Peanut-Miso Dressing

Peanut-Miso Dressing Recipe from Japan | Wholesome Ingredients

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Peanut-Miso Dressing is a flavorful and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, noodles, or as a dipping sauce. The combination of creamy peanut butter, savory miso, and tangy lime juice creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will elevate any dish.

History

The origins of Peanut-Miso Dressing can be traced back to Asian cuisine, where the combination of peanuts and miso is a common flavor pairing. This dressing has become popular in Western cuisine as well, thanks to its rich and complex taste.

Ingredients

1 large clove of garlic, peeled
2 inches chunk of fresh ginger, trimmed and cut into eighths
0.33 to 0.5 cup of hot water [1]
0.5 cup of unsalted peanut butter, regular or light/reduced-fat/sugar-free only
2 tbsp of sweet white miso
1 tbsp of shoyu
3 tbsp of freshly squeezed lime juice
chili oil or ground cayenne pepper, to taste, optional

How to prepare

Finely chop the garlic and ginger. It is recommended to use a food processor for best results.
If using a food processor, scrape down the work bowl and add 0.33 cup of water, peanut butter, miso, and shoyu. Blend until smooth. If you choose to mix the ingredients by hand, the result may not be smooth but still delicious.
Add lime juice and a dash of chili oil (optional). Pulse a few times to distribute.
Thin the mixture with additional water if desired.
Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Shake well before each use and thin with extra lime juice or water if the mixture thickens on standing.

Variations

Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a smoother consistency, use a food processor to blend the ingredients together.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut-Miso Dressing can be served on salads, noodles, grilled vegetables, or used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to blend the ingredients for a smoother consistency.

- Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired thickness of the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or soy sauce instead of shoyu.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut-Miso Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Peanut-Miso Dressing in a small bowl with a drizzle of chili oil on top for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Peanut-Miso Dressing pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fries, sushi, and rice bowls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Peanut-Miso Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before each use and thin with extra lime juice or water if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peanut-Miso Dressing contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peanut-Miso Dressing contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peanut-Miso Dressing contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Peanut-Miso Dressing contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut-Miso Dressing is a good source of vitamin E, niacin, and manganese.

Alergens

Peanut-Miso Dressing contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens.

Summary

Peanut-Miso Dressing is a flavorful and nutritious dressing that is high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with peanut or soy allergies.

Summary

Peanut-Miso Dressing is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can be used in a variety of dishes. With its rich and complex flavor profile, it is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It happened many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook who had a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients. One day, as I was helping her prepare a meal, she shared with me a recipe that she had learned from a friend many years before - Peanut-Miso Dressing.

I remember the look of excitement in my grandmother's eyes as she explained the ingredients and steps to me. Peanut butter, miso paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. It sounded like the perfect combination of flavors - savory, sweet, and tangy all at once.

As we started mixing the ingredients together, the kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma. The rich nuttiness of the peanut butter, the umami of the miso paste, the sharpness of the ginger and garlic - it was a symphony of flavors that made my mouth water.

After we finished making the dressing, my grandmother drizzled it over a simple salad of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and cucumbers. With a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top, the salad was transformed into a work of art. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The creamy richness of the dressing paired perfectly with the crisp freshness of the vegetables. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Peanut-Miso Dressing became a staple in our household. We would use it not only as a salad dressing, but also as a marinade for grilled chicken, a sauce for stir-fried vegetables, and even as a dip for spring rolls. Its versatility made it a favorite among family and friends alike.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with many people, each time adding my own little twist to make it my own. I have passed it down to my children and grandchildren, who now make it a part of their own cooking repertoire. And every time I make it, I think back to that happy day in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how to create something truly special.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe for posterity, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the knowledge and love that has been passed down to me through the generations. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions - it is about creating memories, sharing stories, and nourishing both body and soul.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Peanut-Miso Dressing. May it bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. And may it continue to be a thread that connects us all, across time and space, through the simple act of sharing a meal together.