| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 5g | 1g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 1g | 6g | 1g |
Stepping beyond the plains of Montana, I can’t help but commend a dish that is as uniquely flavorful as it is beneficial to our health. Today, we delve into the exotic realms of ocean-based ingredients, focusing on a vegetable delight – the Grilled Gusô with Soy Sauce. A fascinating combination of a marine delicacy and an earthly sauce, this recipe embodies the essence of fusion, where the deep and rich flavor of the sea mingles harmoniously with the fresh tanginess of soy and lemon.
A Twist on Traditional
While this dish may not trace back to my Montana roots, it is a delightful nod to my love for exploring new flavors and expanding my culinary repertoire. The star of the Grilled Gusô with Soy Sauce dish, the Gusô or sea grapes, is a species of green algae that’s reminiscent of caviar in its look and feel but holds its unique, gentle briny flavor. Popular in several Asian cuisines, especially Japanese and Filipino, Gusô offers a texture and taste that sets it apart from anything you’d regularly encounter in a landlocked state like mine.
Health Wonders in Every Bite
The Grilled Gusô with Soy Sauce recipe is not just about great taste; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits too. Seaweeds like Gusô are high in nutrients, including iodine and vitamin K, and are a great source of antioxidants. Additionally, the garlic and ginger in our recipe carry a profound impact on our health, with proven benefits for our immune system, heart health, and more.
Paired alongside the Gusô, the sauce blend of soy, lemon, garlic, and ginger makes for a delectable marinade, especially when sweetened slightly with brown sugar. The heat from the black and red pepper flakes adds the perfect spark of contrast to the overall umami flavor profile of the dish.
The Perfect Complement
The Grilled Gusô with Soy Sauce could be a stellar companion to various other dishes. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, it can be a great side dish with sushi and sashimi, much like how it’s enjoyed in Japan. Another option is to pair it with a plate of steaming jasmine rice, where the soy-based sauces seep in to flavor the rice just right. This dish reminds me of an old friend’s Grilled Seafood Mixed Grill with spicy soy sauce – a slightly more intricate recipe but a wonderful flavor companion to our Gusô.
Preparing this recipe is a journey, a culinary adventure that pushes boundaries yet ends in a familiar sense of wholesome, flavorful satisfaction. I hope you love this Grilled Gusô with Soy Sauce recipe as much as I do, and may it inspire you to venture further into the unexplored territories of your own gastronomic adventures.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Gusô (sea grapes), washed and drained
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Method
Step One
First, prepare the soy sauce marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, finely grated ginger, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set this aside.
Step Two
Wash and drain your Gusô carefully to ensure there aren’t any parts that are still sandy or gritty. Then, place them in a shallow dish.
Step Three
Pour the soy sauce marinade over the Gusô ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor.
Step Four
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then brush it with some vegetable oil to prevent the Gusô from sticking.
Step Five
Remove the Gusô from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become slightly charred and crispy. Remember to flip them over halfway through cooking time so they grill evenly.
Step Six
Serve your Grilled Gusô hot with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions on top. Include lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their Gusô for added flavor. Enjoy this refreshing seaside treat!
