Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Spicy Peanut Sauce Salad Recipe from Brunei

Region / culture: Brunei | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful peanut dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Indonesian and Thai cuisine, where peanut sauce is a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of tofu, vegetables, and peanut sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

FOR THE SALAD
3 tbsp vegetable oil
salt to taste
1 lb (454 g) firm tofu, patted dry and cut into 0.25" cubes
2 small potatoes, boiled and cut into bite-size wedges
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh spinach, cleaned, steamed, and chopped
0.5 small head green cabbage, shredded and lightly steamed
0.5 lb (227 g) mung bean sprouts, washed thoroughly
FOR THE DRESSING
4 garlic cloves
0.25 cup roasted peanuts
5 tsp soy sauce or tamari
3 tbsp lime or lemon juice
4 tsp brown sugar
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp water

How to prepare

Heat the oil and salt in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu in small batches and sauté until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
Arrange the bean curd, potatoes, spinach, and cabbage on individual plates.
Prepare the dressing by placing all of the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If the dressing seems too thick, add another teaspoon of water.
Top the vegetables and bean curd with the bean sprouts and dressing, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
Substitute the tofu with grilled chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the tofu dry before cooking to ensure that it gets crispy.

- Steaming the vegetables lightly helps to retain their nutrients and vibrant colors.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the tofu until crispy for added texture.

- Blend the dressing ingredients until smooth for a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute the mung bean sprouts with alfalfa sprouts or shredded cabbage.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick and easy meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad ingredients in a colorful and appealing way on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light beer for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium.

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy.

Summary

This salad is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

This Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was cleaning out some old boxes in the attic when I stumbled upon a dusty, old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for a salad that caught my eye. The combination of flavors - crunchy vegetables, spicy peanut sauce, and fresh herbs - intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I remember my mother telling me stories about how she used to make this salad for family gatherings and special occasions. She learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to Southeast Asia and brought back a love for the bold and vibrant flavors of the region. The salad was a hit with everyone who tried it, and my mother had passed down the recipe to me in hopes that I would continue the tradition.

With the recipe in hand, I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need. I made a trip to the local market, where I picked out the freshest vegetables I could find - crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and crunchy bean sprouts. I also grabbed a jar of creamy peanut butter, a bottle of soy sauce, and a bunch of fragrant cilantro.

Back in my kitchen, I set to work chopping and slicing the vegetables, creating a colorful array of ingredients that would make the salad both visually appealing and delicious. I mixed together the peanut butter, soy sauce, and a dash of hot sauce to create the spicy peanut sauce that would tie everything together.

As I tossed the vegetables with the sauce, the aroma of the peanut butter and soy sauce filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the finished dish.

When I finally sat down to enjoy the salad, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crisp vegetables paired perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce, and the hint of spice added a kick that made the dish truly unforgettable. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I swap out the vegetables for whatever is in season, or I add a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for extra crunch. No matter how I choose to mix things up, the salad always brings back memories of that warm summer day in the attic and the sense of discovery and excitement that came with finding a new recipe to try.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from my mother and her friend, and I hope to pass it down to future generations so they can experience the joy of creating something delicious and unique in their own kitchens. The Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.