Pan-Seared Miso Glazed Salmon

February 11, 2014 · by ·

Pan-Seared-Miso-Glazed-Salmon-

I recently started getting a weekly delivery of fresh fish from my local fish market. I like supporting local stores, and since they have some fresh wild fish options, I decided to give it a try. It tends to arrive at my door around 5 pm, which is perfect timing for me. It’s right around the time I get home and just in time for me to prepare dinner for the family.

I recently got some amazing fresh wild salmon to cook for dinner. We eat salmon often in our home. It’s a reliable fish that’s easy to cook and loved by all members of the family – even the kids.

I was very pleased with the quality of the fish when it arrived and I really wanted to showcase it.

I love searing the salmon so that the skin gets crispy. I sometimes save the skin for making crispy salmon skin sushi rolls. But this night, I served the salmon with the skin on. Why not? It’s delicious!

I washed the salmon well and then dried all sides with paper towels. I cut the salmon in to serving size pieces and then sprinkled both sides with salt and pepper.

fresh-salmon

I mixed up my miso glaze. It’s a combination of miso, tamari, sriracha, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and brown sugar.

I seared my salmon, skin side down, in my cast iron skillet. While the skin side cooked, I brushed the salmon flesh with the miso glaze. After a few minutes, I carefully flipped over my salmon pieces. I let the glazed side cook. I let it cook for another few minutes. You don’t want the salmon to get overcooked. It should be just cooked before removing it from the heat since it will continue to cook for a bit.

salmonin-pan

I served my salmon over a bed of stir-fried haricot vert and bok choy.

Dinner was cooked in less than 20 minutes and it was so easy!




Pan-Seared Miso Glazed Salmon
 
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Recipe type: Fish, Dinner
Ingredients
  • Around 1 lb. Salmon
  • sea salt
  • ground pepper
  • 2 tbsp. shiro miso
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 2 tsp. tamari
  • 2 tsp. sriracha
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil or grapeseed oil
Instructions
  1. Wash your salmon and dry with a paper towel.
  2. Sprinkle salt and fresh ground pepper on both sides of the salmon
  3. In a small bowl, mix up the miso, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, tamari and sriracha.
  4. Heat up a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add in the oil.
  5. When the oil is hot add the salmon, skin-side down.
  6. While the salmon cooks, brush the miso glaze over the salmon. Cook the salmon on each side for about 4 minutes.
  7. Carefully flip over. After around 4 minutes on each side, the salmon will just be cooked through. Do not overcook.
  8. Serve with your favorite stir-fried vegetables, rice or other side dish.
  9. Enjoy!

pansearedsalmonpm

Filed Under: Dinner, fish, Main Course, recipes, seared · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Spicy Miso Ginger Soup with Mushrooms & Spinach

January 6, 2014 · by ·

miso-ginger-soup

We were having a get-together with some friends and I offered to bring something over. They suggested soup. I initially thought I would do something simple like my Cardamom Cauliflower Soup or perhaps my French Onion Soup. I wanted to change things up a bit though. It’s been pretty cold around here and I’ve been craving spicy Asian noodle soups. My Bon Appétit Magazine had just arrived and I was drooling over the rice noodle soup on the cover.

Having looked through various recipes for inspiration, I decided to come up with my own vegan soup recipe. I had some miso on hand as well as shiitake mushrooms. I knew I could pull something together.

I began by sautéing up some shallots, garlic and ginger in a little bit of sesame and canola oil. As they softened, I added some cubed extra firm tofu and some sliced shiitake mushrooms, along with the whites of the scallions. I let everything sear and soften. The smell coming off the pot was amazing.

I stirred in some chili garlic paste and added some vegetable broth to the pot. I then added a strip of Kombu to the broth mixture. Kombu is a type of seaweed that adds amazing flavor to soups.

Next, I stirred in some miso and tamari to the mix. I tasted the broth a bit to see if it needed additional spice. I like heat, so I added a couple of squirts of Sriracha.

Next, I added some spinach, shredded daikon and shredded carrots. The spinach cooks up fast. At that point, the soup smelled amazing and I really wanted to dig in. I let the soup simmer for about a half hour. I then ladled in to a bowl over some gluten free soba noodles.

This soup is perfect. It’s great for these cold winter days. Add some extra sriracha if you want an extra kick.

ladled-miso-ginger-soup

Spicy Miso Ginger Soup with Mushrooms & Spinach
 
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Recipe type: Soup
Cuisine: Asian, Gluten Free
Ingredients
  • ½ tbsp. rice bran oil
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 4 inch piece of ginger, peeled
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 scallions, chopped (whites and light green only)
  • ½ pound extra firm tofu, drained and cubed
  • 10 oz. shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tsp. chili garlic paste
  • 10 cups vegetable or imitation chicken broth
  • 1 6-inch strip of kombu
  • 2 tbsp. white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce (can adjust taste)
  • 1-2 tbsp. sriracha (optional, to taste)
  • red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 1.5 cups shredded carrot
  • 1.5 cups shredded daikon
  • 2-3 cups packed spinach leaves (could also use kale or mustard greens)
  • Soba noodles (optional, to serve)
Instructions
  1. Process the garlic and ginger in to a paste in the food processor.
  2. Heat up the oils in a heavy bottom soup pot.
  3. Add in the garlic, ginger and scallions and saute for a few minutes to soften.
  4. Add in the mushrooms and the tofu and saute for several minutes.
  5. Stir in the chili paste and add in the broth.
  6. Mix in the miso paste and tamari and taste the soup a bit. Add additional sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  7. Add in the shredded veggies and spinach and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about a half hour.
  8. Serve over soba noodles.
  9. Enjoy!

Spicy-Miso-Ginger-Soup

Filed Under: asian, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, noodles, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stir Fried Bok Choy and Orange Cauliflower with Tofu

October 30, 2013 · by ·

cauliflower-and-bok-choy

I am very fortunate to live and work in areas where I have easy access to fresh, organic produce from local farms. My local farmer’s market often determines any given dinner. On a recent recent night, my dinner came from some fresh and massive bok choy from my co-op and an orange cauliflower from the farmer’s market outside my office building. I have never had this particular kind of cauliflower, but since the sign labeled it as “Cheddar Cheese Cauliflower,” of course I had to pick it up.

cauliflower-fun

The farmer told me that the cauliflower would taste a bit sweeter than the standard variety. I couldn’t tell the difference, but it was still mighty tasty!

I recently discovered the “Super Extra Firm” tofu at Trader Joe’s. It’s pre-pressed, so it requires minimal draining. It’s perfect for quick dinners like this one.

I cubed up the tofu and then washed and cut up the veggies. I then did a quick stir fry along with some garlic, ginger, tamari, Hoisin Sauce, sesame oil and miso. The dish came out perfect. I served it with some Basmati rice, but brown rice will also work just as well.

A regular white cauliflower will work just as well as the “Cheddar Cheese” variety.

Stir Fried Bok Choy and Orange Cauliflower with Tofu
 
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Recipe type: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: Stir Fry, Asian
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp. canola oil or other flavorless oil
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 lb. extra firm tofu, drained and pressed - cut up in to cubes
  • 2 tsp.
  • 3 shallots, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. ginger, chopped
  • 1 head of bok choy, cut up in 1-inch pieces
  • 1 head of cauliflower, washed and cut in to florets
  • 2 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp. red miso
  • 3 tbsp. vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • scallions, chopped plus extra to garnish
Instructions
  1. Heat up the oils in a large wok or saute pan
  2. Add in the cubed tofu and brown for a few minutes
  3. Once the tofu has browned, add in the salt, onions, garlic, ginger and garlic and saute a few minutes.
  4. Add in the cauliflower and bok choy and stir fry for about five minutes. Let the veggies soften. You don't want them too mushy.
  5. Mix up the soy sauce, miso, hoisin and vegetable broth in a small bowl and then pour over the stir fry.
  6. Add in some of the scallions and the red pepper flakes. Taste and add additional salt as needed.
  7. Serve over rice. Enjoy!

cauliflower-and-bok-choy

Filed Under: asian, Dinner, Gluten Free, Main Course, tofu, Vegan, Vegetarian · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Red Miso Braised Baby Bok Choy

August 21, 2013 · by ·

miso-braised-baby-bok-choy

This vegetable side dish was inspired by a walk through my local farmer’s market a while back. As new fresh veggies come in to the market, I get more and more excited to bring new stuff home.

I also  recently went on a shopping frenzy at my local Korean grocery store. I managed to pick up my favorite kind of miso, red miso. Red miso is a rich fermented soy bean paste that lends itself to heartier foods. It’s perfect for a braise and bok choy works well with it.

This bok choy comes together in just a few simple steps. We served this with some grilled salmon. I hope you enjoy!

Red Miso Braised Baby Bok Choy
 
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Recipe type: side dish, vegetable
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil (you could also use peanut oil or canola oil)
  • 1 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. ginger, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. garlic, chopped
  • 5-7 medium heads of baby boy choy, washed and trimmed
  • 2 tbsp. red miso
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp. tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Instructions
  1. Heat up the oil in a large pan.
  2. Add in the shallot, garlic and ginger. Cook a few minutes to soften.
  3. Add the cut bok choy to the pan and sear on both sides - about two minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the miso with the vegetable broth and the tamari.
  5. Pour miso mixture over the bok choy. Cover the pan for 2-3 minutes to cook the boy choy a little.
  6. Add red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and serve.
  8. Enjoy!

miso-braised-baby-bok-choy

Filed Under: Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegan, vegetables, Vegetarian · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tofu, Cauliflower & Greens with Soba Noodles and Miso Tahini Sauce

August 8, 2013 · by ·

Soba Noodles in Miso Tahini Sauce

I’ve had a jar of tahini sitting in my pantry for too long. I really should use it more often. My intention when I bought it was to use it in salad dressings and similar sauces, but I just haven’t reached for it until now. I actually never intended to use it in this dish, but it just happened, and I’m glad it did.

I got a couple of bunches of broccoli rabe greens in my CSA and I wanted to include it in dinner. I also had a head of cauliflower begging to be used. Both of these veggies tend to get used as side dishes. I wanted to include both in my main course. So I came up with this soba noodle dish. I love cooking with soba noodles. I buy a gluten free version and they cook up so fast and taste excellent.

 

Tofu, Cauliflower & Greens with Soba Noodles and Miso Tahini Sauce
 
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Author:
Recipe type: vegan, dinner, gluten free
Ingredients
  • Soba Noodles
  • 1 pound of extra-firm tofu, cubed and drained
  • 1 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1.5 tbsp. ginger, chopped
  • 1 head of cauliflower, washed and trimmed
  • 1 bunch of broccoli rabe greens (could also use spinach or swiss chard), washed and chopped
  • 2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
Miso Tahini Sauce
  • 3 tbsp. tahini
  • 2 tbsp. white miso
  • 1 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. ginger, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Boil some salted water in a pot and cook the soba according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400.
  3. Mix the tamari and the sesame oil. Mix in to the cubed tofu. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
  4. Heat up the coconut oil in a large pan. Add in the sesame oil.
  5. Saute the onion, garlic, ginger and shallots for a few minutes to soften.
  6. Break up the cauliflower and add to the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Let the cauliflower brown a bit.
  7. One the cauliflower is softer, but still has some bite to it, turn the heat down lower add in the chopped greens.
  8. Add in the red pepper flakes, salt and ground pepper.
  9. In a separate bowl, whisk all of the sauce ingredients together.
  10. To serve, layer the soba noodles then the cauliflower mixture. Then pour the sauce over both. You can garnish with scallions, roasted sesame seeds and additional red pepper flakes if you like.
  11. Enjoy!

Soba Noodles in Miso Tahini Sauce

Filed Under: asian, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Main Course, noodles, recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Braised Chinese Broccoli in Miso Sauce

June 6, 2012 · by ·

Chinese Broccoli or kai-lan is unlike our traditional broccoli. It’s more similar to kale or broccoli rabe in consistency and taste. It’s a wonderful and versatile green that goes well in many applications. One of my favorite dishes of all time – pad see ew – features this lovely vegetable.

When I saw it in the store the other day, I committed to trying something new with it. I really wanted to just do a simple braise on it. I decided to try it with a simple miso sauce.  This goes well as a side dish with any protein.

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Braised Chinese Broccoli (Kai-lan) in Miso Sauce
Ingredients:

1 pound of Chinese Broccoli – trim the bottoms
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
5 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp. chopped ginger

2 tbsp. shiro miso paste
1 tbsp. mirin
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tbsp. dark soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable broth
red pepper flakes (optional)

Heat a large wok on high. Add the oil. When hot, add the chopped garlic and ginger.

Cook for two minutes until fragrant.

Add in the Chinese Broccoli. Cook for a few minutes.

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While cooking, mix up the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.

Pour sauce over the broccoli. Stir a bit. Cover wok for a couple of minutes.

The broccoli will cook quickly. You don’t want to overcook. Bottoms should be bright green.

Serve on platter. Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Side Dish, Vegan, vegetables · Tagged: , , , ,
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