Recipe Card - Chopped Almonds and Asian Sauce
this chopped almond and Asian sauce dish combines the rich, nutty crunch of almonds with a strong, flavorful sauce that’s intoxicating. This unusual almond dish combines tamari almonds, soy sauce, and a sharp wasabi to tantalize your taste senses. Sweet, salty, and umami make a unique snack suited for any occasion, from a light appetizer to a robust party dessert. You can easily create it and customize it with your preferred ingredients!
Ingredients
- Chopped Almonds: Almonds are the heart of this recipe providing a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the savory sauce. You can use raw or roasted almonds based on your preference. If you want a more intense flavor, go for roasted almonds. Alternatively, if you’re looking to cut back on oil, you can opt for raw almonds and roast them yourself for a healthier option.
- Soy Sauce: This is the base of your sauce adding a salty, umami flavor that coats the almonds perfectly. For a gluten-free version, substitute with tamari soy sauce. If you prefer a lighter, less salty flavor, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
- Tamari: A popular alternative to soy sauce tamari has a slightly richer flavor, perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. It’s also less salty, so it brings a deeper, rounder flavor profile to your almonds.
- Wasabi Powder: This ingredient adds the signature spicy kick to your almonds. Wasabi has a zesty sharp heat that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce. If you’re not fond of spice, feel free to reduce the quantity or swap it for sriracha or chili flakes for a different kind of heat.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: This provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the salty and spicy elements of the dish. Use honey for a more natural sweetness or maple syrup if you prefer a vegan option. You can also substitute with agave nectar or stevia for a lower-calorie option.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a toasty nutty aroma to the sauce. It’s key for that authentic Asian-inspired flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or peanut oil, but the flavor will be different.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for adding depth and pungency to the sauce. For a smoother milder flavor, you can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a warm spicy undertone to the sauce. You can also use ground ginger if fresh is unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Instructions
- To make this recipe, start by preparing the almonds. If you’re using raw almonds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet, and roast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and smell fragrant. Be sure to stir them halfway through to avoid burning. If you’re using pre-roasted almonds, simply chop them into small pieces and set them aside.
- While the almonds are roasting, you can prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, tamari, wasabi powder, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk these ingredients until fully combined, ensuring that the wasabi powder is completely dissolved into the liquid. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor to your liking—if you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey, or if you like it spicier, add more wasabi or chili flakes.
- Once the almonds are roasted, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps to keep their crunch when mixed with the sauce. Now, take a large mixing bowl and pour the almonds into it. Drizzle the sauce over the chopped almonds and toss them well to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
- For an extra touch of flavor and texture, you can sprinkle a little sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the almonds before serving. These additions not only enhance the appearance but also provide additional crunch and freshness.
- After mixing, you can either serve the almonds right away or let them sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate. This allows the almonds to soak in more of the savory sauce, making each bite even more flavorful. If you prefer a cold snack, chill them in the fridge for a while before serving.
Notes
Storage
This chopped almonds and Asian sauce recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later use with proper care. After preparing the almonds, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to preserve their crunch. If you plan on storing them for more than a few days, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps maintain the flavor and freshness of the sauce.Freezing
While the almonds can be frozen, it’s important to note that freezing may affect their texture, causing them to lose some of their crunch. To freeze, spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature, but keep in mind that they may not be as crispy as when freshly roasted.Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking the almonds: Make sure to keep an eye on the almonds while roasting them to avoid burning. They can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone in just a minute or two.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allow the almonds to cool before tossing them in the sauce. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 215 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 270mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 10 IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mgDid you make this recipe?
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