| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 35 | 4g | 0.5g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 1g | 1g | 0.55g |
Why do I love the recipe for Homemade Lesser Galangal Paste for Marinades? It’s a symphony of flavors that transports me to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia, where every bite tells a story of generational culinary wisdom and fresh, spirited ingredients. As someone who cherishes the harmonious blend of Caribbean and Spanish cuisines, this recipe serves as a refreshing twist that captivates the taste buds and elevates the simple act of marination into an art form.
An Explosion of Freshness
Incorporating fresh, lesser-known spices like galangal not only introduces an adventurous note to your cooking but also carries numerous health benefits. Galangal is celebrated in various traditional medicines for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Combined with other wholesome, aromatic ingredients like garlic, cilantro, and freshly-squeezed lime juice, this paste is both a flavor enhancer and a health booster. It’s bright and zesty, with a robust umami undertone, thanks to the soy sauce and fish sauce, making it a perfect companion to a variety of dishes.
Versatile and Flavorful
Think of this paste as a stepping stone to elevate your grilling game. It works wonders when marinated with meats, but my favorite application is coating a medley of vegetables before roasting or grilling them. Imagine summer squash, bell peppers, and eggplants soaking up all those fantastic flavors, then caramelizing to perfection over an open flame. The marriage of the sweetness from the brown sugar, the tang of lime juice, and the aromatic punch from galangal is truly magical.
This Homemade Lesser Galangal Paste for Marinades shares similarities with other beloved Asian staples like Thai curry paste or Indonesian sambal. However, its unique flavor profile sets it apart, making it a versatile addition to your culinary toolkit.
For those curious to explore more, this paste pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled seafood, tofu skewers, and even as a flavorful spread on sandwiches. For a quick and easy dinner, marinate some vegetables and tofu, then toss them onto a grill or a hot skillet. Serve with a side of jasmine rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with exotic flavors.
Feel free to experiment and let your culinary spirit dance. After all, cooking is a joyous journey, much like a dance routine. Each step is intentional, each ingredient purposeful, and the result, when done with passion, is nothing short of spectacular.
What You’ll Need
- 10 oz fresh lesser galangal, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
Method
Step One
Peel and chop the fresh lesser galangal into small pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the shallots.
Step Two
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped lesser galangal, minced garlic, and finely chopped shallots. Blend until you get a coarse paste.
Step Three
Add the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, vegetable oil, and brown sugar to the blender. Blend again until the mixture becomes smooth.
Step Four
Add the chopped fresh cilantro, soy sauce, and ground white pepper to the mixture. Blend once more to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step Five
Transfer the paste into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will be ready to use in your marinades.
