Zesty Sesame Ginger Salmon with Crunchy Ramen Slaw: An Unforgettable Asian-Inspired Meal Featuring Saucy Mama Dressings
I am absolutely thrilled to present my entry for the highly anticipated 2015 Saucy Mama Recipe Contest! This culinary challenge has been an exciting journey, pushing creative boundaries and inspiring innovative flavor combinations. My contribution to the esteemed seafood category, which I’m incredibly proud to share with you, is this exquisite: Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw!
The Saucy Mama Recipe Contest: A Culinary Adventure
It was an honor and a privilege to be selected as one of the 25 talented bloggers participating in this prestigious contest. This event isn’t just about delicious food; it’s a qualifying competition for the renowned World Food Championships, set to take place in Kissimmee, Florida, this November. The stakes are high, and the competition truly brings out the best in culinary creativity, encouraging participants to showcase their skills with Saucy Mama’s exceptional product line.
Each selected blogger was given the exciting task of choosing from an incredible array of Saucy Mama Sauces to craft their unique dish. The selection process itself was a delightful challenge, with so many amazing flavors to consider. After much delicious contemplation, I narrowed down my choices to two exceptional dressings that perfectly complemented my vision for an Asian-inspired seafood dish. These sauces were the foundation of what would become a truly memorable meal, offering the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that I knew would elevate my creation.
The contest required us to create a recipe within one of several categories: Burger, Sandwich, Bacon, Seafood, Pasta, or Fresh Recipe. Given my deep appreciation for vibrant, fresh flavors and the versatility of seafood, the “Seafood” category immediately captured my imagination. My mind was brimming with saucy ideas, eager to transform these fantastic dressings into something extraordinary. My particular affinity for ginger made the Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing a must-have. Its bold, aromatic notes are simply irresistible. And once I envisioned the full dish – a perfectly grilled salmon paired with a refreshing, crunchy salad – I knew the Miso Orange Sesame Dressing would add another layer of complexity and zest with its unique blend of savory miso and bright orange citrus. Together, these two dressings proved to be a harmonious duo, perfectly suited for the Asian-style salmon and crunchy slaw I set out to create. The synergy of flavors was simply incredible, making this dish a standout contender.
Crafting the Perfect Sesame Ginger Salmon
The journey to this dish began with the star of the show: the salmon. I wanted to infuse it with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile, ensuring it remained moist and tender throughout the cooking process. To achieve this, I developed a luscious marinade featuring the Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing. This dressing, known for its deep umami notes and hint of citrus, was enhanced with a touch of brown sugar, adding a delightful caramelized sweetness that would beautifully complement the salmon’s natural richness. The salmon fillets were allowed to soak up all these incredible flavors for an hour, transforming them into succulent pieces ready for the grill or skillet.
Once the salmon was perfectly grilled to a flaky finish, it was time to elevate it further with a vibrant glaze. This wasn’t just any glaze; it was a burst of fresh, zesty flavor that truly brought the dish to life, adding a glossy finish and an explosion of taste. I crafted it using the bright and aromatic Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing, combined with the bright tang of fresh orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice. Brushing this exquisite glaze over the hot, freshly grilled salmon created an irresistible sheen and imparted a fantastic layer of ginger and citrus notes that sang in perfect harmony with the marinade. The aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water, promising a delightful culinary experience with every bite. The contrasting flavors of the initial marinade and the finishing glaze created a depth that was truly remarkable.
The glazed salmon, even on its own, was absolutely delectable. However, I believe that a truly exceptional meal engages all the senses, and for me, that includes a burst of color and a variety of textures. I have a passion for creating visually appealing dishes, and this recipe was no exception. The vibrant hues of the accompanying slaw were designed to make the plate pop, promising a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This approach ensures that the dish isn’t just delicious, but also a memorable dining experience.
The Irresistible Crunchy Ramen Slaw
To complement the rich, flavorful salmon, I developed an absolutely “AH-Mazing” crunchy ramen slaw. This slaw is far from ordinary; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that perfectly balances the star of the dish. It features crisp shredded cabbage, colorful carrots, and vibrant purple cabbage, all contributing to a fresh and satisfying crunch. What truly elevates this Asian-inspired slaw are the delightful additions of lightly toasted ramen noodles and sliced almonds, which provide an extra layer of irresistible crispiness and a warm, nutty aroma. These toasted elements add depth and a unique textural contrast that makes this slaw stand out.
The real magic, however, comes from the dressing. I used *both* the Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing and the Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing to create a complex and incredibly flavorful coating for the slaw. The citrusy notes from the Miso Orange Sesame dressing beautifully highlight the sweet, tangy segments of mandarin oranges, which are also a key ingredient in the slaw. This thoughtful pairing brought out a subtle, yet profound, orange flavor that resonated with the salmon’s glaze, creating a cohesive and delightful culinary experience. It was, quite simply, a match made in heaven – or as I like to call it, Saucy Mama Heaven. The combination of fresh vegetables, crispy ramen, and the dual dressing creates an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite, making this side dish a star in its own right.
This dish is a testament to how incredibly versatile and impactful high-quality dressings can be. The combination of the perfectly cooked, glazed salmon with the fresh, crunchy, and brilliantly flavored ramen slaw creates a meal that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. The interplay of sweet, savory, umami, and tangy flavors, coupled with the varied textures, makes every bite an exciting experience. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly approachable for home cooks. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and these two Saucy Mama sauces are now permanent fixtures in my pantry, ready to transform any meal into something special. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with them just as much as I have, discovering new ways to incorporate these fantastic flavors into your own cooking repertoire.
I genuinely believe these two particular Saucy Mama sauces — the Miso Orange Sesame Dressing and the Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing — are absolute game-changers in the kitchen. I anticipate ordering them time and time again for both this recipe and countless other culinary explorations. Their robust flavors save time without sacrificing quality, making them a secret weapon for busy weeknights or special occasions. Wouldn’t you love the opportunity to try these fantastic flavors for yourself and experience their magic firsthand? Prepare to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!
Keep reading, because you have an incredible chance to **win THREE Saucy Mama Sauces of your OWN!** This is your opportunity to elevate your home cooking with these exceptional dressings and discover the delicious possibilities that await you.
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Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw #SaucyMama
Ingredients
- FOR THE CRUNCHY RAMEN SLAW
- 2 3 ounce packages ramen noodles, flavor packet removed
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 16 ounce bag cole slaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups purple cabbage sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 15 ounce can Mandarin Oranges
- 1/2 cup scallions sliced
- 1/4 cup Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing
- 1/2 cup Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing
- FOR THE SALMON
- 4 5 ounce salmon fillets
- MARINADE:
- 1/4 cup Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- GLAZE
- 1/3 cup Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- scallions for garnish
Instructions
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TO PREPARE THE SLAW: Begin by toasting the broken ramen noodle pieces and almond slices. Spread them evenly on a cookie sheet and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Toss them gently, then return to the oven for another 3 minutes or until they reach a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to burn them! Once toasted, set them aside to cool completely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cole slaw mix, shredded carrots, and sliced purple cabbage. Right before you are ready to serve, drain the mandarin oranges and add them to the bowl along with the cooled toasted ramen noodles and almonds. Pour both the Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing and the Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until well combined. The slaw is best served fresh to maximize its crunch and vibrant flavors.
TO PREPARE SALMON:
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First, prepare the salmon marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and low sodium soy sauce until well blended. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the salmon pieces over to ensure even marination. Return to the fridge for another 30 minutes. While the salmon marinates, prepare the glaze by combining the Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use. Once marinated, cook the salmon. You can use either a hot skillet over medium-high heat or a grill. If using a skillet, spray it with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook the salmon for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side, or until it’s flaky and cooked through to your desired doneness. During the last few minutes of cooking, generously brush the prepared glaze over the salmon to create a beautiful, flavorful coating. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to serving plates, top with a generous portion of the crunchy ramen slaw, and garnish with freshly sliced scallions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
Win Your Own Saucy Mama Sauces!
Are you eager to experience the culinary magic of Saucy Mama dressings in your own kitchen? I can’t express enough how gloriously good ALL of the Saucy Mama Sauces are! Their quality and depth of flavor are truly unparalleled, making them an essential ingredient for any aspiring home chef or seasoned cook. Now is your chance to discover your new favorite flavor enhancer and elevate your everyday meals! Take a peek at their extensive range of fantastic products and inspiring recipes here.
For a limited time, you can enter to **WIN THREE Saucy Mama Sauces of YOUR OWN!** Participating is incredibly simple, and offers you two fantastic chances to win these incredible dressings:
- **Entry 1 (Blog Comment):** Between now and June 1st, 2015, simply leave a comment on this blog post below. Share what excites you most about this Sesame Ginger Salmon and Crunchy Ramen Slaw recipe, or tell us which Saucy Mama sauce you’re most eager to try in your next culinary adventure. Every thoughtful comment counts as one entry!
- **Bonus Entry 2 (Twitter Share):** For an extra chance to win, visit my Twitter page (and give me a follow if you haven’t already!). Then, retweet the specific #SaucyMama twitter post associated with this contest. Make sure to tag @affair_heart in your retweet so I can easily track your entry!
I will be announcing the lucky winner on June 2nd on my Facebook page, so make sure to follow along for the big reveal! The winner will also be contacted directly via email to arrange their prize. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to stock your pantry with these incredible flavor enhancers and start creating your own Saucy Mama masterpieces!