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Spinach Miso Soup with Clams

Spinach Miso Soup with Clams

Spinach Miso Soup with Clams

 

⅓ C. miso (fermented soybean paste)

¼ C. gochujang

1 tsp. kosher or sea salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 T. sesame oil

4 C. (32 ounces) low-sodium chicken stock

1 (14-ounce) container firm tofu, cut into ½-inch slices

1 dozen littleneck clams, washed and scrubbed

1 (8-ounce) bunch mature spinach, washed and trimmed

 

In a 5-quart pot, combine miso and gochujang and stir to form a cohesive paste. Add salt, garlic powder and sesame oil, mixing until fully incorporated. Add stock, 1 C. at a time, stirring thoroughly between each addition so the paste fully liquefies. When paste is fully dissolved, add 8 C. water and stir. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on medium heat for 1 hour, or until soup reduces by roughly a quarter. Add tofu, cook for 15 minutes, then add clams and spinach. Once the clams have opened, discarding any that do not open, the soup is ready to serve.

Stir-Fried Beef with Cilantro

Stir-Fried Beef with Cilantro

Stir-Fried Beef with Cilantro

 

1 T. Asian chili Paste

2 T. Vegetable Oil

1 lb. Sirloin, cut into ¼” slices

¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped plus ½ C. fresh cilantro leaves

1 tsp. Naam Pla

 

Stir together paste with ½ C. water. Heat wok or heavy bottom skillet over high heat until drop of water evaporates immediately. Add 1 T. oil and heat until almost smoking, then stir fry half meat until browned; transfer to a bowl. Repeat with second half of beef. Return all beef and juices to wok. Add chile paste water and ¼ C. chopped Cilantro and stir fry until liquid is reduced to a quarter cup. Remove from heat, stir in Naam Pla and top with cilantro leaves for garnish.

Asian Grilled Tri-Tip

Asian Grilled Tri-Tip

Asian Grilled Tri-Tip

 

1 1/2-2 Pound Beef tri-tip, cut into 2-inch cubes

1/4 C. Low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 C. Black Asian vinegar

1/2 C. Peanut or vegetable oil

3 T. Honey

4 Green onions, thinly sliced

2 T. Fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1/4 C. Chili garlic sauce

2 T. Black and white sesame seeds

Additional black or white sesame seeds

Rice or noodles

 

Place a 1-gal. zip-top plastic freezer bag in a large bowl; add first 9 ingredients. Seal bag, and turn it to mix well; refrigerate 8 to 10 hours. About 1 hour before grilling beef, light charcoal grill or preheat gas grill to 400° to 500° (high). Remove beef from marinade, discarding marinade, and grill 2 minutes; turn and grill an additional 2 minutes. Remove beef from grill, and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds. Serve over rice or rice noodles.

Orange Teriyaki Beef Noodle Bowl

Orange Teriyaki Beef Noodle Bowl

Orange Teriyaki Beef Noodle Bowl

 

1 lb. thin cut round steak, thinly sliced

16 oz pkg frozen vegetables, stir-fry mix

2.5 cups beef broth

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

2 T orange marmalade

1 T soy sauce

3 cups uncooked angel hair pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces

 

Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, remove from pan. Add stir-fry mix, broth, teriyaki sauce, marmalade and soy sauce to pan. Bring to a boil; add pasta, reduce heat and cook 4 minutes or until pasta is tender. Return beef to mixture; cook until thoroughly heated.

Crockpot Korean Style Short Ribs

Crockpot Korean Style Short Ribs

Crockpot Korean Style Short Ribs

 

1 cup soy sauce (I use Silver Swan, a Filipino brand, but any would do, even low sodium)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

4 tablespoons sesame oil

4 tablespoons rice vinegar

4 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

I head of garlic, peeled and minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

5 lbs beef short ribs, (aka English Cut)

1-2 stalks green onions, sliced thin for garnish

1/2 teaspoon white sesame seeds for garnish

 

Mix soy sauce, sugar, oil, vinegar, ginger, garlic and red pepper in a small bowl. Place ribs in a 5-quart slow cooker and pour sauce over. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Remove ribs from crockpot and serve hot over a bed of rice with a garnish of green onions and sesame seeds. *Alternately, if you don’t have a crockpot/slow cooker, simply place the ribs in a foil lined baking sheet and baking in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1-1/2 hours until cooked through.

Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups

Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups

Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups

 

1 block extra firm tofu

5 T. natural peanut butter

2 T. liquid aminos

2 T. sesame oil

1 T. lime juice

1 tsp. chili powder

1 T. erythritol/stevia blend

1 T. coconut oil

1 small red bell pepper, diced

5 medium butter lettuce leaves

1 T. crushed peanuts

2 small green onions, chopped

 

Pre-heat the skillet on stove. Slice the extra firm tofu into approximately 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a towel. In a mixing bowl combine the natural peanut butter, liquid aminos, sesame oil, chili powder, lime juice, and sweetener. Stir well until smooth. Melt the coconut oil in skillet. Place the tofu cubes and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté the tofu and red pepper until the edges of the tofu begin to brown slightly. Add half of the peanut sauce to the tofu and stir to coat, cooking on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes. Once the sauce begins to thicken and crisp on the tofu, remove from heat. Place the skillet ingredients into the butter lettuce leaves. Top with the remaining sauce, and garnish with crushed peanuts and green onion.

Hunan Bean Sprout Salad

Hunan Bean Sprout Salad

Hunan Bean Sprout Salad

 

2 T. Sesame seeds

1 pound Fresh bean sprouts thoroughly washed and drained

3 md Garlic cloves peeled and minced

2 md Scallions −− trimmed & minced

1 1″ cube ginger peeled and minced

2 T. Oriental sesame oil

1/3 cup Soy sauce

2 T. Cider vinegar

1 T. Mirin (sweet rice wine)

2 tsp. Light brown sugar

1 tsp. Spicy sesame oil or Chinese chili oil

 

Fresh bean sprouts are a must for this recipe from China’s Hunan province. The canned variety don’t have the requisite crispness. Keep a close eye on the toasting sesame seeds so they don’t burn.  PREHEAT OVEN TO 300F. Toast the sesame seeds by spreading them over the bottom of a pie tin. Roast for 12−to−16 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden. The seeds can be toasted in advance and stored in an airtight container. Place the bean sprouts in a large heatproof bowl and set it aside. In a medium−size skillet set over moderately low heat, stir−fry the garlic, scallions and ginger in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are limp. Add all the remaining ingredients, increase the heat to moderate, then boil the mixture, uncovered, for 1 minute to slightly reduce the liquid. Pour the boiling dressing over the bean sprouts, toss well, then cover the bowl and chill the salad for several hours. Toss again before serving.

Asian Coleslaw

Asian Coleslaw

Asian Coleslaw

 

1 medium head green cabbage

1 medium head red cabbage

3 T. sea salt

3 large carrots

1/4 cup minced scallions

1 T. toasted sesame seeds

 

2/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 T. dark-roasted sesame oil

 

Discard the outer leaves of cabbages. Cut heads in quarters; remove and discard cores. Slice cabbage thinly or shred in a food processor. Layer the cabbage in a large bowl with the sea salt. Toss to distribute salt evenly and let cabbage sit for 1 hour to soften.  Meanwhile, peel the carrots and grate them into thin shreds.  Drain off any liquid produced by the cabbage and rinse the cabbage well in several changes of cold water to remove excess salt. Taste the cabbage; if it is still too salty, rinse it again.  Add carrots to the cabbage and mix well.  Whisk the rice vinegar, brown sugar and sesame oil together in a small bowl.  Pour the dressing over the cabbage and mix well. Let chill. Garnish with minced scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Thai Coconut Potsticker Soup

Thai Coconut Potsticker Soup

Thai Coconut Potsticker Soup

 

2 cloves garlic

1″ piece fresh ginger, peeled

2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3 inch sections

1 tsp. lime zest

2 T. red curry paste

4 cups chicken broth

3 T. fish sauce

3 13.5 oz cans coconut milk

1 cup onion, large dice

½ lb fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced

1 lb frozen chicken potstickers

2 T. fresh lime juice

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

 

Optional Garnishes

 

thai chili peppers, thinly sliced

fresh cilantro leaves

scallions, sliced

lime wedges

 

Add the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime zest, red curry paste and chicken broth to a large pot on the stove over high heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes.  Use a slotted spoon to remove the ginger, garlic cloves and lemongrass from the soup. Add the fish sauce, coconut milk, onions, shiitake mushrooms and frozen potstickers.  Cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Won Ton Dipping Sauce

Won Ton Dipping Sauce

Won Ton Dipping Sauce

 

1 large onion, cut in chunks

4-6 medium-to-hot, fresh red peppers, such as serrano or jalapeno, seeds removed

4 cloves garlic, peeled

4 T. oil

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar

3 T. brown sugar

 

Combine onion, peppers and garlic in food processor and chop to a medium-fine consistency. Heat oil in skillet on low heat and add the vegetables from the food processor. Stir, continuing to cook on low heat until the oil takes on the color of the peppers. You’ll notice as you stir that the peppers will change colors, darkening a bit and the fragrance will be less onion, and more of a tasty-smelling blend. In a bowl, pour the vinegar, soy sauce and brown sugar and stir to dissolve the sugar. Taste the mixture, it should be salty, slightly sweet and a bit sour. If too sour, add some more sugar. Mix, then add the mixture from the skillet. Serve warm or at room temperature with freshly steamed or fried won tons. Makes about 2 1/4 C..

Shiitake Mushroom Ramen To-Go

Shiitake Mushroom Ramen To-Go

Shiitake Mushroom Ramen To-Go

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced

4 T. chicken bouillon paste or broth base

1 T. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. Asian-style hot sauce (such as Sriracha)

2 C. shredded carrots

5 green onions, white and green portion sliced

8 ounces Asian noodles, cooked according to package directions

1 C. diced cucumber

½ C. chopped, fresh cilantro

four 16-ounce wide-mouth jars with lids

¾ C. boiling water for each jar, when ready to serve

 

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir bouillon paste, soy sauce and hot sauce in a small bowl. Spoon equal amount into bottom of each jar. Divide carrots in two portions. Sprinkle ¼ C. of carrots into each jar. Top with an equal amount of green onions and remaining carrots. Add mushrooms to jars and top with 2 ounces of noodles. Lastly, add ¼ C. of diced cucumber and 2 T. of cilantro. Store jars in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, boil ¾ C. of water. Pour water into the jar. Stir well and enjoy.

Crispy Beef Bowls

Crispy Beef Bowls

Crispy Beef Bowls

 

1 lb. ground beef

1 T. sesame oil

1 T. ginger root grated

2 garlic cloves minced

1 tsp. chilli flakes

2 T. soy sauce

1 T. honey

1 cup long-grain white rice dry

2 carrots shredded or cut into ribbons

1 cup red cabbage shredded

4 radishes thinly sliced

2 spring onions thinly sliced

1 lime cut into wedges

fresh mint to serve

sesame seeds to serve

salt to taste

pepper to taste

 

In a small saucepan on medium-high heat, combine rice with 2 C. of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to a simmer and cook until all of the water has been absorbed and the rice can be fluffed with a fork, about 15 minutes. In a cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet, warm sesame oil to medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Add ginger, garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce and honey, and stir to combine. Continue to cook the beef until dark brown and crispy. Once the beef is cooked, assemble the bowls; divide the rice, vegetables and beef evenly across the bowls. Top with sesame seeds, fresh mint or coriander, and lime wedges to serve.

Instant Pot Korean Ground Beef (Bulgogi)

Instant Pot Korean Ground Beef (Bulgogi)

Instant Pot Korean Ground Beef (Bulgogi)

 

2 tsp. Vegetable Oil

1 1/2 lb. Ground Beef or Ground Turkey, 90% lean is best

7 cloves Garlic (or 1 T. pressed garlic)

1/3 cup Soy Sauce, low sodium

1/2 cup Water

3 T. Brown Sugar

1 T. Sesame Oil

1 T. Ginger Root, grated (or 1 tsp. powdered ginger)

1/2 Asian Pear, grated (optional)

3/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes (or more for some spice)

1/2 tsp. White Pepper (or black)

For the Rice – I use a 7″ x 2.5″ pan

1 1/2 cups Jasmine Rice, rinsed

1 1/2 cups Water

2 T. Butter

To Serve

Tortillas (for tacos)

Lettuce Leaves (for lettuce wraps)

Garnish

2 Green Onions, sliced

Sesame Seeds

 

Get all of your ingredients together and measured out. This will make the process go smoother. Also have the rice in the pan and ready to go. Turn on the pot’s Sauté setting. When it is hot, add the oil, and then the ground beef. Cook beef until it loses the pink color. I use 90% lean beef, so I don’t drain, but drain the excess fat if there is more than a few tsp.. Add garlic, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, Asian pear (if using), red pepper flakes, and white pepper. Mix well, scraping the bottom of the pot to get up any browned bits so you don’t get the Burn error. Cancel the Sauté setting. Set the trivet in the pot over the beef. Put the rice, water, and butter in the pan and set on top of the trivet. Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position. Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button or dial and the + or – button or dial to select 3 minutes. When the cook cycle is finished, let the pot sit undisturbed for 9 minutes (9-minute Natural Release). Then turn the steam release knob to the Venting position and release the remaining pressure/steam. When the pin in the lid drops down, open the lid and use silicone mitts, a pan gripper, or such to carefully remove the pan of rice. Then fluff the rice with a fork.  Remove the trivet and stir the bulgogi. Serve the bulgogi over rice, on lettuce leaves, in taco shells/tortillas, garnish, and enjoy!

Crock Pot Japanese Mushroom Onion Soup

Crock Pot Japanese Mushroom Onion Soup

Crock Pot Japanese Onion Soup

 

2 Medium Carrots

2 Medium Celery Stalks

2 Garlic Cloves, Smashed

6 C. Reduced Sodium Fat Free Chicken Broth

1 Medium Onion, Wedges

8 Oz. Mushrooms, Sliced

4 Green Onions, Sliced (Optional Garnish)

Salt or Soy Sauce to Taste

 

Place everything but the mushrooms and green onions into a slow cooker. I added in the bottom halves of the chopped green onions at this time as well and reserved the green upper halves for garnishing. Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours. There isn’t any reason to cut up the veggies finely because they are just there to cook in their flavors! An hour before serving remove the cooked veggies from the crock pot with a slotted spoon. You can toss these, use them up in another yummy recipe, or serve them on the side. Season to taste. Place the sliced mushrooms and green onion tops into the crock pot with the broth. Give it all a good stir. Cover to cook for another hour or until the mushrooms are tender.

Tom Kha Gai Soup (Thai Coconut Soup)

Tom Kha Gai Soup (Thai Coconut Soup)

Tom Kha Gai Soup (Thai Coconut Soup)

 

2 cans of full fat coconut milk (aprox. 13 oz. each)

2 ½ cups chicken stock

2-3” piece galangal root, sliced thinly

2-3 stalks of lemongrass, tough outer leaf removed and sliced diagonally into 3” pieces

1 small shallot, sliced thinly (approximately ½ cup)

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

1-2 fresh or dried Thai chilies, depending on desired heat (optional)

6-8 kaffir lime leaves

1 ½ Tbsp. fish sauce

1 ½ Tbsp. palm (coconut) sugar

4 Tbsp. fresh limes juice (approximately 2 limes)

1 cup cilantro, chopped

 

In a large stock pot, add the coconut milk, chicken stock, galangal, and lemongrass and simmer at medium heat (do not allow it to boil) for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shallots, mushrooms, chili, and kaffir lime leaves and continue to simmer for 10 more minutes, until the mushrooms are fully cooked. Turn off the heat and add in the fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice and cilantro before serving. Note: it is best to leave everything in the soup so the flavor continues to intensify, but the galangal, lemongrass, chilies, and kaffir lime leaves are generally not consumed.

Thai-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Thai-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Thai-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

 

2 to 3 stalks lemongrass

2 T. coconut oil

1 small onion (about 130g), diced

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1-inch piece of ginger, sliced

2 Thai chilis, sliced

1 tsp. salt, divided

5 cups cubed butternut squash

4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 tsp. ground coriander (optional)

1/2 cup coconut milk

Optional Add-Ins

lime juice

chopped scallions

toasted coconut

toasted pumpkin seeds

 

Prepare the lemongrass stalks by peeling off 1 or 2 layers of the dry outer leaves. Discard the very thin, dry parts of the stalk that look like twigs. Slice the lemongrass stalks into 4-inch sections. Take a kitchen mallet and bash the bottom sections of the lemongrass to release more flavor. Set the lemongrass aside. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add the Thai chili and 1/2 tsp. of salt, and cook for another minute.  Add the cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, remaining 1/2 tsp. of salt, and coriander, if using. Lay the pieces of lemongrass over the butternut squash, but make sure they are submerged under the broth. Placing the lemongrass here will make them easier to remove when the soup is done cooking.  Cover the pot and bring the broth to boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10 to 13 minutes, covered. The soup is ready when the squash is fork tender.  Uncover the pot and let the contents cool for 10 minutes.  Use tongs to remove the lemongrass and discard. Add the coconut milk. Scoop the contents into a high-speed blender and blend in smaller batches until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender and blend the soup directly inside the pot.  Serve the soup in bowls. Garnish with lime juice, chopped scallions, toasted coconut, and toasted pumpkin seeds, if you like.

Asian Beef and Snow Peas

Asian Beef and Snow Peas

Asian Beef and Snow Peas

 

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 pound beef sirloin (sliced into thin strips)

5 ounces of snow peas

1 cup kale

2 cups cooked brown rice

1/2 cup soy sauce

4 Tablespoons brown sugar

2 Tablespoons rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 Tablespoon hoisin sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

 

In a skillet over medium heat, combine the oil and mushrooms. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes. While mushrooms are cooking, start making the sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisking until combined. After the mushrooms have cooked, add beef to the skillet and continue flipping occasionally until beef is browned on both sides. Add snow peas and kale to skillet, then slowly pour sauce over the whole skillet. Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to heat up while stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Serve over brown rice.

Ginger Pork Spring Rolls

Ginger Pork Spring Rolls

Ginger Pork Spring Rolls

 

1/4 C. hoisin sauce

1/4 C. soy sauce

2 T. Asian chili-garlic sauce (or to taste; optional)

1/4 C. water

1 (16oz) bag coleslaw mix

1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

6 scallions/green onions, white parts minced; green parts sliced thin

1 T. vegetable oil

1 pound ground pork

3 T. freshly grated ginger

12 (9 inch) rice paper wrappers

 

Combine the hoisin, soy, and chili garlic sauces and water in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the coleslaw, cilantro and scallion greens; set aside.  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add pork and 1/3 C. of the hoisin sauce mixture. (The remaining hoisin sauce will be used as a condiment for dipping.) Cook the pork until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ginger and scallion whites and cook until fragrant. Place this pork mixture into the bowl with the coleslaw, cilantro and scallion greens. Toss to combine.  Spread a clean, damp kitchen towel on the counter. Soak a rice paper wrapper in a shallow bowl of warm water, about 10 seconds, and spread out on towel. Arrange 1/2 C. of filling on each wrapper, leaving a 2 inch border on the bottom. Fold in sides and roll up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Serve with the remaining hoisin sauce mixture for dipping.

Luang Prabang Salad – Nyam Salat

Luang Prabang Salad – Nyam Salat

Luang Prabang Salad – Nyam Salat

 

3 Large Hard Boiled Eggs (do not over cook)

1 Clove Garlic – roasted

1/2 – 1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt (aka “A Lao pinch of salt”)

1 T. Canola Oil

2 T. Water

2-3 T. Lemon Juice

1 T. Palm Sugar

1/2 tsp. Sugar

Fish Sauce to taste

 

2 Cups Romain Lettuce Hearts ChoppedLPSalad02

1 Handful tender Pea Shoots, or even better, tender watercress

2 Scallions – Green parts only, sliced thin

3 T. cilantro chopped fine

3 T. mint chopped fine (optional)

Cherry Tomatoes

Cucumber

 

Slice eggs in half lengthwise, remove yolks, and slice whites thinly. Place eggs yolks, garlic, palm sugar, and salt in a mortar and pound into a paste. Add oil, lemon juice, water, and fish sauce (if desired) and combine. TasLPSalad05te, and adjust flavors, and thin out with additional water if desired. Combine pea shoots, cilantro, and scallions. Place Romain lettuce in a layer in the middle of serving plate; mound pea shoot mixture on top of lettuce. Arrange cucumber slices and tomato on plate.  Pour dressing over salad before serving. To add a nice touch to the salad; top with crumbled pork rinds.

Nepalese Vegetable Momos

Nepalese Vegetable Momos

Nepalese Vegetable Momos

 

1.5 C. all-purpose flour maida

1 T. cooking oil

Salt as per taste

1/2 C. water or as required to knead a smooth elastic dough

Ingredients for the momos stuffing

2/3 C. cabbage finely chopped

2/3 C. carrot finely chopped

1/2 C. capsicum finely chopped

1/2 C. onion finely chopped

2 T. spring onion finely chopped

1 tsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. grated garlic

1 T. vinegar

1 tsp. black pepper powder

Salt as per taste

1 tsp. any cooking oil of your choice

 

Mix all the ingredients of dough and knead to make a smooth dough. Cover it with a wet cloth and keep aside. In a pan heat oil, add ginger, garlic, and onion. Sauté for around 30 seconds and then add all the remaining vegetables. Add salt, pepper, vinegar and stir fry till the moisture evaporates. Switch off the gas and keep the stuffing aside till it reaches room temperature. Make same sized, small balls of dough. Keep them covered under a wet cloth. Take one dough ball at a time; flatten it by pressing between your palms. Dust with some dry flour and roll it into a thin disc with the help of a rolling board and pin. Now put around 3/4 T. stuffing in the middle of a disc. Lift the edges from all sides and start pleating to bring them to the center. Pinch them together to join at the center. Make momos from the remaining balls in a similar way. Now grease the surface of your steamer’s plate. Place the momos on it and steam for around 20 minutes or till they become translucent. Serve hot with momos chutney! Or savory dipping sauce.

 

Savory Dipping Sauce

 

1 C. distilled white vinegar

1 C. sugar

¼ C. soy sauce

1 C. ketchup

1 tsp. cornstarch

 

Place the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. 2 Combine the cornstarch and 1 T. of water in a small bowl and whisk together with a fork. Stir into the sauce, then bring the sauce to a boil over high heat and boil until thickened, about 1 minute. Serve alongside the momos. Any extra sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.

 

Yield: 12 dumplings

1 dumpling

Calories: 80

Fat: 2g

Fiber: 1g

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

Lemongrass Rice

 

1 C. basmati rice

handful of lemongrass stalks obtained from 1 to 2 lemon grass stems

1.75 C. to 2 of water

salt (optional)

a few drops of sesame oil (optional)

 

Clean wash and soak the rice in water for 15 to 20 mins. Then drain the rice and keep aside. Rinse the lemongrass stem first. Chop the lemon grass stem. In a pressure cooker add the rice and lemongrass stalks. Add water, salt and sesame oil. Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles on a low to medium flame. I have kept the rice grains slightly sticky as that’s how we like this rice with thai curries. If you want separate grains then cook for 2 whistles. When the pressure settles on its own, remove the lid. Fluff and discard the lemongrass stalks before serving. Serve the aromatic lemongrass rice hot with your choice of any thai vegetable dish or stir fried dish.

Asian Hot Pot of Bison Tenderloin and Homemade Udon Noodles

Asian Hot Pot of Bison Tenderloin and Homemade Udon Noodles

Asian Hot Pot of Bison Tenderloin and Homemade Udon Noodles

3 C. All Purpose Flour

1 T. Salt

1 cup Water

 

4 oz White Miso

32 oz Beef Broth

1 cup rehydrated mushrooms

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 stalk lemon grass (bruised and chopped)

2 cloves fresh garlic (crushed)

1 bunch Cilantro stems, chopped

 

2 tsp. Fish sauce

4 T. soy sauce

2 T. rice wine vinegar.

2 T. mirin

1 tsp. sriracha

 

Pickled Diakon

Thin Sliced Jalapeno

Cleaned Cilantro Leaves

Chives or Green Onions

Thin Sliced Avocado

Poached Quail Egg

Cooked Bison Tenderloin Strips

 

Incorporate flour, salt and water; mix well, Kneed for 5 minutes, add to rolling salted water, cook until tender. Immediately ice bath once they are complete.

 

Thinly slice 2 lb. bison tenderloin and marinate in 16oz water, 1 T. Chili Oil, 2 T. Soy Sauce, 2 Garlic Cloves.

 

Bring ingredients (white miso to garlic) to a full simmer, add cilantro, re-season. And continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Add ingredients (fish sauce to sriracha) to broth, one at t time, stirring between. While stock is simmering, adjust seasoning.  Quickly stir fry bison to desired doneness.  Begin to add the ingredients to the soup – 2 ounces of Udon Noodles, 3 ounces of broth, 3 slices of avocado, 3 slices of jalapeno. 1 poached quail egg, 2 slices of pickled diakon, a few sprigs of cilantro, and a sprinkle of scallion. Make sure you add 2 ounces of Fully cooked Sliced Bison tenderloin to finish your Asian Hot Pot.

Five-Spiced Crispy Baked Tofu with Seared Bok Choy

Five-Spiced Crispy Baked Tofu with Seared Bok Choy

Five-Spiced Crispy Baked Tofu with Seared Bok Choy

2 T. corn starch

2 T. Shaoxing wine

1 T. dark soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. Chinese five-spice powder

pinch black or white pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. Sichuan peppercorns ground

4 cloves garlic minced

Tofu

450 g medium firm tofu

3 medium heads bok choy quartered, leaves removed and set aside

1 T. rice vinegar

1/3 cup water

watermelon radishes or carrots (optional garnish)

 

Place the tofu on a plate, then place a heavy plate on top of it to press out the excess water. If necessary, you can add a book to weigh down the plate a little but take care not to crush the tofu. Press for at least an hour, draining the water from the bottom plate periodically. Combine all the marinade ingredients and set aside. Cut the tofu into strips or cubes and combine with the marinade. Let stand for at least 1 hours, or up to overnight. Preheat the oven to 500 F and cover a baking pan with a silicon baking sheet or a very generous amount of high smoke-point cooking oil (e.g. grapeseed or avocado oil). Layer the marinated tofu on the baking tray, making sure to avoid crowding the pieces together. Mix the leftover marinade with the rice vinegar and water and set aside (or refrigerate if you plan to cook the tofu ahead of time). Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the tofu is crispy and brown on the bottom (i.e. the side touching the tray). Flip the pieces and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the other side is browned and somewhat crispy. Once the tofu is finished, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool somewhat. It can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, if you like. (See note below) Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tsp. of oil (I used avocado, but grapeseed, vegetable, or peanut oil would all work well). Once the oil is shimmering and quite hot, add the quartered bok choy stalks to the pan, cut side down. Sear for about 1 minute, then turn and sear the other face (note that if you use small baby bok choy, you may simply want to halve them instead of quartering, in which case you’ll only need to sear one side). Remove the bok choy stalks from the heat and set aside. Add the bok choy greens to the pan and stir fry for about 15 seconds, then add the marinade and water mixture (from step 4) to the pan. Stir fry for and additional 30 seconds and set aside with the bok choy stalks. The sauce should thicken considerably thanks to the corn starch. Serve the tofu and greens over a bed of rice or noodles and garnish with some crunchy raw vegetables like carrots or watermelon radishes. Notes: In order to crisp up properly, the tofu must bake at high heat. This means that it’s quite easy to overcook (or even burn) the tofu, so make sure to keep a very close eye on it. If you have a silicon baking tray, I strongly recommend using it – even with a grapeseed or avocado oil, an oiled pan tends to smoke a little. Turn on your oven fan to help deal with it, and make sure not to use a low-smoke point oil like olive oil.

Don’t be tempted to omit the corn starch – it’s what makes the tofu crispy as it cooks, rather than just dry. Note that very well-pressed tofu can become quite the sponge for liquid, so you may want to consider doubling the liquid ingredients if you’re using a tofu press or leaving it to drain for a particularly long time.

Skillet Chicken-Fried Rice

Skillet Chicken-Fried Rice

Skillet Chicken-Fried Rice

 

1 T. oil

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 C. frozen peas

1/2 C. carrot, peeled and sliced

1/4 C. onion, diced

2 C. cooked rice

1 C. cooked chicken, cubed

2 T. soy sauce

1 T. stir-fry sauce

1/4 tsp. garlic, minced

 

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scramble eggs in oil. When eggs are set, remove from pan and chop. Lightly spray the same skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add peas, carrot and onion to skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add chopped scrambled eggs and remaining ingredients to vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through. Makes 4 servings.

Furikake (Japanese Rice Seasoning)

Furikake (Japanese Rice Seasoning)

Furikake (ふりかけ) is a nutty, crunchy, umami-packed Japanese blend used to season rice. Although it’s referred to as a rice seasoning, furikake is literally the salt and pepper of the Japanese kitchen. It is so versatile that you can use the seasoning to instantly perk up any bland dishes.  You can find many different combinations and flavorings in furikake.  Here is a simple version to start.

Furikake

â…” cup sesame seeds

3 sheets unseasoned nori (dried seaweed), about ¼ ounce

2 T. dried bonito flakes

2 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal (or 1½ tsp. Morton) kosher salt

 

In a dry pan or skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes, stirring often. (If your seeds are sold roasted, skip this step.) Transfer to a small bowl and let cool completely. If the nori sheets are not crisp enough to crumble easily, carefully toast them by waving them over a gas flame or placing under a broiler for a few seconds. In a food processor, combine the sesame seeds, nori, bonito flakes, sugar, and salt. Pulse 8 to 10 times or until mixture is well blended. Store in a sealable container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.

Miso-Turmeric Dressing

Miso-Turmeric Dressing

Miso-Turmeric Dressing

 

â…“ C. unseasoned rice vinegar

¼ C. mirin

¼ C. vegetable oil

2 T. finely grated carrot

2 T. white miso

1 T. finely grated peeled ginger

2 tsp. finely grated peeled turmeric or ½ tsp. ground turmeric

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

 

Whisk vinegar, mirin, vegetable oil, carrot, miso, ginger, turmeric, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 5 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Thai Chili Dipping Sauces

Thai Chili Dipping Sauces

Thai Chili Dipping Sauce

 

This is a multipurpose sauce that is easy to make and has a usual spot on the Thai dining table. It helps add extra tastes of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy to any dish. It also can be a sauce for a number of fried or barbecued dishes.

 

3 T. Soy Sauce

3 T. Lime Juice

1 T. Sugar

1 T. Thai Chilis, minced

1 T. thinly sliced or minced Garlic

1 T. thinly sliced or minced Shallots

1 T. chopped Cilantro

1 T. chopped Green onions

 

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

 

 

Thai Chili Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce

 

This is a more elaborate multipurpose sauce that goes well with grilled or fried dishes, such as grilled mushrooms and eggplants, corn fritters, or fried sweet potatoes. Its flavor is more complex with domineering sweet and sublime ginger. Its chili heat can be easily adjusted by the amount of red chili sauce added. This sauce can be prepared in a large batch and stored in the refrigerator. It should keep about two weeks.

 

1/2 cup soy sauce

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 T. finely diced onions

2 T. tomato paste

2 T. rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar

2 T. finely diced fresh ginger

1 T. red chili sauce [sambal olek] or Tabasco, more or less to taste

 

Combine the soy sauce and sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook for 7-10 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and let

cool. Stir in the onions, tomato paste, vinegar, ginger, and red chili sauce. Serve on the side with grilled and satay dishes.

Pan-Fried Lemongrass Chicken

Pan-Fried Lemongrass Chicken

Pan-Fried Lemongrass Chicken

 

5 pieces of chicken thighs, boneless

2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup)

5 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

 

In a ziploc bag, combine chicken, chopped lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and pepper. [Note: To make things easy, I chopped up the lemongrass in a food processor.] Add cayenne pepper if you want this to be spicy. Seal and shake ziploc bag to evenly disperse marinade with the chicken. Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably for 2 hours. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Place chicken on the pan and cook for 7 minutes per side, or until each side is nicely browned and the internal temperature of the thighs is 165ËšF (75ËšC). Slice into strips and serve over a bowl of steamed white rice sprinkled with sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped cilantro.  Notes: Make sure to marinate the chicken. The key to this recipe, and the key to achieving tender, juicy chicken thighs every single time is the lemongrass marinade. You need to make sure that the chicken sits in the marinade for at least 1 hour (personally, I prefer 2 hours). So yes, although this is the perfect weeknight meal because it takes less than 25 minutes to prep and cook, you do need to think ahead about the time you need to allow the chicken to marinate.  When preparing lemongrass, only use the middle part of the stalk where the flavor is (the green part). Discard about 1 inch from the bottom and two inches from the top (there’s no flavor in these parts).

Kombu Chicken Soup with Carrots and Mushrooms

Kombu Chicken Soup with Carrots and Mushrooms

Kombu Chicken Soup with Carrots and Mushrooms

 

10 ounces mature spinach (about 1 bunch), trimmed

3 6×4-inch pieces dried kombu

6 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken bone broth

1 cup bonito flakes

2 T. mirin

2 T. soy sauce

Kosher salt

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise

1 medium carrot, peeled, cut into 2-inch matchsticks

4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, thinly sliced

Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

 

Heat ¼ cup water in a large skillet over medium. Once you see steam, add spinach to water and cook, tossing often, until spinach begins to wilt, about 2 minutes (work in batches if necessary). Transfer to a colander and let cool. Squeeze spinach to remove excess water, then coarsely chop; set aside. Bring kombu and stock to a simmer in a large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes. Return to a simmer and add bonito flakes. Remove from heat and let sit 2 minutes. Strain kombu mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Wipe out saucepan and return broth to saucepan. Add mirin and soy sauce; season with salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then add chicken, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms and carrots are just tender, 4–6 minutes. Divide spinach among bowls and ladle in soup. Sprinkle sesame seeds over.

Crunchy Pork Belly

Crunchy Pork Belly

Crunchy Pork Belly

 

Pork belly, skin on

1 cup water

Salt

3 pieces of lemongrass ( 3 inches each)

3-4 cloves of garlic

6-8 Kaffir leaves

 

Put the water, lemongrass,  garlic, Kaffir leaves into the Instant Pot/ pressure cooker.  Lightly salt the pork and place it on a trivet in the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Release pressure.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels.  Pierce the skin of the pork all over with a fork. Wrap the bottom of the pork with foil. Leaving the skin exposed. Place the pork in a 500F degree convection oven on broil with the fan ON until crispy and browned. About 15 to 20 minutes.

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Crockpot or Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Sauce:

2 tsp. sesame oil

2 T. garlic minced

2 T. ginger paste

1 C. low sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. sriracha

1 1/2 C. water

1 C. brown sugar

¼ C. hoisin sauce

3 T. oyster sauce

½ tsp. black pepper

 

60 homestyle meatballs

1 C. green onions sliced

2 T. toasted sesame seeds

 

Instant Pot Directions: In a large bowl mix all sauce ingredients together and stir well. Add frozen meatballs to an instant pot liner and pour sauce over the top. Place lid on instant pot and lock into place, set valve to sealing. Cook on manual pressure for 10 minutes Quick release pressure Remove lid, and hit the “cancel” button, then hit the “sauté” button Cook on “sauté” mode, stirring regularly, to reduce the sauce, cook until it reaches desired thickness, 5-10 minutes Once desired thickness is reached for the sauce, remove from instant pot to serving dish, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions Serve immediately over cooked brown rice.

 

Slow Cooker Instructions: Add all sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.  Thaw pre-cooked meatballs, or partially thaw them. Or use fresh (raw) meatballs. Add meatballs to the slow cooker, and cover with a lid.  Cook on high 1.5 – 2 hours (for thawed cooked meatballs) or low for 4 hours. If using raw meatballs, increase cooking time to 2-3 hours on high and 5-6 hours on low.  If when cooking time is up, sauce has not reached desired thickness (unlikely), reduce sauce by cooking it over medium-high heat on a stove top.  When done cooking, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl

1 pound ground pork

1 head cabbage thinly sliced

½ onion medium thinly sliced

1 T. sesame oil

¼ C. soy sauce or liquid aminos

1 clove garlic minced

1 tsp. ground ginger

2 T. chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

2 stalks green onion

 

Brown ground pork in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Ensure cabbage and onion is thinly sliced into long strands. Use a spiralizer to cut the vegetables for quickest results. Add sesame oil and onion to pan with browned ground pork. Mix together and continue cooking over medium heat. Mix soy sauce, garlic, and ground ginger together in a small bowl. Once onions have browned, add the sauce mixture to the pan. Immediately add the cabbage mixture to the pan and toss to coat the vegetable and evenly distribute ingredients. Add chicken broth to the pan and mix. Continue cooking over medium heat for three minutes, stirring frequently. Garnish with salt, pepper, and green onion.

Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein

8 ounce flank steak or sirloin sliced against the grain

8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti

1 tsp. sesame oil

 

1 T. olive oil

3 garlic cloves minced

1 ½ tsp. minced ginger

1 C. broccoli florets

1 C. zucchini halved and sliced,

¼ C. onion sliced,

8 ounces white mushrooms

1 red bell pepper sliced

1 can 8 ounces water chestnuts, drained

 

3 T. packed brown sugar

1/2 C. reduced-sodium soy sauce

3 T. hoisin sauce

2 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. sriracha

¼ tsp. pepper

 

Thinly slice flank steak against the grain, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a small bowl whisk together the brown sugar soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sriracha and pepper. Set aside In a large pot with boiling water, cook the lo mein (or spaghetti) noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and toss with 1 tsp. sesame oil to coat, set aside. While the pasta is cooking, add olive oil to a large skillet. Add in the minced garlic and ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add the thinly sliced steak, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove steak from pan, leaving any juices and oil behind. Add all the other vegetables, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until everything is crisp tender. If needed, add a little more oil. Now add the thinly sliced steak back in, as well as the lo mein noodles, and pour the sauce over the top. Toss until fully incorporated and cook for a 1-2 more minutes to insure veggies are tender and sauce starts to thicken.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Bundles

Sweet and Sour Chicken Bundles

Sweet and Sour Chicken Bundles

1/3 C. low-sodium chicken broth

2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. ketchup

1 T. low-sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. sesame oil

1 T. sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 T. plus 2 tsp. canola oil

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2-inch cubes

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

2 scallions, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. minced ginger

1 C. chopped pineapple

12 egg roll wrappers

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients. Set the sauce aside. Heat 1 T. of the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the peppers, scallions, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring often, until the peppers are slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook the mixture until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped pineapple, then remove the pan from the heat. Heat the oven to 375° and coat a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Center and press an egg roll wrapper into each well of the tin to form a cup. Fill each one with the chicken mixture. Fold in three corners of each wrapper, then lightly brush the inside of the remaining corner with water and press it in place on top of the others. Brush the tops of the bundles with the remaining oil. Bake them until golden and crisp, about 15 minutes. Let them cool for 5 minutes before unmolding them.

Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

1 T. olive oil

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1 C. cooked quinoa (optional)

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

6 leaves fresh iceberg lettuce

6 rice spring roll papers

 

1 avocado, pitted and peeled

1/2 C. plain greek yogurt

1 C. unsweetened almond milk

1 cilantro bunch

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1 T. lime juice

 

For the Garlic Chicken Spring Rolls: Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat and season with sea salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Once fully cooked, remove from heat, allow to cool, and dice. Dip one sheet of rice paper in warm water for about 3-4 seconds or hold under running water, until the paper becomes fully moistened with water. Then, lay the wrapper onto your work surface which should be clean and flat.  Near the bottom of your prepped spring roll wrapper and in the center, lay out the cucumber, iceberg lettuce, and diced chicken (and optional quinoa).   Fold the bottom over the chicken, then fold the uncovered sides inward, then tightly roll the wrapper all the way, as tightly wrapped as possible. Then repeat with the remaining ingredients. For the Avocado Cilantro Dipping Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, almond milk, cilantro, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Blend together until smooth. You can add a little more almond milk if it’s too thick.

 

Serving Size: 1 Roll w/ sauce

Calories: 202

Fat: 9.3g

Fiber:3.4g

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce

6 rice spring roll papers

1 T. olive oil

12 oz. shrimp, deveined

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

3 carrots, thinly sliced

6 leaves green leaf lettuce

12 mint leaves

 

2 T. almond butter

2 tsp. hoisin sauce

1 tsp. Sriracha sauce

1 tsp. rice wine vinegar

 

Cook the shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat and season with sea salt and ground black pepper.  Once fully cooked and no longer transparent, remove from heat and allow to cool. Dip one sheet of rice paper in warm water for about 3-4 seconds or hold under running water, until the paper becomes fully moistened with water. Then, lay the wrapper onto your work surface which should be clean and flat.  Near the bottom of the spring roll in the center, lay out the cucumber, carrots, green leaf lettuce, fresh mint leaves, and cooked shrimp. Line the shrimp in a row. Fold the bottom over the end of the veggies and shrimp, then fold the uncovered sides inward, then tightly roll the wrapper all the way, as tightly wrapped as possible. Then repeat with the remaining ingredients. For the Spicy Almond Dipping Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and rice wine vinegar. Stir until smooth. You can soften the almond butter by microwaving for 10-15 seconds, if needed.

 

Serving Size: 1 Roll, 2 T. Sauce

Calories: 105

Fat: 4.4g

Fiber: 2.2g

Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisp Casserole

Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisp Casserole

Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisp Casserole

 

3 cup chicken broth

¼ cup black bean garlic sauce

2 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sambal oelek

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

8 ounce lap cheong (Chinese sausage) (optional), sliced

1 pound ground pork

5 – 6 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (about 1 cup total)

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

2 – 3 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup Shaoxing cooking wine, dry sherry, or chicken stock

6 cup coarsely chopped Napa cabbage

3 cup cooked jasmine rice

1 5-6 ounce container crunchy chow mein noodles

1 tablespoon chili crisp (stir to make sure to get a nice mix of chili and oil)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. For sauce: In a 4-cup measuring cup whisk together broth, garlic sauce, cornstarch, honey, sambal oelek, and sesame oil. In a 4- to 6-qt. pot cook sausage (if using) over medium-high 2 minutes or until sausage is browned, some of the fat is rendered out, and the edges are dark. (There is a lot of sugar in Chinese sausage so be careful not to burn it.) Add ground pork and season with a pinch salt and a couple turns of black pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until pork is no longer pink and any liquid is cooked off. Add scallion whites, ginger, and garlic; cook 1 minute. Deglaze pot with wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is gone. Stir sauce and add to pot. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in cabbage and rice. Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover; bake 25 minutes or until bubbly and hot. In a bowl toss crunchy noodles with chili crisp until fully coated. Uncover casserole and top evenly with noodles. Bake 10 minutes more or until noodles are toasted and a shade darker. Remove from oven; sprinkle with scallion greens. Makes 8 servings.

LTS Sprouted Seed Sushi

LTS Sprouted Seed Sushi

LTS Sprouted Seed Sushi

 

2-3 T. alfalfa seeds

Bottled water

Nori (sheets of dried seaweed)

1 can of asparagus

1 can of crab

Low-sodium soy sauce

Wasabi powder, mixed with water per directions to form wasabi paste

 

To sprout seeds: Place in a jar or container with holes poked in the lid. Add l C. water and soak for 8-12 hours. Rinse and drain; repeat this process for 3 days. Then place jar and seeds in a space that has light (even a little bit of light will work). Keep rinsing and draining for 2-3 more days; you will have a lot of sprouts at this point! Lay out nori sheets. Drain cans of crab and asparagus. In the first 1/3 of the sheet lay out sprouts, asparagus and crab. Roll everything up and seal the outer edge of the nori sheet with a little bit of water. Cut each roll into 5-6 pieces. Serve with soy and wasabi paste.

Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Crispy Pine Nuts and Lime

Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Crispy Pine Nuts and Lime

Chicken in Lettuce Cups with Crispy Pine Nuts and Lime

2 T. coconut aminos

1 T. fresh lime juice, plus more as needed, and lime wedges for serving

2 tsp. fish sauce, plus more as needed

3 T. toasted sesame oil

1 large celery stalk, finely diced

2 T. pine nuts

2 green onions, white and light green parts only, sliced, plus more for garnish

5 oz [140 g] shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 lb. [455 g] ground chicken thigh meat

Kosher salt

¼ C. [10 g] thinly sliced fresh basil

12 inner leaves iceberg or butter lettuce, trimmed and chilled

Black sesame seeds for garnish

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, lime juice, and fish sauce. In a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 T. of the sesame oil. Add the celery and pine nuts and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, or until the pine nuts are just starting to brown. Add the green onions and mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms start to soften, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl, and return the pan to the stove. When the pan is very hot, add the remaining 1 T. sesame oil. Add the chicken and a generous pinch of salt. Stir constantly, breaking up the meat with your spatula, until it’s barely cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, return the vegetable mixture to the pan, and pour in the coconut aminos mixture. Stir to coat. Taste, adding salt, fish sauce, or lime juice as needed. Stir in the chopped basil. Place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture inside each lettuce cup. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Miso Glazed Scallops with Soba Noodles

Miso Glazed Scallops with Soba Noodles

Miso Glazed Scallops with Soba Noodles

4 ounces soba noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti

1 1/2 T. white miso

1 T. mirin

1 T. rice vinegar

1 T. canola oil

1/2 tsp. minced ginger

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 pound dry sea scallops

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 C. sliced scallions (3 to 4 scallions)

 

Put a large saucepan of water on to boil. Cook noodles, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a medium bowl.  Meanwhile, whisk miso, mirin, vinegar, canola oil, ginger and garlic in a small bowl. Add scallops and stir gently to coat. Let marinate for 5 minutes (scallops will begin to break down if marinated longer). Using a slotted spoon, remove the scallops, reserving the marinade for the sauce.  Heat olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Add the reserved marinade to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until brown, about 30 seconds. Pour the sauce over the noodles, add scallions and toss to coat. Top with the scallops and serve immediately.

 

Yield: 2 servings

Calories: 430

Fat: 11g

Fiber: 1g