Some of my cousins are currently enjoying a family trip to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. I love Hawaii and I hope they are having a wonderful time and making memories they will never forget. Their trip has had me thinking though….

Is it possible for someone to travel to Hawaii and not fall instantly in love?

It’s been a year since I was last in Hawaii and I miss everything about it…..

From the snow-capped mountains to the beaches of all different colors.

The crystal clear deep blue waters full of brightly colored tropical fish, turtles, and whales.

The lush tropical jungles that cover one side of the island….

While the other side of the island is covered in rigid vast lava fields.  How many places on Earth can you watch new land being formed right before your eyes?

Then there are the sweet-smelling trade winds and the unforgettable Hawaiian Sunsets.

I’ve never seen more stars in the night sky than I have on top of Mauna Kea…

 

Nor have I ever seen something as inspiring as the Na’Pali coastline.

Yes I love everything about Hawaii and I hope my cousins are enjoying their adventures in the land of Aloha too!!

Since it has been cold, wet, and cloudy here in Texas for the past few weeks and I’ve had Hawaii on the mind….

I decided to have a little taste of Aloha for dinner with Huli-Huli Marinated Salmon and Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad.

 

Huli-Huli sauce is like a Hawaiian Style Teriyaki BBQ sauce and is commonly used basted on Chicken.  I used this sauce more as a marinade for salmon and it was to die for.

I hope y’all enjoy.

Aloha!!!

 

Hawaiian Huli-Huli Marinated Salmon & Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

 

Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

Spicy Peanut Dressing:

¼ Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

2 Cloves Garlic

2 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seed Oil

2 Tablespoons Mirin*

4 Tablespoons Tamari

1 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar

1 Tablespoons Honey

1 Teaspoon Grated Ginger

2 Pinches Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth.

*Mirin is a type of Sweetened Japanese Rice Wine similar to Sake. Mirin can be found with all of the Asian condiments at your local grocery store.

The Salad:

1 – 10 oz Package Soba Noodles

1 Carrot, grated

1 handful of Cilantro, chopped

1 Handful Peanuts, chopped

3-4 Green Onions, chopped

Toasted Sesame Seed for garnish before serving

Directions:

Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process then drain again. In a bowl toss the soba noodles, grated carrot, cilantro, chopped peanuts, green onions, and the spicy peanut ginger dressing. If the dressing seems too thick add 1 tablespoon of water. Allow the salad to set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This is one of those tasty salads that gets better the longer it sits.

 

Hawaiian Huli-Huli Marinated Salmon

The Marinade:

2-4 Skin on Salmon Filets

½ Cups Hawaiian Famous Huli-Huli Sauce

¼ Cup Pineapple Juice

1 Tablespoon Honey

1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seed Oil

1 Teaspoon Grated Ginger

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

2 Green Onions, chopped

1-2 Pinches Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)

 

Directions:

Whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade then pour into a zip top bag with the salmon filets. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, turning the salmon occasionally. Before cooking allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Heat a large cast iron skillet (or if the weather is nice an outdoor grill) over medium – high heat with 2-3 tablespoons of peanut oil. Place the salmon in the skillet skin side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Reduce the heat to low and turn the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is almost cook through. Remove from the pan, cover the salmon with foil and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the spicy peanut soba noodle salad.