Oriental Pâté

Oriental Pâté Recipe with Chicken Livers, Cilantro, and Ginger

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Oriental Pâté is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of chicken livers with the aromatic flavors of ginger, garlic, and cilantro. This pâté is perfect for serving as an appetizer or as part of a charcuterie board.

History

The origins of Oriental Pâté can be traced back to traditional French cuisine, where pâté is a popular dish made from finely ground meat, liver, or seafood. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic pâté by incorporating Asian-inspired flavors like ginger, garlic, and oyster sauce.

Ingredients

0.33 lb (150 g) chicken livers
10 sprigs of cilantro
1 minced shallot
2 tsp minced ginger
1 large minced garlic clove
0.33 stick of softened butter
2 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp dry hot mustard
0.75 tsp dried orange peel
0.33 lb (150 g) softened cream cheese

How to prepare

Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add the livers to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer.
In the meantime, set aside several sprigs of cilantro for garnishing and finely chop the remaining cilantro.
Sauté the shallot, ginger, and garlic.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Place all the ingredients in a food processor. Be careful not to overprocess, as it may turn into liver soup!
Grease a loaf pan generously and pour the mixture into it.
Cover the pan with a clean dish towel and refrigerate until it becomes firm.
To remove the pâté from the pan, use a knife to cleanly separate it from the sides.
Turn the pâté out onto a serving platter.
Use a knife to smooth out any unevenness on the surface and garnish with fresh sprigs of cilantro.

Variations

Add a splash of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Mix in some chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added texture.
Top the pâté with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the shallot, ginger, and garlic until they are fragrant and translucent to enhance the flavors of the pâté.

- When processing the ingredients in a food processor, be careful not to overprocess the mixture, as it may result in a too smooth consistency.

- Greasing the loaf pan generously will help the pâté release easily once it has set in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oriental Pâté with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a delicious appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing, simmering, and processing the ingredients in a food processor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chicken livers, you can use beef or pork liver as a substitute.

- Substitute the oyster sauce with soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

- Use fresh orange zest instead of dried orange peel for a brighter citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Oriental Pâté can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pâté with fresh cilantro sprigs, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oriental Pâté with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Oriental Pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, let the pâté come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oriental Pâté contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oriental Pâté contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oriental Pâté contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Oriental Pâté contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Oriental Pâté is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken livers, butter, and cream cheese, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Oriental Pâté is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, but individuals with allergies to chicken livers, butter, or cream cheese should exercise caution.

Summary

Oriental Pâté is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or part of a charcuterie board. With its unique blend of Asian-inspired flavors and creamy texture, this pâté is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lily, who had just returned from a trip to Asia. She had brought back with her a collection of exotic spices and ingredients, and as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card.

"This," she said with a gleam in her eye, "is my absolute favorite dish from my travels. It's called Oriental Pâté, and it's a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will transport you to far-off lands with each bite."

As she read through the list of ingredients - ground pork, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and water chestnuts - my mouth watered in anticipation. I had always loved trying new recipes and experimenting with different cuisines, and this one sounded like a perfect challenge.

Lily patiently guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, from browning the pork in a hot skillet to carefully folding in the fragrant spices and vegetables. As the rich aroma filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of excitement and satisfaction at the thought of creating something so special and unique.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the Oriental Pâté was ready to be served. I scooped a generous spoonful onto a crisp cracker and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - savory and sweet, spicy and aromatic. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Oriental Pâté countless times, adapting and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at its complexity and depth of flavor. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Lily's kitchen, where I first learned the art of blending tradition and innovation to create something truly extraordinary.

As I sit now in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is a testament to the power of food to connect us to the world and to each other, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of sharing its magic with those I love.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a taste of the exotic, look no further than my Oriental Pâté. Let its bold flavors and rich history transport you to distant lands and fill your heart with the warmth and joy of a shared meal. And remember, the true secret ingredient is love - for the food, for the memories, and for the people who make it all worthwhile. Bon appétit!