RECIPE: REC: Pacific-Rim Caesar Salad - Just made this again - Delicious

[meryl]

PACIFIC-RIM CAESAR SALAD

(Note: I didn't add the 1/2 cup vegetable oil or the parmesan cheese - may try it another time. I used about 2/3 - 3/4 head of romaine, plus a few sliced mushrooms).

"Top this salad with seared tuna or scallops to make it into a main course for four." (one reviewer served it with grilled shrimp).

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (I used 3 Tbsp)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger

1 tablespoon minced lemongrass* (I used 1 Tbsp lemon zest)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon fish sauce (nam pla)** (I used 1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce)

2 garlic cloves, peeled (I used 3 large)

2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce** (First two times I used 1/2 tsp Asian chili sauce, this time I used 1/4 tsp)

1/2 cup vegetable oil (I omitted this)

1 large head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (about 15 cups loosely packed) (I used about 2/3 - 3/4 head)

1 cup (packed) grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces) (I omitted this)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat heavy small skillet over medium-low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir until toasted and golden, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Combine lime juice and next 7 ingredients in processor; process until well blended. With processor running, add vegetable oil in slow stream; process until slightly thickened. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Place lettuce in large bowl. Add dressing and 3/4 cup Parmesan; toss to combine. Divide salad among 6 plates; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and toasted sesame seeds.

* Available at Asian markets and in the produce section of some supermarkets.

** Fish sauce and chili-garlic sauce are available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

Makes 6 first-course servings.

Bon Appétit - R.S.V.P. -December 2001

SideBern's, Tampa, FL

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/105973

 

[dawn_mo]

This sounds delish Meryl, thanks for posting!

 

[nan]

It is so good. I questioned the parm, but it does fit right in. I top it with grilled fish or shrimp

 

[suz]

Curious, how you're making this a dressing without the oil?

 

[meryl]

Has 1 Tbsp sesame oil and 2 Tbsp mayonnaise.

 

[suz]

At one time I made a ceaser dressing using mayo instead of egg, but I always added more oil than 1T

it does sound like a dressing we will like, I plan on giving it a try. Will report back when I do.

 

[meryl]

Note: I not only omit the 1/2 cup vegetable oil, but also the 1 cup parmesan. If I try it with

the 1/2 cup oil in the future, I will also add the 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, but it was so delicious without them, I left them out, and kept it as more of an Asian taste. I also used a little less lime juice, since I was omitting some volume there. I'm sure it's just as good with those two ingredients, just different.

 

[suz]

I like the asian idea and the cheese doesn't sound like it works...

and or doesn't sound necessary...
as for the oil at the most I would use 1/4c and I would use a mild Olive Oil or Canola. bf is coming nxt week I'll have someone to cook for other than myself!