Braised Garlic and Walnuts: A Savory and Nutritious Side Dish
Braised Garlic and Walnuts: A Savory and Nutritious Side Dish
Nourishing Braised Garlic and Walnuts with Fresh Garlic: A Perfect Make-Ahead Side Dish
This nourishing side dish, made with wholesome garlic and walnuts, is a wonderful boost for your body. It’s also an excellent choice for students preparing for exams, offering both flavor and essential nutrients. Enjoy this delicious and healthy addition to your meals.
Main Ingredients- 170g Garlic (peeled)
- 240g Walnuts (halves or pieces)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the walnuts to enhance their nutty flavor and reduce any bitterness. Blanch the walnut halves in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This step makes it easier to peel off any thin skin and mellows out any astringent taste, resulting in a softer texture. After blanching, rinse the walnuts under cold water and drain them thoroughly.
Step 2
Next, prepare the aromatic garlic. Wash the peeled garlic cloves thoroughly under running water. Trim off any long stems from the garlic. If you have very large cloves, cut them in half for more even cooking and better sauce absorption. This ensures the garlic cooks evenly and absorbs the delicious braising liquid.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the flavorful braising sauce. In a bowl or directly in the cooking pot, combine 3 tablespoons of brewed soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of regular soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice syrup, 1/2 tablespoon of ginger syrup, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, and 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined. Mixing the sauce ingredients beforehand allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4
Pour the prepared sauce into a pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once the sauce is gently bubbling, add the prepared walnuts and garlic. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the sauce. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning, stirring occasionally as it simmers.
Step 5
This is the stage where the garlic becomes tender and the sauce thickens, coating everything beautifully. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat, with the lid on or off depending on how quickly you want the sauce to reduce. Stir or gently toss the ingredients periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The garlic is ready when it turns translucent and the sauce has a glossy, slightly thickened consistency. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 6
Finally, turn off the heat and add the finishing touches for extra flavor. Drizzle a moderate amount of sesame oil over the braised garlic and walnuts, and sprinkle with a pinch of sesame seeds for garnish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the crunch of sesame seeds will elevate the dish. Let it cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container for refrigeration. This dish is delicious served warm with steamed rice!
