Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce

Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce Recipe - Vegan Delicacy from Northeast Asia

Region / culture: Asia, Japan, Northeast Asia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy snack. The combination of sweet and juicy fruits with a tangy plum sauce creates a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Fruit skewers are a popular dish in Japan, often served at festivals and special occasions. The tradition of grilling or broiling fruits on skewers dates back centuries and is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh fruits.

Ingredients

8 wooden skewers (6 inches long)
2 large bananas (peeled and cut into 1 inch slices)
1 cup watermelon chunks
1 cup canned whole pitted litchi fruit (drained)
1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled)
0.5 cup plum sauce [1]

How to prepare

Soak eight 6-inch-long skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Preheat the broiler or grill and drain the wooden skewers.
Thread banana chunks, watermelon chunks, litchis, and strawberries alternately onto each skewer.
Brush the fruit with the plum sauce.
Place the kebabs on a rack in the grill or on a broiler pan. Cook for 5 minutes, turning frequently.
Serve the kebabs hot, either plain or with other desserts or side dishes.

Variations

Use different fruits such as pineapple, mango, or kiwi for a variety of flavors.
Drizzle honey or agave nectar over the skewers for added sweetness.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling will prevent them from burning.

- Make sure to cut the fruits into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Brushing the fruits with plum sauce before grilling adds a delicious flavor to the skewers.

- Keep a close eye on the skewers while grilling to prevent them from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce as a light and refreshing dessert on a hot summer day. They can also be served as a healthy snack or appetizer at parties or gatherings.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the fruit skewers adds a smoky flavor and caramelizes the natural sugars in the fruits, enhancing their sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the fruits in this recipe with your favorites or whatever is in season. You can also use a different type of sauce or glaze if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. The plum sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fruit skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Pairing Recommendations

Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce pair well with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity cocktail. They also go well with light and refreshing desserts such as sorbet or fruit salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover fruit skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 120 calories

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and Minerals: This dish is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants from the variety of fruits used.

Alergens

Allergens: This recipe may contain traces of nuts if included in the plum sauce or other ingredients.

Summary

This dish is a low-calorie, low-fat, and high-carbohydrate dessert that is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh fruits.

Summary

Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce are a delicious and healthy dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a variety of fresh fruits and a tangy plum sauce, these skewers are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was during a trip to Japan when I stumbled upon a small street food vendor selling these delectable fruit skewers with plum sauce. The vibrant colors of the fruits, the sweet and tangy aroma of the plum sauce, and the sizzling sound as the skewers cooked over the open flame all made my mouth water.

I approached the vendor, a kind elderly lady with a warm smile, and asked her about the recipe. She chuckled softly and told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. However, she could see the curiosity in my eyes and decided to share it with me.

She began by showing me how to select the perfect fruits for the skewers – ripe strawberries, juicy pineapple chunks, sweet peaches, and tart kiwi slices. She explained that the key to a delicious fruit skewer was to use a variety of fruits to create a balance of flavors and textures.

Next, she taught me how to make the plum sauce. She started by simmering fresh plums in a pot with sugar, water, and a touch of lemon juice until they were soft and fragrant. Then, she blended the mixture until it was smooth and thick, creating a rich and luscious sauce that would complement the fruits perfectly.

As the skewers cooked over the flame, the aroma of the sizzling fruits mingled with the sweet scent of the plum sauce, creating a tantalizing fragrance that made my stomach growl with anticipation. Finally, the skewers were done, and the vendor handed me a sample to taste.

The first bite was a burst of flavors in my mouth – the sweetness of the fruits, the tanginess of the plum sauce, and the slight char from the grill all combined to create a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue. I was hooked.

I thanked the vendor profusely for sharing her recipe with me and vowed to recreate it at home. When I returned from my trip, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in my own kitchen.

I carefully selected the fruits, making sure they were ripe and juicy. I sliced them into bite-sized pieces and threaded them onto skewers, alternating colors and textures to create a visually appealing presentation. Then, I whipped up a batch of plum sauce, simmering the plums until they were soft and blending them into a smooth and velvety sauce.

As the skewers cooked on the grill, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The memories of my trip to Japan and the kind vendor who shared her recipe with me flooded back, and I knew that this dish would become a beloved favorite in my own family.

When the skewers were done, I plated them up and drizzled them with the plum sauce, just like the vendor had shown me. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the familiar flavors that transported me back to the bustling streets of Japan.

Since that day, Japanese Fruit Skewers with Plum Sauce have become a staple in my kitchen. I've shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of delicious flavors and warm memories that I acquired during my trip to Japan.

I may not have a long lineage of family recipes like the vendor did, but I have something just as special – a passion for cooking and a love for discovering new flavors and techniques. And for that, I am grateful.