Palmito Nikkei Recipe

Time40m
Serves4

Breaded palmito sweet nikkei sauce and nikkei chimichurri. Choice of lettuce wrap is available for our taco - chicken with spicy mayo

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Ingredients

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Breaded Palmito

Method

Breaded Palmito

1

Prepare palmito by draining thoroughly and patting dry with paper towels. If pieces are very thick, halve lengthwise so each piece is about 1/2–3/4 inch thick.

2

Set up a breading station: place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk. In a third bowl, combine panko, grated Parmesan (if using), the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

3

Working one piece at a time, dredge each palmito in flour, shaking off excess, dip into the egg mixture, then press into the panko mixture to fully coat. Place breaded pieces on a plate and let rest 5 minutes so coating adheres.

4

Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and add oil to reach about 1/4 inch depth (approximately 1 cup). Heat until shimmering and a breadcrumb test piece sizzles and browns in about 45–60 seconds (oil temperature ~350°F / 175°C).

5

Fry breaded palmito in batches (do not overcrowd) 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to turn gently. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray and sprinkle lightly with salt.

6

Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while finishing remaining batches.

Sweet Nikkei Sauce

7

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger and minced garlic until smooth.

8

Taste and adjust balance: add a touch more honey for sweetness, more rice vinegar for brightness, or a pinch more soy for umami. If you want a little heat, stir in the red pepper flakes.

9

Chill in refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble tacos.

Nikkei Chimichurri

10

Roughly chop cilantro, parsley and green onion. Place in a food processor or blender with aji amarillo paste, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce and salt.

11

Pulse while streaming in olive oil until mixture is coarsely combined — you want a slightly textured chimichurri rather than a smooth purée. Taste and adjust salt, lime or aji amarillo to preference.

12

Transfer to a small bowl and let sit 10 minutes for flavors to marry. Refrigerate if not using immediately; bring back to room temperature before serving.

Optional Wrap & Toppings

13

If making spicy mayo for the chicken taco option, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon sriracha. Adjust heat to taste.

14

Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or oven, or prepare large lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap. Lay a bit of shredded lettuce on each tortilla/leaf to create a bed for the palmito.

15

Assemble tacos: place 1–2 pieces of breaded palmito per taco on the lettuce, drizzle with 1–2 teaspoons sweet nikkei sauce and 1 teaspoon nikkei chimichurri. Top with pickled red onion and a squeeze of lemon.

16

For the chicken taco option (if substituting fried chicken): use the spicy mayo in place of or alongside the sweet nikkei sauce and add chimichurri as desired.

17

Serve immediately while palmito are hot and crisp.