Experience a Burst of Flavor: Sesame Ginger Salmon Over Crunchy Ramen Slaw

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure! Today, I am thrilled to unveil my highly anticipated entry into the prestigious 2015 Saucy Mama Recipe Contest. This year, my creation aims to captivate judges and home cooks alike, showcasing a harmonious blend of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. I proudly present my contribution to the seafood category: Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw!

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, innovative flavor combinations, and the incredible versatility of premium sauces. Get ready to transform your dinner table into an Asian-inspired delight that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious.

The Excitement of the Saucy Mama Recipe Contest and World Food Championships

I am beyond excited and honored to be among the select 25 bloggers participating in this year’s Saucy Mama Recipe Contest. This event is more than just a competition; it’s a qualifying gateway to the esteemed World Food Championships, an epic culinary showdown held in Kissimmee, Florida, every November. The stakes are high, and the talent is immense, making this an incredible opportunity to push creative boundaries and showcase innovative recipes. Food competitions like these are a fantastic platform for culinary artists to share their passion and skill with a wider audience, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

The Saucy Mama contest challenges participants to create a show-stopping dish using their exceptional line of sauces, emphasizing flavor, originality, and presentation. Being chosen for this event highlights the passion and dedication I pour into every recipe I develop, and I am eager to share my unique flavor perspective with you. This particular competition required us to craft a recipe fitting into one of several categories: Burger, Sandwich, Bacon, Seafood, Pasta, or Fresh Recipe. With my love for fresh, vibrant flavors and healthy options, the seafood category immediately called to me, offering the perfect canvas for creative expression.

Choosing the Perfect Saucy Mama Pairings

Each blogger selected to participate was given the delightful task of choosing which Saucy Mama Sauces they wanted to feature in their creation. With an impressive array of gourmet dressings and marinades, deciding where to begin was a delicious dilemma! Barhyte Specialty Foods, the creators of the Saucy Mama brand, are renowned for their high-quality, diverse product line, making the selection process both exciting and challenging. After much contemplation and imagining various flavor profiles, I narrowed down my selection to two extraordinary sauces that perfectly complement an Asian-inspired seafood dish:

Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing: Known for its bright, zesty ginger notes and a hint of sweetness, this dressing is a game-changer for any dish needing a fresh, aromatic lift. My long-standing love affair with all things ginger made this an essential choice, promising a delightful warmth and spice.
Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing: This dressing offers a rich, umami depth from savory miso, beautifully balanced with the citrusy brightness of orange and the nutty warmth of sesame. It promises a complex and satisfying base for marinades and glazes, adding layers of sophisticated flavor.

My mind was swimming with saucy ideas, and I couldn’t wait to get started! The moment I envisioned an Asian-style slaw paired with succulent salmon, I knew these two sauces would create a magical synergy, delivering a flavor profile that would be both familiar and exciting. The bold, authentic flavors of these dressings truly set them apart and make them ideal for crafting a memorable dish.

Crafting the Perfect Sesame Ginger Salmon

Salmon is a magnificent fish, celebrated not only for its rich flavor and flaky texture but also for its incredible health benefits, particularly its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. It’s also a versatile canvas that readily absorbs marinades and glazes, making it ideal for this recipe. To truly elevate the salmon, I decided to approach it in two stages: a flavorful marinade to tenderize and infuse, and a tantalizing glaze to finish with a beautiful sheen and an extra punch of taste.

The Miso Orange Sesame Marinade: Infusing Deep Flavor

For the initial flavor infusion, I crafted a marinade using the exquisite Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing. This dressing already brings a fantastic balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. To enhance its natural sweetness and create a beautiful caramelization during cooking, I blended it with a touch of brown sugar, rich honey, a dash of low sodium soy sauce for an extra layer of umami depth, and a hint of sesame oil for an additional nutty aroma. This carefully constructed marinade penetrates the salmon, ensuring every bite is moist, tender, and bursting with complex sweet and savory notes. Marinating for at least an hour allows the flavors to truly meld and tenderize the fish, resulting in a more profound taste experience that’s a delight to the palate.

The Pacific Rim Ginger Glaze: A Bright and Zesty Finish

Once the salmon was beautifully grilled or pan-seared to flaky perfection, it was time for the show-stopping glaze. This vibrant glaze is made with the bright and lively Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing, brightened further with fresh orange zest and juice. The ginger provides a warm, invigorating, and subtly spicy kick, while the orange zest and juice contribute a refreshing citrusy brightness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the salmon. Brushing this glaze on the salmon during the final minutes of cooking creates a gorgeous, glossy finish and a burst of irresistible flavor that truly makes the dish sing, adding an irresistible aromatic appeal.

The glazed salmon, even on its own, would be an exquisite meal. However, I believe that a truly memorable dish engages all the senses, and a pop of color and an exciting texture contrast were essential to elevate this recipe even further. As a cook, I adore colorful food – it hints at the freshness and variety of flavors within. Don’t you agree? A visually appealing plate enhances the dining experience, making each bite even more enjoyable.

The Vibrant and Crunchy Ramen Slaw: A Perfect Counterpart

To complement the succulent salmon, I created an absolutely amazing crunchy ramen slaw. This isn’t your average coleslaw; it’s a medley of textures and flavors that provides a refreshing and exciting contrast to the tender fish. The “crunchy ramen” comes from lightly toasted instant ramen noodles (without the flavor packet, of course!), which add a delightful, unexpected crispiness to every forkful. Paired with toasted sliced almonds, the slaw boasts an irresistible crunch that will keep you coming back for more, providing a satisfying textural element that elevates the entire dish.

The base of the slaw features a colorful mix of pre-packaged cole slaw mix, vibrant shredded carrots, and thinly sliced purple cabbage, all contributing fresh, crisp textures and a spectrum of beautiful hues. What truly ties it all together are the luscious mandarin oranges, which lend a subtle, sweet citrus note that beautifully echoes and enhances the orange flavors already present in the salmon marinade and glaze. Fresh cilantro adds an herbaceous brightness, while thinly sliced scallions provide a mild oniony bite, completing this symphony of ingredients. This slaw is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

And for the dressing? I used BOTH Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing and Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing. This ingenious combination ensures that the slaw perfectly harmonizes with the salmon, creating a cohesive and incredibly flavorful dish. The dual dressing approach delivers a complex, layered taste experience – sweet, savory, tangy, and subtly spicy – that ties all the elements of the meal together into what can only be described as Saucy Mama Heaven. Each ingredient in the slaw plays a vital role, but the dressings are undoubtedly the stars, weaving all the flavors into a magnificent culinary tapestry.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try: Flavor, Health, and Ease

This Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw is more than just a contest entry; it’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can be transformed into an extraordinary meal with the right touches. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests at any gathering. The preparation is straightforward and well-structured, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. Plus, with the healthy omega-3s from lean salmon and a bounty of fresh, fiber-rich vegetables in the slaw, it’s a dish you can feel exceptionally good about serving to your family and friends.

The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements, along with the delightful textural play between the tender, flaky salmon and the crispy, vibrant slaw, creates a truly balanced and addictive dish. The innovative use of toasted ramen noodles adds an unexpected and much-loved crunch, differentiating this recipe from traditional slaws. These two Saucy Mama dressings are now permanent staples in my pantry, offering endless possibilities for other dishes, and I have no doubt you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and time again once you experience their quality and outstanding flavor. Are you ready to try them for yourself and discover your new favorite meal?

Recipe: Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw

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close up of Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw

Average Rating: 4.86 from 14 votes

Print Recipe

Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw #SaucyMama

Flavors of orange, sesame and ginger throughout this salmon and crunchy fresh ramen slaw, your tastebuds will be in heaven!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Additional Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Seafood

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 592 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUNCHY RAMEN SLAW

2 3 ounce packages ramen noodles, flavor packet removed
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 16 ounce bag cole slaw mix
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups purple cabbage (sliced)
1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
1 15 ounce can Mandarin Oranges
1/2 cup scallions (sliced)
1/4 cup Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing
1/2 cup Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing

FOR THE SALMON

4 5 ounce salmon fillets

MARINADE:

1/4 cup Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce

GLAZE:

1/3 cup Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing
1 Tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Scallions for garnish

Instructions

TO PREPARE THE SLAW: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 C). Break ramen noodles into small pieces and spread them on a baking sheet with the sliced almonds. Toast for 5 minutes, then toss and return to the oven for another 3 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Set aside to cool completely. In a large bowl, combine the cole slaw mix, shredded carrots, sliced purple cabbage, chopped cilantro, and sliced scallions. Just before serving, drain the mandarin oranges and add them to the vegetable mix along with the cooled toasted ramen noodles and almonds. Pour both the Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing and the Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing over the slaw ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately to maintain maximum crunch.

TO PREPARE SALMON:

PREPARE MARINADE: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup Saucy Mama Miso Orange Sesame Dressing, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and low sodium soy sauce to create the marinade. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then flip the salmon pieces and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This allows the salmon to absorb the rich flavors.
PREPARE GLAZE: While the salmon is marinating, whisk together 1/3 cup Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing, orange zest, and fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Refrigerate this glaze until you are ready to use it, keeping its flavors fresh.
COOK SALMON: Heat a skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) or preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, onto the hot surface. Cook for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the prepared ginger-orange glaze generously over the salmon, allowing it to caramelize slightly and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
SERVE: Carefully transfer the glazed salmon fillets to serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh sliced scallions for extra color and a mild onion flavor. Serve immediately alongside the vibrant Crunchy Ramen Slaw for a complete, irresistible meal.

Nutrition

Win Your Own Saucy Mama Sauces!

Are you eager to infuse your own kitchen with the incredible flavors of Saucy Mama? Here’s your chance to win three amazing Saucy Mama Sauces of your very own! These are the same quality dressings and marinades that elevated my contest entry to “Saucy Mama Heaven,” and I know you’ll love them just as much. Don’t miss this opportunity to stock your pantry with these gourmet essentials that can transform everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Participating is incredibly easy and quick! Follow these simple steps to earn your entries and have a chance to win:

Leave a Comment (1 Entry): Between now and June 1st, 2015, simply leave a comment on this blog post below. Tell me what excites you most about this recipe, what Saucy Mama sauce you’d love to try, or your favorite way to use salmon. Each unique, thoughtful comment counts as one entry!
Bonus Entry – Share on Twitter (1 Bonus Entry): For a second, bonus entry, visit my Twitter page (and give me a follow if you haven’t already!). Then, retweet the official #SaucyMama Twitter post announcing this contest and giveaway. Make sure your retweet is public so I can easily see it and count your entry!

I will announce the lucky winner on June 2nd on my Facebook page, and I will contact the winner directly via email to arrange the prize delivery. Good luck to all participants – I can’t wait to see your engagement!

I genuinely cannot emphasize enough how gloriously good ALL of the Saucy Mama Sauces are. From vibrant vinaigrettes to rich marinades, they consistently deliver exceptional flavor and quality, made with ingredients you can trust. They are perfect for elevating simple ingredients into gourmet meals. I encourage you to take a peek at their full range of products and explore the possibilities for your own culinary adventures. Discover their delicious selection and find your new kitchen favorites here.

Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Sesame Ginger Salmon over Crunchy Ramen Slaw as much as I enjoyed developing it. May your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and your table with happy faces. Happy cooking!