Rainbow Salad with Kelp Noodles
Taking inspiration from our ocean, try this Rainbow Salad with Kelp Noodle recipe. This can be used as a side dish for outdoor entertaining or eaten on its own as a main. Omit and add ingredients as dietary needs require.Ingredients
Serves 6
12 oz (340 g) extra-firm tofu
3 tbsp (45 ml) palm sugar or light brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) tamarind paste
3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
¼ tsp (1 ml) red pepper chili flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 small zucchini, trimmed
1 medium carrot, peeled
1 red beet, trimmed and peeled
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, trimmed and thinly sliced into matchsticks
12 oz (340 g) kelp noodles, rinsed well under warm water
¼ cup (60 ml) packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cup (250 ml) bean sprouts
½ cup (125 ml) roasted peanuts, plus more for garnish (optional)
1 or 2 Thai (bird’s eye) chilies, finely sliced (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Remove tofu from package and place on a cutting board or plate between several pieces of paper towel or a clean tea towel. Place a heavy pan, such as cast iron, on tofu and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk sugar, tamarind paste, fish sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil. Whisk constantly until sugar has dissolved and mixture is hot but not simmering. Remove from heat and whisk in chili flakes and olive oil until thoroughly combined.
- Cut pressed tofu into ¾-in (2 cm) pieces and place in a medium bowl. Toss with about half the dressing. Set tofu and remaining half of dressing aside while preparing remaining ingredients for dish.
- Using a spiralizer, spiralize zucchini, carrot and beet. If you don`t have a spiralizer, you can cut vegetables into thin matchsticks. To prevent red beet from staining other vegetables, rinse spiralized beet well under cold running water until water runs clear.
- When ready to serve, in a large bowl, combine spiralized vegetables, matchstick peppers, kelp noodles, cilantro leaves, green onions, bean sprouts, peanuts and Thai chilies if desired. Add tofu and any remaining dressing from tofu bowl and gently toss everything together. Add enough reserved dressing to dress salad as desired. Toss again gently to combine. Divide among serving bowls and garnish with some whole or torn Thai basil leaves, extra peanuts and lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Drink Pairings
Five Alive
Five Alive was created by Bar Star Kelsey Ramage of Mount Pleasant Vintage. Make it at home or enjoy it at their location in Vancouver, BC! Featuring Altos Blanco Tequila, Aperol, mandarin sherbet, and lime juice. Perfect for patio season!Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Altos Blanco Tequila
½ oz (15 ml) Aperol
¾ oz (22 ml) Mandarin Sherbet*
1/4 oz (7.5 ml) passion fruit purée
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
2 dashes Saline**
1 dash Ricard Pastis de Marseille 45
1 lemon and 1 lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Rim a rocks glass halfway with salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, shake hard and strain into prepared glass. Add ice and garnish with lemon and lime wheel.
- *To make Mandarin Sherbet, add 1 cup (250 ml) mandarin rinds (about 20 mandarins) to a zip-top plastic bag and cover rinds completely with 2 cups (500 ml) sugar. Set aside and allow to sit overnight. Blend flesh of mandarins to a pulp and strain through a mesh strainer. Discard pulp, add juice to prepared rind sugar and stir to dissolve. Strain out rinds. Transfer to a clean bottle, allow to cool and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- ** To make Saline, add 2 tsp (10 ml) kosher or sea salt to 7 tbsp (100 ml) water; stir to dissolve.
Featuring
Green Goddesses Soup with Salmon & Nori Granola
This Green Goddess Soup with Salmon and Nori Granola highlights the nutrients we receive from our oceans all in one magical bowl. This healthy chilled soup is sure to cool you down on a hot summer’s day. Use crème fraiche or omit for dietary needs. Batch make the nori granola to use for snacks or as toppings for other recipes!Ingredients
Serves 4
½ cup (125 ml) green split peas
2½ cups (625 ml) unsalted vegetable stock
2 cups (500 ml) packed spinach leaves
1 large stalk celery, chopped
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp (110 ml) packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, divided
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp (110 ml) packed fresh cilantro leaves, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) white miso, plus more to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) nutritional yeast
2 tbsp (30 ml) crème fraîche or sour cream, divided
kosher salt, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
½ lb (225 g) skinless salmon fillet, cut into ¾-in (2 cm) chunks
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
1 small watermelon radish, thinly sliced into rounds, each round halved or quartered
Nori Granola, for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows
NORI GRANOLA
3 tbsp (45 ml) maple syrup
2 tbsp (30 ml) tahini
1 tbsp (15 ml) white miso
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
½ tsp (2.5 ml) finely grated lemon zest
1½ cups (375 ml) rolled oats
⅓ cup (80 ml) raw hemp hearts
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 sheets nori
Instructions
- Rinse split peas under cold water before placing in a large saucepan along with vegetable stock. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until split peas are al dente, about 30 minutes.
- Add spinach, celery, ⅓ cup (80 ml) parsley leaves, ⅓ cup (80 ml) cilantro leaves, garlic, miso and nutritional yeast. Warm gently over medium heat until just starting to simmer. Remove saucepan from heat.
- Using either a hand blender or blender, purée soup until silky smooth. Add enough water to thin soup to desired consistency. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) crème fraîche and adjust seasoning with kosher salt or extra miso to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours and up to 4 days.
- Just before ready to serve, set 4 shallow soup bowls in refrigerator to chill. Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Season chunks of salmon generously with salt and pepper. Sauté in hot oil until lightly browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In a small bowl, toss remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) each parsley and cilantro leaves together with chives. Set aside.
- When ready to serve, remove soup from refrigerator, thin with some cold water if desired and divide among chilled soup bowls. Swirl in a drizzle of remaining crème fraîche and garnish with some watermelon radishes, cooked salmon, a sprinkle of herbs and a generous scatter of Nori Granola.
- To make Nori Granola, preheat oven to 300 F (150 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, tahini, miso, water and lemon zest until well combined and smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss together oats, almonds, hemp hearts, cayenne, salt and pepper.
- Cut, tear or crush nori sheets into small flakes no more than ½-in (1.25 cm) wide. Add nori flakes to oat mixture, then pour tahini mixture over oats and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spread granola on baking sheet in a thin layer. Bake granola, tossing every 15 minutes, until it feels dry, about 30 minutes total. Let cool completely at room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Drink Pairings
Back to Cali
Back to Cali was created by Bar Star Kelsey Ramage of Mount Pleasant Vintage. Make it at home or enjoy it at their location in Vancouver, BC! Featuring Beefeater Gin and Amaro Montenegro perfectly paired with calamansi syrup and orange bitters.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Beefeater Gin
½ oz (15 ml) Amaro Montenegro
¼ oz (7.5 ml) Prosyro Kalamansi Syrup*
¼ oz (7.5 ml) Simple Syrup**
¾ oz (22 ml) lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake hard and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- *Can be found online or at specialty cocktail stores.
- ** 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Green Gucci Suit
Green Gucci Suit was created by Bar Star Kelsey Ramage of Mount Pleasant Vintage. Make it at home or enjoy it at their location in Vancouver, BC! Featuring El Gobernador Pisco and Bols Melon, this green kiwi cocktail will cool you down in the summer heat.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) El Gobernador Pisco
½ oz (15 ml) Kiwi Syrup*
½ oz (15 ml) Bols Melon Liqueur
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
2 dashes Saline**
2 dashes Ms. Better’s Lime Leaf Bitters
lime wheel, for garnish
mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake hard and strain into a rocks glass. Add ice and garnish with lime wheel and mint sprig.
- *To make Kiwi Syrup, blend 1 cup (250 ml) kiwi, ¼ oz (7.5 ml) vodka and ½ cup (125 ml) water, then strain through a large mesh strainer. In a saucepan heat mixture with 1 cup (250 ml) sugar and stir until dissolved. Transfer to a clean bottle, allow to cool and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).
- **To make Saline, add 2 tsp (10 ml) kosher or sea salt to 7 tbsp (100 ml) water; stir to dissolve.
Featuring
BC Oysters Served with Topping Trio
BC Oysters three ways! Have fun on the half shell with creating classic and unique oyster topping options. Featuring tropical Pickled Pineapple and Chili Oil, classic Horseradish and Lemon Granita, and Nam Jim and Crispy Garlic for a Vietnamese flair.Ingredients
Serves 4
PICKLED PINEAPPLE & CHILI OIL
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh pineapple cut into
¼-in (0.6 cm) cubes
1 tbsp (15 ml) Champagne or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt
½-in (1.25 cm) stick cinnamon
4 BC oysters, shucked
2 tsp (10 ml) chili oil
1 small serrano pepper, thinly sliced
HORSERADISH & LEMON GRANITA
3 tbsp (45 ml) prepared or fresh horseradish
3 tbsp (45 ml) sour cream
3 tbsp (45 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tbsp (45 ml) water
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
4 BC oysters, shucked
½ lemon, zest only
6 fresh chives, finely chopped
NAM JIM & CRISPY GARLIC
1 tbsp (15 ml) short-grain rice
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
4 tsp (20 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
½ small shallot, finely chopped
10 fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
4 BC oysters, shucked
1 tbsp (15 ml) fried garlic
Instructions
- PICKLED PINEAPPLE & CHILI OIL
- In a small container, mix pineapple, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cover and marinate in refrigerator overnight or up to 3 days.
- Top each oyster with 1 tbsp (15 ml) pineapple mixture and garnish with chili oil and 1 slice serrano pepper. Leftover pickled pineapple can be frozen for up to 1 month. Makes 4 oysters + extra pickled pineapple
- HORSERADISH & LEMON GRANITA
- In a small bowl, mix horseradish, sour cream, lemon juice, water and pepper. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, cover and freeze overnight.
- To serve, use a fork to scrape frozen mixture until it is all fluffy like shaved ice. Spoon 1 tbsp (15 ml) mixture over each oyster and garnish with lemon zest and chives. Leftover granita can be frozen for up to 1 month. Makes 4 oysters + extra granita
- NAM JIM & CRISPY GARLIC
- In a small frying pan over medium heat, toast rice until golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool, then grind to a rough powder in a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, fish sauce, water, lime juice, shallots and cilantro. Pour 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) sauce on each oyster. Garnish with toasted rice powder and fried garlic.
Drink Pairings
Strawberry Vanilla Margarita
Taste the summer with fresh BC strawberries to add a fresh local kick to your summer Margarita! Who can say no to the classic flavour combo of strawberry and vanilla. Use blanco tequila for best results and enjoy on a hot summers day!Ingredients
Serves 1
1 lime wedge, to rim glass
kosher salt, to rim glass
1½ oz (45 ml) Gran Centenario Plata Tequila or Espolón Blanco Tequila
1 oz (30 ml) Licor 43
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
4 strawberries, save 1 for garnish
Instructions
- Moisten outer rim of a rocks glass with lime wedge and rim glass with kosher salt. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 strawberries, combine tequila, Licor 43, lime juice and cubed ice. Shake vigorously and fine strain over new cubed ice into prepared rocks glass. Garnish with a strawberry.
Featuring
BC Scallop Crudo with Bacon
This take on classic Vietnamese flavors entices the senses paired with BC Scallops and Bacon! Enjoy this as a fresh, cool appetizer while eating local. Be sure to follow proper raw seafood handling procedures.Ingredients
Serves 4
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) granulated sugar, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) fish sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 small Thai (bird’s eye) chili, thinly sliced
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
1 lb (450 g) BC scallops, thawed if frozen
1 tbsp (15 ml) kosher salt
2 oz (60 g) bacon or pork belly, cut into ¼-in (0.6 cm) cubes
1 handful fresh cilantro leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) chili garlic oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) fried garlic
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar, fish sauce, water, lime juice, chilies and shallots. Set aside and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Cut scallops in half. In a medium non-reactive bowl, mix salt with remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar, add scallops, toss and let cure in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator, rinse and dry well with paper towels.
- In a small pan over medium heat, cook bacon until fat has rendered and it’s crisp and golden on all sides, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, divide scallops evenly between dishes. Pour 2 tbsp (30 ml) sauce per serving. Garnish with chilies and shallots from sauce, bacon, cilantro, chili garlic oil and fried garlic.
Drink Pairings
Bourbon Barbecue Beef Ribs
Turn up the barbeque and bust out the bourbon for this Father’s Day feast for the senses! Spirited bourbon-barbecue-sauce coated beef ribs are sure to treat dad as well as impress guests for outdoor hosting. Pair these ribs you’re your favourite bourbon to create the optimal flavor and spirit pairing.Ingredients
Serves 3 to 4
3 tbsp (45 ml) brown sugar, divided
1 tbsp + 2 tsp (25 ml) kosher salt
4 tsp (20 ml) garlic powder, divided
3 tsp (15 ml) smoked paprika, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) cayenne pepper
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 rack beef back ribs (about 3 lbs/1.4 kg), silverskin removed, rack cut in half
¼ cup (60 ml) yellow mustard
½ cup (125 ml) ketchup
¼ cup (60 ml) cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) chili powder
1 tsp (5 ml) dry mustard
2 tbsp (30 ml) Bourbon
1 tbsp (15 ml) molasses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 F (135 C).
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) brown sugar, 1 tbsp (15 ml) kosher salt, 2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder, 2 tsp (10 ml) smoked paprika and the cayenne pepper and black pepper. Set aside.
- Rub yellow mustard on ribs. Sprinkle dry rub evenly over ribs and wrap in foil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 3½ hours, or until tender and meat pulls away easily from bone.
- While ribs are baking, in a small bowl, mix remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) salt, remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder, remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, bourbon and molasses. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to a barbecue-sauce consistency, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- When ribs are cooked, remove from oven. Preheat barbecue grill to low. Place ribs on barbecue and grill for 30 to 40 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with barbecue sauce. Ribs are done once sauce is glazed and sticky. Remove from barbecue and cut into individual ribs. Serve with remaining barbecue sauce and desired side dishes.
Drink Pairings
Spicy Elderflower Margarita
Take the classic Margarita up a notch with this spicy floral recipe. Add your spice level as desired and enjoy the aromas of Elderflower! Use your favourite blanco tequila or try one of our recommendations below from your local BCL.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 lime wedge, to rim glass
Tajín seasoning, to rim glass
1½ oz (45 ml) Don Julio Blanco Tequila or Sierra Silver Tequila
1 oz (30 ml) St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
1 jalapeño, for muddling and garnish*
Instructions
- Moisten outer rim of a rocks glass with lime wedge and rim glass with Tajín. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 to 4 slices of jalapeño, then combine tequila, Bols Elderflower Liqueur and lime juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain over new ice into prepared rocks glass. Garnish with jalapeño slices.
- *Remove seeds to control spice level.