greens. Arrange halibut on greens and spoon remaining hot marinade over all.  Serve with lemon slices. ~ Enjoy!