Discover a delightful twist on your typical salad with our Seared Romaine with Ginger Dressing! This quick and easy fusion dish combines the crispness of fresh romaine lettuce with a tantalizing ginger-infused dressing that will awaken your taste buds. In just 15 minutes, you can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with this unique appetizer or side dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. Ready to learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the romaine lettuce by washing thoroughly and patting completely dry with paper towels. Cut the romaine head in half lengthwise, keeping the core intact to help leaves hold together during searing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create the dressing. Set aside.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. The pan should be very hot to achieve a proper sear.
- Brush the cut sides of the romaine halves lightly with olive oil, ensuring even coating.
- Place the romaine halves cut-side down into the hot, dry skillet. Sear for approximately 1-2 minutes until char marks appear and edges begin to slightly wilt.
- Carefully flip the romaine and sear the other side briefly, about 30-45 seconds.
- Remove the seared romaine from the pan and place on serving plates, cut-side up.
- Drizzle the prepared ginger dressing generously over the warm seared romaine.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top as a final garnish.
- Serve immediately while the romaine is still warm and slightly crisp.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Romaine: Select a head of romaine that feels firm and has vibrant green leaves. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
- Get the Pan Hot: Preheat your cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until it’s very hot. This is crucial for achieving those beautiful char marks and a satisfying crunch.
- Oil Wisely: Brush the cut sides of the romaine halves with olive oil, but don’t overdo it! A light coating ensures a nice sear without making the dish greasy.
- Watch the Time: Searing the romaine should be quick! Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking; you want the leaves to be warm and slightly wilted, not mushy.
- Garnish with Flair: Don’t skip the sesame seeds! They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the ginger dressing perfectly.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed warm, so serve it right after drizzling with the dressing to maintain that delightful texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
