Asian Style Baby Corn with Sesame Seeds & Peanut Sauce Recipe
Description
Asian Style Baby Corn with Sesame Seeds & Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and exotic appetizer featuring crispy tofu and tender baby corn marinated, seasoned, and fried to perfection. These ingredients are then tossed in a rich, velvety peanut sauce enhanced with the zest of orange marmalade and finished with roasted sesame seeds. Perfect as a starter for your weekend house parties or Asian-themed dinners, this dish adds elegance and taste to your table with its gourmet flair.
Recipe Information
| Cuisine | Asian |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 90 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Ingredients
For the Baby Corn and Tofu
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby Corn | 15, cut lengthwise |
| Tofu (or Paneer) | 250 grams, cubed |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Corn Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Rice Flour | As required |
| Salt | As required |
| Oil | For frying |
| Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers | 1 each, sliced |
For the Marinade
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Light Soy Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Red Chili Paste | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
For the Peanut Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1/2 cup, minced |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon, minced |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali), powdered | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 1-1/4 cup |
| Orange Marmalade Jam | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Corn Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika Powder | 1 tablespoon |
For Garnishing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds), roasted | 2 teaspoons |
Instructions
-
Blanch the Baby Corn
- Boil a large pot of water.
- Add the baby corn and blanch it for 3 minutes to slightly soften them.
- Drain and set aside.
-
-
Prepare the Tofu (or Paneer)
- Cut the tofu (or paneer) into 1/2-inch cubes and keep them ready.
-
Marinate the Baby Corn and Tofu
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby corn, tofu cubes, soy sauce, garlic paste, fresh red chili paste, rice vinegar, honey, and salt.
- Toss everything well until the baby corn and tofu are evenly coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
-
Prepare the Batter and Coat
- In a separate bowl, mix corn flour and water to make a stiff batter.
- Take the marinated baby corn and tofu, dip each piece into the batter, and roll them in rice flour for a crispy coating.
-
Fry the Baby Corn and Tofu
- Heat sufficient oil in a deep wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the battered baby corn and tofu pieces to the hot oil.
- Fry until they turn golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
-
Stir Fry the Vegetables
- In another pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (red, yellow, and green).
- Stir fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crunchy.
-
Prepare the Peanut Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix orange juice, orange marmalade jam, and corn flour. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and onions. Sautรฉ until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden.
- Pour in the prepared orange juice mixture.
- Add the paprika powder and stir continuously as the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce reaches a velvety consistency, add the powdered peanuts and salt to taste.
- If desired, add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness.
-
Combine Everything
- Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the fried baby corn and tofu.
- Add the stir-fried bell peppers and onions. Toss everything gently to ensure the sauce evenly coats the baby corn and tofu.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the dish to a serving platter.
- Garnish with finely chopped spring onion greens and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds.
-
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delectable Asian-style baby corn and tofu appetizer hot with Thai Style Noodles with Spinach and Leeks or as a standalone dish for your parties.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Values per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Tips and Variations
- For Extra Crunch: Double coat the baby corn and tofu with rice flour for an extra crispy texture.
- Add Spice: If you enjoy more heat, increase the amount of fresh red chili paste in the marinade.
- Peanut-Free Option: Replace peanuts with cashew nuts or almond butter for an alternative nutty flavor.
- Vegan Option: Ensure you use tofu instead of paneer and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Orange Marmalade Swap: If you donโt have orange marmalade, mix orange zest with a bit of sugar and fresh orange juice.
This Asian Style Baby Corn with Sesame Seeds & Peanut Sauce is an irresistible appetizer that brings together contrasting textures and balanced flavors. Itโs a true celebration of Asian cuisine, ideal for impressing your guests and making weekend parties unforgettable.
