When the year began, one of the expected food trends was Pacific Rim cuisine, which combines ingredients and techniques from regions all around the Pacific Ocean.
This type of cooking blends tropical, Asian and western flavors and techniques to create an incredible fusion of cultures and cuisines.
This week, try some home-cooked meals with Pacific Rim flavorings.
BROILED SHRIMP & BROCCOLI WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- Cooking oil spray
- 1-1/4 pounds extra-large shrimp (26 to 30 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 4 cups 1-inch broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
>> Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium shoyu
- 1-1/2 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 1-1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons warm water
Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat on high. Mist a large sheet pan with cooking oil spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside half for serving. Toss shrimp with remaining sauce.
On prepared pan, toss broccoli with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer and broil 3 minutes or until lightly browned on edges.
Arrange shrimp evenly on and around broccoli. Return pan to oven and broil 3-5 minutes, until broccoli is charred on edges and shrimp is cooked through.
Serve shrimp and broccoli with reserved peanut sauce for dipping. Serves 4.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 280 calories, 14 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 225 mg cholesterol, greater than 1,400 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 30 g protein
CRAB CAKES WITH SALSA AND BABY GREENS
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 10 ounces king crabmeat
- 3 ounces ground pork
- 1 tablespoon chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- Dash of pepper
- 2 cups oil for frying
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
>> Coating:
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
>> Mango Salsa:
- 1 tablespoon diced ripe mango
- 1 tablespoon diced tomato
- 1 teaspoon chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon chopped Chinese parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Hot pepper sauce, to taste
In a small bowl, combine salsa ingredients; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine coating ingredients; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine crab, pork, celery, bell pepper, green onion, corn, mayonnaise, egg and pepper. Form 4 patties.
In a wok or deep skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees. Dip patties in coating mixture, then in breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown. Serves 4.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 750 calories, 52 g total fat, 9 g saturated fat, 160 mg cholesterol, 550 mg sodium, 46 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 3 g sugar, 28 g protein.
GRILLED NEW YORK STEAK SALAD WITH LEMONGRASS AND GARLIC
By Hawaiian Electric Co.
- 1 (6-ounce) boneless New York steak
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon shoyu
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced lemongrass
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh chili pepper to taste, chopped or crushed
- 1 teaspoon minced Chinese parsley
- 1 tablespoon sliced Maui onion
- 1 tablespoon slivered carrot
- 1 tablespoon slivered green mango (optional)
- 1/2 pound mixed baby salad greens
- 2 tablespoons unsalted roasted peanuts
Grill steak over high heat to desired degree of doneness; thinly slice.
In a bowl, combine lime juice, shoyu, garlic, lemon grass, sugar, chili pepper and Chinese parsley.
Add steak, onion, carrot and mango, if using; toss to coat well. Serve on bed of salad greens; top with peanuts. Serves 2.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 500 calories, 29 g total fat, 9 g saturated fat, 100 mg cholesterol, greater than 1,400 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 42 g protein.
More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.