Ambitious Asian Plate: Cod Duet

Ambitious Asian Plate

Scallion Pancakes with Ginger Sauce

Cod Duet, Miso and Tamarind
Spinach and Gingered Forbidden Risotto

I used this recipe for the scallion pancakes. It was much more difficult that it appeared. I found the dough too sticky to roll out and it took a lot of flour to get it rollable. While they tasted really good, they looked horrendous. I would make them again, but use less water in the dough. The sauce was awesome and came in handy later.

I for half the cod I used Nobu's famous miso cod recipe found here. I substituted tamarind paste for the miso and used that for the second half of the cod. I think Chef Matsuhisa would be mortified that I attempted his signature dish. I was not overly impressed with my version, but I think the ingredients I used were certainly subpar compared to Nobu's pantry. I would love the opportunity to taste the original someday (when I win the lottery). The tamarind version was sweet. Too sweet. I also did not like the texture. I think I used too much acid and it “cooked” the fish in the marinade. Would NOT make that again.

The Gingered Forbidden Rice was a delightful accident. Forbidden rice is a black short grain rice grown in China. I sauteed ¼ cup of finely minced shallots in 1 tablespoon of peanut oil and 1 tablespoon of canola. I added the rice and chicken stock. Covered and cooked for 30 minutes. That is the way I originally served it, but it was bland and unimpressive. I then, on a whim spooned a teaspoon of the scallion ginger sauce into it and WHAM! It became the star of the show. I would totally make this again using the sauce from the start.

All in all the meal was a 7.5 out of ten.

Asian Vegetable Burger Wraps

These are totally yummy. Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you away.  It goes together really fast.  The original recipe calls for ground pork, I liked the ingredients so much I made my own vegetarian concoction to replace the meat and it came out awesome.  As a bonus, serve them in the leaves of bibb lettuce instead of on burger buns.  Make extra and store in the fridge.

2 tablespoons of peanut oil

Zest of 1 lemon

2 garlic cloves minced

4 oz chopped shiitake mushroom caps

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 cup TVP (texturized vegetable protein)

3/4 cup hot water

1.5 cups chopped vegetable sausage (the breakfast kind)

1 egg

1 cup panko

1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

OR 1 3/4 pound ground pork

2 tablespoon soy sauce

3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided

3/4 teaspoon cracked pepper

1/2 hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger (grated works fine)

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 teaspoon hot chili sauce (like sriracha)

1 head bibb lettuce

1 cup matchstick sized carrots

1 cup matchstick sized red bell pepper

1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.  Add lemon zest and garlic saute for 2 minutes, add mushrooms and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.  Saute for about 4-6 minutes or until shrooms are tender.  Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

** for veggie option: In large bowl mix TVP and hot water to re-hydrate for 2 minutes. mix in 1 tablespoon sesame oil cracked pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir.  Add in chopped vegetable sausage, 1 cup panko, 1 tablespoon black sesame seed and 1 egg.  Mix to incorporate everything.  Fold in cooled mushroom mixture.  Mixture should be moist and moldable.  Add a bit more panko if it is too moist.

** for pork option: mix ground pork with 1 tablespoon sesame oil, cracked pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Fold in mushroom mixture.

Using a large spoon shape into about patties about 2.5 inches in diameter.  Place on a cooking sheet.

Whisk together hoisin sauce, ginger, vinegar, chili sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a small bowl for sauce.

Either grill or pan fry patties until cooked through (2-3 minutes per side).  Use ample cooking spray on grill and pan to avoid sticking.  Place lettuce, carrots, peppers, cilantro, and sauce on the table and wrap the burgers in the lettuce.  Dress with carrots, peppers, cilantro and sauce to taste.