Deliciously Sweet and Savory Braised Walnuts Recipe
Brain-Boosting Braised Walnuts – A Nutritious Treat
Walnuts, a quintessential fall nut, are hailed as one of the top 10 superfoods by TIME magazine. Braised walnuts are not only perfect for snacking but also make a delightful side dish for rice. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture are irresistible!
Main Ingredients- 3 cups walnuts
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Seasoning Ingredients- 4.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2/3 cup water (approx. 130ml)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 4.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2/3 cup water (approx. 130ml)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully place the walnuts in a colander and shake off any loose bits or dust. This ensures a clean presentation for your finished dish. If the walnuts are very large, you can break them in half for easier eating.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the walnuts to the boiling water and blanch them for about 20 seconds. This quick blanching step helps to remove any bitterness and impurities from the walnuts, allowing them to absorb the braising liquid more effectively.
Step 3
Drain the blanched walnuts and rinse them once under cool running water. After rinsing, drain them thoroughly in a colander, ensuring most of the excess water is removed.
Step 4
In a dry skillet over low heat (no oil needed), toast the walnuts for about 1 minute. This step helps to evaporate any remaining moisture, enhancing their crispness and nutty flavor.
Step 5
Push the toasted walnuts to one side of the pan, or temporarily set them aside. Add the soy sauce (4.5 Tbsp), water (2/3 cup), cooking oil (1 Tbsp), mirin (2 Tbsp), sugar (2 Tbsp), and corn syrup (2.5 Tbsp) to the same pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.
Step 6
Return the toasted walnuts to the pan. Stir continuously with a spatula, ensuring the walnuts are well-coated with the sauce. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the walnuts.
Step 7
Once the sauce has thickened and coats the walnuts with a glossy sheen, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top for an added layer of nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 8
Your delicious braised walnuts, a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, are ready to be enjoyed! They make a fantastic side dish for rice, a healthy snack, or a tasty accompaniment to your favorite beverages. Enjoy!
