Chopped Almonds and Asian Sauce may seem a strange correlation, though it unites the crunchiness of almonds with the savory pleasures of saucing-a well known Asian inspired dish. It is a rich sauce perfect for stir fries and barbeques, or drizzled on top of salads and rice. The nuts contribute a crunchy texture whereas the sauce gives flavour and depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
- half a cup of chopped nuts, roasted if possible or raw
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of pure honey or maple syrup
- A teaspoon or two of fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 chili paste (for heat) – optional
- 1 tbs sesame seeds for topping
And some fresh cilantro, if you like, for decoration purposes.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: Take a small bowl and add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, or syrup ginger, garlic, and if desired some chili.
- Toast the Almonds: In a hot dry pan on medium heat, add in chopped almonds, and toast for three to four minutes or until they turn brown and release an aroma. Stir them often so as not to burn.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the Asian sauce on your chosen food, for example, stir fried vegetables, grilled chicken, tofu, and the like. Top it with the toasted chopped almonds for some crunchy finish. Also add sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for taste and decoration.
Tips for the Best Result:
- Tip 1: Roasted almonds will give more flavor while raw almonds will provide a more fresh and less spicy flavor.
