Asian Charcuterie

Ingredients

Savory Elements

1. Sushi Rolls - Choose a variety of sushi rolls such as California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and vegetable rolls. These provide a fresh and flavorful component to the board.
2. Dim Sum - Include a selection of dim sum like pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and vegetable spring rolls. These bite-sized treats add a savory and satisfying element.
3. Satay Skewers - Prepare chicken, beef, or tofu satay skewers marinated in a blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, and spices. These skewers offer a taste of Southeast Asian street food.
4. Seaweed Salad - A light and refreshing seaweed salad adds a crunchy texture and a burst of umami flavor.
5. Kimchi - This spicy, fermented Korean cabbage provides a tangy and fiery kick, balancing the other flavors on the board.

Protein-Rich Options

1. Teriyaki Chicken - Sliced teriyaki chicken breast, glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.
2. Peking Duck Pancakes - Thin slices of Peking duck served with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions.
3. Sashimi - Include a variety of sashimi such as tuna, salmon, and yellowtail for a fresh and delicate addition.

Cheese and Dairy

1. Cream Cheese and Wasabi Spread - A blend of cream cheese with a touch of wasabi for a creamy and spicy dip.
2. Asian-Inspired Cheese - Consider including cheeses with flavors that complement the Asian theme, such as a wasabi cheddar or a miso-infused gouda.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

1. Edamame - Steamed and lightly salted edamame beans.
2. Cucumber Slices - Fresh and crisp cucumber slices, perfect for dipping or pairing with other ingredients.
3. Carrot Sticks - Crunchy carrot sticks that add color and a sweet, fresh flavor.
4. Mango Slices - Sweet and juicy mango slices for a tropical touch.
5. Dragon Fruit - Exotic and visually striking, dragon fruit adds a unique texture and flavor.

Condiments and Dips

1. Soy Sauce - Essential for dipping sushi and sashimi.
2. Sriracha Mayo - A spicy and creamy sauce that pairs well with many of the savory elements.
3. Peanut Sauce - A rich and flavorful dipping sauce for satay skewers and spring rolls.
4. Plum Sauce - A sweet and tangy sauce that complements Peking duck and other savory items.

Crunchy and Sweet Additions

1. Rice Crackers - Light and crispy rice crackers for pairing with spreads and cheeses.
2. Fortune Cookies - For a fun and sweet ending to the meal.
3. Sesame Balls - Sweet, chewy, and filled with red bean paste, these add a traditional Chinese dessert element.

Drinks and Extras

1. Green Tea - A refreshing beverage that complements the flavors of the board.
2. Sake - A traditional Japanese rice wine to enhance the dining experience.
3. Chopsticks and Small Plates - To make it easy for guests to pick and choose their favorites.

How To Arrange

Step 1: Choose the Right Board

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Sushi Rolls: Slice them into bite-sized pieces.
• Dim Sum: Steam or heat them as needed.
• Satay Skewers: Grill and let them cool slightly.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Slice into thin strips.
• Peking Duck: Prepare with pancakes sliced cucumber and scallions.
• Sashimi: Arrange thin slices neatly.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Slice and chop as necessary.

Step 3: Create a Focal Point

Step 4: Arrange the Main Elements

• Place sushi rolls in a fan shape or neat rows.
• Lay out the satay skewers in a radiating pattern.
• Position dim sum in small clusters.
• Arrange the teriyaki chicken and Peking duck slices in overlapping rows.
• Scatter sashimi pieces in a way that showcases their colors and textures.

Step 5: Add Smaller Items and Fillers

• Rice Crackers: Place these in small piles around the board.
• Edamame: Scatter these in gaps between larger items.
• Cheese and Dips: Place small bowls or ramekins of cheese spreads and dips around the board.
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Fill in gaps with cucumber slices, carrot sticks, mango slices, and dragon fruit pieces.

Step 6: Add Condiments and Sauces

• Place soy sauce near the sushi and sashimi.
• Position sriracha mayo and peanut sauce near the satay skewers.
• Put plum sauce close to the Peking duck pancakes.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

• Fortune Cookies and Sesame Balls: Scatter these sweet treats around the board.
• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs like cilantro for added color and flavor.
• Chopsticks and Plates: Place chopsticks and small plates on the side for easy serving.

Step 8: Ensure Balance and Accessibility

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Charcuterie Board Ideas

Themed Charcuterie Boards

1. Japanese-Inspired Board: This board is a homage to the refined simplicity and intrinsic elegance of Japanese cuisine. Begin with a selection of sushi rolls and sashimi, such as tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, which are staples in Japanese dining. Accompany these with sides like seaweed salad and edamame to add color and texture. Feature tamagoyaki, a sweet and savory rolled omelet, which offers a unique taste profile. For condiments, provide small bowls of soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger to enhance the flavors. Round off the board with Japanese rice crackers for a crunchy element and green tea mochi for a subtly sweet finale, making this board not just a meal but an experience of Japan’s culinary aesthetics.
2. Korean-Inspired Board: Dive into the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine with this visually stunning and palate-pleasing board. At its heart, features kimchi and bulgogi, a marinated beef dish known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor. Add Korean fried chicken bites for a crunchy, spicy kick, and japchae, a sweet and savory dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables. Include a variety of banchan, such as seasoned spinach, radish kimchi, and spicy cucumber salad, which are essential in Korean dining. Enhance these flavors with dipping sauces like gochujang and sesame oil. Conclude with sweet treats like Korean rice cakes and honey butter chips to balance the board’s spiciness.
3. Chinese-Inspired Board: This board celebrates the rich diversity of Chinese culinary arts. Start with an assortment of dim sum, including pork buns, shrimp dumplings, and spring rolls, offering a taste of southern China’s famed morning meals. Feature Peking duck, a beloved dish characterized by its crispy skin and succulent meat, served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced scallions. Add a selection of Chinese barbecue meats, such as char siu and soy sauce chicken, to introduce the savory flavors of roasted delicacies. Include side dishes like marinated tofu and pickled vegetables for freshness and contrast, and end with sesame balls for a sweet, crunchy dessert.
4. Southeast Asian-Inspired Board: Embrace the exotic and robust flavors of Southeast Asia with a board that’s as colorful as its ingredients. Include satay skewers with a rich peanut sauce, Vietnamese summer rolls for a fresh, herbal crunch, and a Thai mango salad that combines sweet, sour, spicy, and savory notes. Offer Malaysian roti canai with a side of curry dipping sauce to represent the region’s Indian influences. Add a tropical touch with fresh fruits like pineapple, papaya, and lychee, ideal for cleansing the palate. For dessert, features pandan cake and coconut sticky rice, which embody the classic flavors of Southeast Asian sweets.