Winter Solstice Feast Recipe: Chinese-Russian Fusion Salad with Smoked Salmon and Wasabi Sauce
This refreshing starter combines the zestiness of Russian cuisine with the umami of Chinese cooking, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. With the crispness of radish, the richness of smoked salmon, and the tanginess of pickled ginger, this dish is perfect for a winter celebration, offering a contrast of fresh, savory, and spicy elements. It’s ideal for a winter solstice feast or a light, elegant appetizer for any gathering.
Serving: 4
Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 250 grams thinly sliced white radish
- 50 grams finely chopped green onion
- 25 grams grated fresh ginger
- 30 milliliters rice vinegar
- 20 grams caster sugar
- 15 milliliters sesame oil
- 50 grams thinly sliced cucumber
- 50 grams diced smoked salmon
- 25 grams thinly sliced pickled ginger
- 50 grams finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 20 grams toasted sesame seeds
- 5 milliliters soy sauce
- 5 grams wasabi paste
- 5 grams mayonnaise
- 5 grams sriracha
Instructions:
- Prepare the Radish Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the white radish, green onion, grated ginger, rice vinegar, caster sugar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to combine and allow the radish to soak up the flavors.
- Arrange the Ingredients:
- On a serving platter, arrange the cucumber slices, smoked salmon, pickled ginger, and fresh cilantro. Make sure to distribute them evenly across the platter.
- Top with Radish Mixture:
- Spread the prepared radish mixture over the cucumber, smoked salmon, and pickled ginger on the platter, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds:
- Generously sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a crunchy texture and an added depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, wasabi paste, mayonnaise, and sriracha until smooth.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the prepared sauce over the salad and serve immediately.
Protips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the radish, smoked salmon, and other vegetables.
- Make sure to thinly slice the radish so that it absorbs the dressing well, making it more flavorful.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Adjust the wasabi paste to your desired level of spiciness – a little goes a long way!
This Winter Solstice Feast starter is perfect for those who love a mix of fresh vegetables, vibrant flavors, and a unique fusion of cuisines. The combination of Russian and Chinese influences makes it a standout dish for any occasion!
