Miso-Chili Butter Shrimp Scampi

Ditch the knife and fork, roll up your sleeves and dive in. This Wafu take on the southern staple sees sake take over for white wine, while togarashi and yuzu replace Old Bay and lemon. Try this recipe with BC spot prawns and it’s a sure thing! Pair this recipe with Gray Monk Unwooded Chardonnay.

Ingredients

Serves 4 as a main course
MISO-CHILI BUTTER
½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) red miso paste
2 tsp (10 ml) finely sliced green onions, green parts only
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Japanese chili powder or ¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) honey
½ lemon, zest only
SHRIMP MARINADE
1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic
1 tsp (5 ml) minced fresh ginger
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Japanese chili powder or ¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
1 lemon, zest and juice
1½ lbs (680 g) large shrimp, deveined, shells on
SCAMPI
1 lb (450 g) red nugget potatoes
4 cobs corn, cut in half
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh ginger
½ cup (125 ml) sake
2 tbsp (30 ml) mirin
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon or yuzu juice
¼ cup (60 ml) loosely packed bonito flakes
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) furikake seasoning, for garnish
lemon wedges, to serve
fresh crusty bread, to serve

Instructions

  1. To make Miso-Chili Butter, in a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Spread mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and roll into a log, about 4-in (10 cm) long × 1-in (2.5 cm) thick. Twist ends to seal well and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
  2. To make Shrimp Marinade, in a non-reactive bowl, combine garlic, ginger, Japanese chili powder, salt and lemon zest and juice. Toss with shrimp and let marinate while you prepare remaining ingredients, no more than 30 minutes.
  3. To finish Scampi, in a medium stockpot, cover potatoes with plenty of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add corn and cook until potatoes are soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Strain, then transfer to a large mixing bowl and cover to keep warm.
  4. Cut the chilled miso-chili butter into ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick rounds and set aside.
  5. In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt unsalted butter and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant but not browned. Add marinated shrimp and cook until 1 side is pink. Flip shrimp, then add sake, mirin, lemon juice and bonito flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, until shrimp are fully pink and cooked through. With a slotted spoon, add shrimp to corn and potatoes, leaving any juices in pan.
  6. Turn off heat, add half of the miso-chili butter to pan and whisk until melted. Add to shrimp, corn and potatoes and toss well to coat.
  7. Transfer to a large serving dish or serve straight on a table lined with brown kraft or butcher paper. Garnish with remaining miso-chili butter, parsley and furikake seasoning. Serve with plenty of lemon wedges and a loaf of fresh crusty bread to sop up juices.
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Drink Pairings

Shio-Koji Cedar Plank Salmon

The magical and transformative Koji along with ginger, garlic and citrus add depth and a touch of umami richness to this west-coast BBQ favourite. Minimal prep, minimal clean-up, maximum results. This cedar plank salmon recipe pairs wonderfully with Sandhill Rosé.

Ingredients

Serves 4
¼ cup (60 ml) shio-koji
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tsp (10 ml) brown sugar
½ orange, zest only
1 side (about 1½ lbs/680 g) salmon, skin on, pin bones removed
Heirloom Tomato Salad, to serve, recipe follows (optional)
HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD
1 lemon, juice only
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh shiso or 1 tbsp (15 ml) each of fresh Thai basil and fresh mint
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) capers, chopped
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
12 oz (340 g) heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 shallot, very thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine shio-koji, ginger, garlic, brown sugar and orange zest.
  2. Pat salmon dry with paper towel and rub with shio-koji mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
  3. Submerge a food-safe cedar plank in water, weighted down with a heavy bowl, and soak for 1½ to 2 hours.
  4. Preheat barbecue grill to 400 F (200 C).
  5. Remove salmon from refrigerator, unwrap and wipe off excess marinade.
  6. Remove plank from water, pat dry and place in centre of preheated grill until lightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip plank and place salmon, skin-side down, directly on charred side. Close barbecue lid and, maintaining grill temperature at 350 to 400 F (175 to 200 C), cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily when pierced with a fork at its thickest point.
  7. Serve with Heirloom Tomato Salad directly over salmon or on side.
  8. HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD
  9. In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, shiso, capers and olive oil and stir well Toss with tomatoes and shallots, and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Miso Ramen Chowder

In the true spirit of Wafu, east meets west at the bottom of this bowl. What starts as a simple and classic ramen will find you finishing up the last few spoonfuls of a rich and hearty chowder. Pair this ramen with 33 Acres of Nirvana IPA.

Ingredients

Serves 4
Bacon Dashi
8 oz (225 g) unsliced smoked slab bacon, cut into ¼ × 1 × 1-in (0.6 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm) pieces
1 piece (about 3 × 4-in/7.5 × 10 cm) dashi kombu seaweed, rinsed
1 stalk celery, cut into ¾-in (2 cm) pieces
1 × 330 ml bottle Asahi Super Dry
2 × 10 oz (284 ml) cans clam nectar
2 cups (500 ml) water
3 g (about ¼ cup/60 ml) bonito flakes
MISO RAMEN CHOWDER
2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil, divided
2 tsp (10 ml) minced garlic
1 cup (250 ml) Zuiyo Junmai Sake
1 lb (450 g) fresh clams (such as Manila or littleneck)
4 eggs
½ cup (125 ml) whipping cream
¼ cup (60 ml) white miso
1 tbsp (15 ml) potato starch
1 medium Yukon Gold potato, cut into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) dice
2 stalks celery, cut into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) dice
½ yellow onion, cut into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) dice
1 lb (450 g) fresh ramen noodles
½ cup (125 ml) finely sliced green onions, green parts only, for garnish
togarashi seasoning, for garnish
toasted nori sheets, for garnish

Instructions

  1. To make Bacon Dashi, in a medium saucepan, combine bacon, kombu, celery, Asahi, clam nectar and water and bring to a boil. Skim any foam, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes. Remove from heat, add bonito flakes and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove bacon slices and set aside. Strain dashi into a heatproof container and set aside.
  2. To make Miso Ramen Chowder, in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil until shimmering. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in sake and reduce liquid by one-third, then add clams and cover. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, discarding any clams that don’t open, then set aside with reserved bacon.
  3. Carefully pierce bottom of each egg with a thumbtack or pushpin; this will make them easier to peel. In a small saucepan, boil enough water to cover eggs, then gently lower eggs into water and cook for 7 minutes. Cool under cold running water until easy to handle. Peel and set aside for garnish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix cream, miso and potato starch until smooth. Set aside.
  5. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, place remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil. Add potatoes, celery and onions and sauté until onions are slightly softened. Pour in dashi and simmer until potatoes are softened, then pour in miso-cream mixture and stir until slightly thickened. Add reserved bacon and clams and remove from heat.
  6. In a large saucepan of rapidly boiling water, blanch ramen noodles, stirring often, until cooked but still firm, 60 to 90 seconds. Strain and shake out any excess liquid.
  7. Divide noodles into 4 bowls and ladle in hot broth, distributing clams and bacon evenly. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions, togarashi, toasted nori and 1 egg, cut in half.
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Drink Pairings

Grove 42 Collins

Featuring vibrant notes of orange, lemon peel, lemongrass and ginger, this non-alcoholic beverage captures the complex flavour journey that one would find in any cocktail.

Ingredients

Serves 1
½ tsp (2.5 ml) orange flower water
1 mandarin orange, peeled
2 oz (60 ml) Seedlip Grove 42
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 oz (60 ml) soda water
lemongrass stalk, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Measure orange flower water into a Collins glass, swirl it around to coat the inside and discard excess. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1 mandarin orange, then add Seedlip Grove 42, Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain over cubed ice into Collins glass. Top with soda and garnish with a stalk of lemongrass.
  2. * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
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Featuring

Rhuby-Rose Tart

Impress your guests, and maybe even yourself, with this Rhuby-Rose Tart. This tangy rhubarb curd is cradled in a sweet, crumbly crust with a soft hint of rose, adding an aromatic touch. Decorate as you please and make this recipe your own. Consider pairing this recipe with La Marca Prosecco Rosé or Sheringham Rhubarb Gin Liqueur.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
⅔ cup + ¾ cup (340 ml) butter, divided
2 cups (500 ml) graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) golden brown sugar or granulated sugar
⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt
4 stalks rhubarb (about 1 lb/450 g), cut into 2-in (5 cm) chunks (fresh or frozen)
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) gelatin crystals
2 tbsp (30 ml) water
3 large eggs
¾ cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
2 tsp (10 ml) rosewater
shelled pistachios, strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, dried roses and fresh mint leaves, for garnish, as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
  2. In a small saucepan, melt ⅔ cup (160 ml) butter until it starts to change colour. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt and melted butter. Mix well. Pour into a 10-in (25 cm) tart dish or pan. Using back of a round, flat-bottomed measuring cup, push and press mixture evenly along bottom and sides of tart dish or pan.
  4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Blend rhubarb in a food processer. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer placed over a bowl to separate juice from pulp. Use a spoon to press solids in strainer to extract all juice. Discard solids. This should yield about 1¼ cups (310 ml) rhubarb juice.
  5. In a small bowl, combine gelatin and water and allow gelatin to bloom for 5 minutes. Set aside.
  6. In a bowl, using a handheld blender or wire whisk, whisk eggs and sugar until blended and smooth.
  7. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) rhubarb juice, egg mixture and ¾ cup (180 ml) butter. Cook over medium-low heat until butter melts. Stirring regularly to avoid eggs congealing along bottom and sides of saucepan, continue cooking until mixture thickens to consistency of thick yogurt. Remove immediately from heat. If curd is too thick, add remaining rhubarb juice a few tablespoons at a time.
  8. Add bloomed gelatin and rosewater and mix until gelatin has fully dissolved. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps.
  9. Pour into prepared tart shell. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours to set.
  10. Garnish as desired with pistachios, strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, dried roses and mint.
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Drink Pairings

Roasted Heirloom Carrots with Creamy Za’atar Tahini

With its Mediterranean flavours, this creamy tahini elevates the sweetness of roasted carrots to gastronomic heights! The tahini can also be served alongside crudités as appetizers or makes for a distinctive spread in wraps or sandwiches. Consider pairing this recipe with Louis Latour Bourgogne Gamay.

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8
1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) liquid honey
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
24 to 30 heirloom carrots, washed and trimmed
Creamy Za’atar Tahini, make ahead, recipe follows
1 cup (250 ml) thinly sliced leaf lettuce
¼ cup (60 ml) flaked almonds, lightly toasted
Creamy Za’atar Tahini:
1 cup (250 ml) tahini
⅔ cup (160 ml) water
6 tbsp (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) za’atar
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) dried mint leaves
2 tbsp (30 ml) pomegranate molasses
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix mustard, vinegar, honey and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place carrots on a large baking sheet. Pour dressing over carrots and mix well to coat.
  4. Arrange carrots in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and turn carrots over. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until fork-tender but still firm. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter.
  5. Spoon Creamy Za’atar Tahini across centre of carrots. Garnish with lettuce and flaked almonds.
  6. Creamy Za’atar Tahini: In a medium bowl, mix tahini and water until smooth. Add olive oil, yogurt, lemon zest, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice (save any remaining juice for another purpose), za’atar, cumin, garlic, mint and pomegranate molasses. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Can be made up to a day ahead and stored in refrigerator until ready to use. Makes about 2½ cups (625 ml).
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Drink Pairings

Citrus Avocado Salad

Visually stunning and refreshingly delicious, this Citrus Avocado Salad recipe is a feast for your eyes as well as your palate! With fresh, crisp greens and creamy avocado, the juicy citrus slices offer complementary flavours that balance the sweet-and-tangy Limoncello dressing to perfection. Consider pairing this recipe with Black Sage Shiraz or Joiefarm Rosé.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
2 shallots, thinly sliced
⅓ cup (80 ml) red wine vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
¼ tsp (1 ml) + ⅛ tsp (a pinch) salt, divided
6 to 8 cups (1.5 to 2 L) mixed salad greens
Limoncello Lime Dressing, make ahead, recipe follows
1 avocado, sliced
1 handful English peas, split (optional)
2 oranges, zested (zest reserved), peeled and sliced crosswise into ¼-in (0.6 cm) slices
2 tbsp (30 ml) pine nuts, lightly toasted
2 tbsp (30 ml) pomegranate arils
1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced crosswise into ¼-in (0.6 cm) slices
1 blood orange, peeled and sliced crosswise into ¼-in (0.6 cm) slices
fresh basil and mint leaves, for garnish
LIMONCELLO LIME DRESSING
1 tbsp (22.5 ml) white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) Limoncello
⅓ cup + 4 tsp (100 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) liquid honey
⅛ tsp (a pinch) white pepper

Instructions

  1. Place shallots in a clean, non-reactive, heatproof jar. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, cook red wine vinegar, sugar and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt until just simmering. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and pour into jar with shallots. Loosely cover with lid and cool to room temperature. Tighten lid and refrigerate overnight.
  3. In a large bowl, toss salad greens with desired amount of Limoncello Lime Dressing. Scatter with desired amount of pickled shallots. Transfer to a serving platter and top with avocados and English peas, if using. Scatter reserved orange zest, pine nuts and pomegranate arils evenly across.
  4. Top with grapefruit, blood orange and orange slices as desired and garnish with basil and mint leaves.
  5. LIMONCELLO LIME DRESSING
  6. In a small jar, combine all ingredients, cover tightly with lid and shake vigorously to make dressing. Use as needed. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Drink Pairings