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Creamy Peanut Chicken with Charred Snow Peas

Creamy Peanut Chicken with Charred Snow Peas

Creamy Peanut Chicken with Charred Snow Peas

 

½ C. creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter (preferably without added sugar)

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1½ T. rice vinegar, divided, plus more for serving

2 tsp. light or dark brown sugar

2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. fish sauce

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

¾ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

3 T. neutral oil, such as safflower, sunflower, or grapeseed, divided

1 bunch scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

5 C. (about 12 ounces) snow peas, trimmed

White rice, for serving

½ C. fresh basil, sliced, for serving

 

In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sesame oil, 1 T. of the vinegar, the brown sugar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and enough water to reach a sauce-like consistency (anywhere from ¼ C. to ½ cup, depending on your peanut butter brand). In a separate medium bowl, toss the chicken with the salt. Heat a large skillet over high heat, then add 2 T. of the neutral oil. Let the oil heat until it thins out, then carefully add the chicken and cook, stirring almost constantly, until the chicken is no longer pink and just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer to a clean bowl. Add the remaining 1 T. neutral oil to the skillet, then stir in the scallion whites. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the snow peas. Cook until charred, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining ½ T. vinegar. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the peanut butter mixture. Toss to coat everything with the sauce. Taste and add a little more salt, if needed. Serve immediately with rice, with basil and scallion greens on top, and with more vinegar on the side for drizzling.  You can use pretty much any quick-cooking vegetable in place of the snow peas. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, thin green beans, broccolini, or zucchini would all work perfectly well. Just avoid dense roots like carrots, which take longer to cook, and leafy greens, which will exude too much liquid

Lemongrass Beef

Lemongrass Beef

Lemongrass Beef

 

1 lb [455 g] top sirloin

2 stalks lemongrass

3 T. fish sauce

1 T. brown sugar

Neutral oil, for cooking (such as canola or avocado)

 

Freeze the beef for 2 hours, so it’s easier to slice thinly. Remove the tough outermost leaves of the lemongrass. Cut off and discard the reedy stalk ends and the bit of root, saving only the tender light green part from the root side (you’ll be left with about 1 1/2 oz [40 g]). Place the tender lemongrass in a food processor and blend until finely chopped. Add the fish sauce and brown sugar to the food processor and blend. Once the beef is firm but not frozen solid, slice very thinly. Spoon the lemongrass mixture over the beef and toss together to evenly coat everything. Let sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (and for up to 2 days). To sear on the stove, preheat a nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add about a tsp. of oil, swirl to coat, and add about a sixth of the marinated beef. Spread it out into a single layer (do not crowd the pan). Let sear

Stir Fry Sauces

Stir Fry Sauces

Stir Fry Sauces

 

1/3 C. Soy

1 T, Cornstarch

1-2 T. Honey

 

Mix the soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl first, then add the honey and mix together.  Add in the last few minutes of cooking a stir fry.

 

All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce:

⅓ C. low sodium soy sauce – or coconut aminos

¼ C. avocado oil – or other cooking oil

1 T. cornstarch – or 1 T. arrowroot powder, or 2 T. tapioca starch

2 tsp. fresh ginger – grated

pinch of red pepper flakes

 

Ginger Garlic Stir Fry Sauce:

¼ C. avocado oil – or other cooking oil

3 T. soy sauce – or coconut aminos (soy-free alternative)

½ freshly squeezed lemon – about 2 T. of lemon juice

2 tsp. fresh ginger – grated

1-2 tsp. honey – or maple syrup (optional)

1 garlic clove – minced

 

Nut or Seed Butter Stir Fry Sauce:

3 T. nut butter or seed butter – almond butter, sunflower seed butter etc.

3 T. soy sauce – or coconut aminos (soy-free alternative)

3 T. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. fresh ginger – grated

1 T. honey – or maple syrup, stevia or xylitol

 

Spicy Pineapple Stir Fry Sauce:

4 T. pineapple juice – note: add the pineapple chunks the the stir fry you make

3 T. soy sauce – or coconut aminos (soy-free alternative)

2 T. avocado oil – or other cooking oil

1 T. honey – or maple syrup

1 T. cornstarch – or 1 T. arrowroot powder, or 2 T. tapioca starch

½ tsp. paprika

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

pinch of red pepper flakes

 

Teriyaki Inspired Stir Fry Sauce:

3 T. soy sauce – or coconut aminos (soy-free alternative)

3 T. apple cider vinegar

2 T. avocado oil – or other cooking oil

1 T. coconut sugar – or brown sugar

1 T. cornstarch – or 1 T. arrowroot powder, or 2 T. tapioca starch

2 tsp. fresh ginger – grated

1 garlic clove – minced

 

Sweet and Spicy Stir Fry Sauce:

2 T. apple cider vinegar

2 T. soy sauce – or coconut aminos (soy-free alternative)

3 T. tomato paste

1 T. cornstarch – or 1 T. arrowroot powder, or 2 T. tapioca starch

1 T. honey – or maple syrup

 

Spicy Crispy Chicken

Spicy Crispy Chicken

Spicy Crispy Chicken

 

2 tsp. soju

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. gochujang

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tsp. grated garlic

260 grams (9 ounces) skin-on boneless chicken thighs

 

In a small bowl, combine the soju, sugar, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil and grated garlic, stirring to combine. Lightly salt both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken skin side down on a cold skillet. Place a cast iron skillet or pot filled with water on top of the chicken to weigh it down. Put the skillet on the stove and cook over medium low heat until the skin side is uniformly golden brown and crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the weight and flip the chicken over. Drain as much oil from the pan as you can, then turn up the heat to high and pour the sauce mixture in around the chicken, being careful not to get any on the crisp skin. Let the sauce boil down until it’s thick and bubbly, and then flip the chicken over a few times to coat both sides of the chicken with the thick glaze. Slice and serve the chicken immediately with steamed rice.

Mongolian Beef Pasta

Mongolian Beef Pasta

Mongolian Beef Pasta

 

7 ounces (200 grams) beef, sliced into strips

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. sugar

2 T. hoisin sauce

2 T. water

1 tsp. Asian chili paste (such as doubanjiang or sambal oelek)

6.3 ounces (180 grams) pasta such as spaghetti or linguine

1 T. vegetable oil

1 large clove garlic, minced (7 grams)

1/2 red bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced (60 grams)

5 scallions, sliced (60 grams)

 

Put the beef in a bowl along with the soy sauce and sugar, mix to combine and then allow the beef to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients. For the sauce, put the hoisin sauce, water and chili paste into a small bowl and stir to combine. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and boil the pasta for one minute less than what the package directions say. For example, if the package says to boil it for nine minutes, add the pasta and set the timer for eight. When the pasta is five minutes away from being done, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium high heat until hot. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the beef and spread it out into a single layer, and let this fry on one side until the edges start to turn brown. Add the bell peppers and then stir-fry until the beef is cooked. When the pasta is done, drain it. Add the scallions in with the beef, and then add the noodles. Pour the sauce over the noodles and use tongs to mix until the sauce is evenly dispersed and the scallions are cooked. Plate and serve immediately.

15 Minute Sesame Ramen

15 Minute Sesame Ramen

15 Minute Sesame Ramen

 

1 package ramen noodles flavor packet discarded

1 T. coconut oil

2 garlic cloves minced

½ tsp. freshly grated ginger

1 T. brown sugar

2 T. low sodium soy sauce

1 T. rice vinegar

1 tsp. chili garlic paste

2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 green onions thinly sliced

toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling

 

Cook the ramen noodles according to the directions on the package. This only takes 2 to 3 minutes! I like to get all of my other ingredients out while waiting for the water to boil. While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the coconut oil and once melted, stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and chili garlic paste. Turn off the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil. Add the noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat. Serve the noodles with lots of green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Bok Choy with Miso Ginger Dressing

Bok Choy with Miso Ginger Dressing

Bok Choy with Miso Ginger Dressing

 

1 1/2 pounds baby bok choy, split lengthwise

1 T. avocado oil

1 T. ginger garlic paste

Salt to taste

Dressing

2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 T. rice vinegar

1 T. white miso

1 T. orange juice

1 T. avocado oil

1 T. Greek yogurt (optional)

1 tsp. ginger garlic paste

Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

 

In a medium bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth and emulsified. Add oil and ginger garlic paste to a wide skillet. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to bubble around the ginger garlic, but before it starts to brown. Toss in the bok choy and spread into one layer, cut side down. Sprinkle with salt, then cook, without stirring, until starting to turn brown, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until the green leaves have wilted and the white bottoms have begun to soften but still have some crunch. Drizzle bok choy with dressing. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and browned ginger garlic bits from the pan, if desired.

Nasu Dengaku (Miso Glazed Eggplant)

Nasu Dengaku (Miso Glazed Eggplant)

Nasu Dengaku (Miso Glazed Eggplant)

 

Eggplant

6 small Japanese eggplants

2 T. olive oil

3 slices of bacon chopped (optional)

1 T. chives sliced thin for garnish

1 T. toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Sauce

2/3 C. white miso

1/3 C. sake

1/3 C. mirin

1/3 C. sugar

 

For the sauce, combine miso and sugar in a medium-size, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Whisk in sake and mirin. Over low heat, bring to a simmer and cook, frequently stirring, until sugar dissolves, color darkens, and it has the consistency of a thick sauce—approximately 45 minutes. Sauce can be made up to a day in advance and should be refrigerated. When ready to use, reheat in a pan on low heat for 2–3 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook bacon in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise. Use the tip of a paring knife to score cut sides in a crosshatch pattern. Brush scored sides with olive oil, then spread 1 tsp. of miso mixture over each half. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast eggplant for about 20 minutes, until tender and browned. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chives, and bacon, and serve.

Sauteed Tatsoi with Pork Belly

Sauteed Tatsoi with Pork Belly

Sauteed Tatsoi with Pork Belly

 

2 T. tamari soy sauce

1/4 tsp. rice vinegar

2 tsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. pure lime juice

2 tsp. ginger, minced

1/4 tsp. ground red chile

1 pound uncured pork belly, cubed

1 T. sesame oil, divided

2 small bunches of tatsoi

1–2 tsp. hulled sesame seeds, toasted

 

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice, ginger, and chile. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tsp. sesame oil. Add pork belly; salt to taste; and cook until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside. Add remaining sesame oil and tatsoi to skillet; once wilted, add sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until sauce slightly thickens. Divide greens on plates. Top with pork belly. Drizzle with remaining sauce from pan, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Suon Ram Man (Caramelized Pork Ribs)

Suon Ram Man (Caramelized Pork Ribs)

Suon Ram Man (Caramelized Pork Ribs)

 

2 pounds baby-back or pork spare ribs, cut into small 1- to 1 1/2 inch cubes

1 T. minced garlic

1 T. kosher salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

4 T. sugar

3 T. fish sauce

1/2 C. coconut juice

Black pepper, chopped green onions and chopped cilantro, for garnish

 

Bring a small pot of water to a boil and boil the ribs for 2 or 3 minutes to remove impurities. Place the ribs into a colander, rinse thoroughly and drain. Season the ribs with the garlic, shallots, salt and ground pepper then set aside to marinate for 30 minutes. Heat a nonstick wok over medium heat, then add the sugar to evenly coat the bottom of wok. Wait patiently as the sugar melts and turns into a caramel color. Add the fish sauce and ribs to the wok and stir until the sugar coats all of the ribs evenly—about 5 minutes. Add the coconut juice and cover. Let the ribs simmer, covered, over medium-low heat for 20 minutes while occasionally stirring. Remove the lid and continue to stir for an additional 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat, or until the liquid reduces by half. Adjust with additional sugar or fish sauce, as needed. Remove from the heat, pour into a serving dish and garnish with the green onions, cilantro and a pinch of ground pepper. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

Miso Honey Steaks with Ginger Chimichurri

Miso Honey Steaks with Ginger Chimichurri

Miso Honey Steaks with Ginger Chimichurri

 

4 (12-ounce) sustainably raised New York Strip steaks

2 T. miso paste

2 T. local honey

1 pinch black pepper

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

2 T. minced fresh ginger

2 T. minced garlic

2 T. minced shallots

¼ C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

½ C. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

¼ C. extra-virgin olive oil

¼ C. rice wine vinegar

Fresh-pressed juice and zest of 2 limes

1 tsp. kosher salt

 

Combine miso, honey, black pepper and tsp. of salt. Coat steaks with marinade and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, shallots, parsley, cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, lime juice and zest and salt. Reserve. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or prepare coals. Grill steaks about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, but your safest bet is to use an internal thermometer and cook to 130–135°F, remembering the steaks will continue to cook when removed from the grill. Once done, be sure to let them rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice and serve with chimichurri.

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

Shortcut Wonton Soup with Scallions

 

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 (2″) knob fresh gingerroot, sliced in half through the center

8 C. low-sodium chicken broth

5 T. tamari

1 (12-ounce) package frozen, fully cooked mini chicken wontons

3 T. rice vinegar

2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

 

Heat large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil and ginger. Sauté 2 minutes. Add broth and tamari, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add frozen wontons and cook 2-3 minutes until wontons are fully heated through. Remove one wonton and cut in half to test that the insides are fully warmed through. Remove from heat, discard ginger, stir in vinegar and scallions, and serve hot.

Crisp Edge Dumplings

Crisp Edge Dumplings

Crisp Edge Dumplings

 

1 T. neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable

10 frozen vegetable potstickers

6 T. water

2 T. soy sauce

1 T. all-purpose flour

2 T. chili crisp

Sliced scallions, for serving

On the side: Steamed rice and sauteed bok choy

 

Coat the bottom of a 10-inch nonstick skillet with the oil. Place over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the potstickers, flat-side down, to the oil, allowing about 1/2 inch of space in between each dumpling. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the water, soy sauce and flour in a small bowl. When the bottoms of the dumplings are browned, carefully pour the flour mixture in and around the dumplings. Cover with skillet lid or aluminum foil, lower the heat to medium, and cook until the dumplings are heated through, about 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the liquid has evaporated and the soy sauce mixture is crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Place a large plate over the skillet. Using oven mitts or thick towels, carefully flip the skillet upside down to remove the dumplings. The crispy soy sauce layer should be on top. Drizzle all over with the chili crisp and garnish with the scallions. Serve immediately with the rice and bok choy.

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles

 

4 oz dry spaghetti

1 T. miso

1/2 tsp mirin

1 tsp soy sauce

1 clove garlic, chopped or grated

4 T. pasta water

2 tsp cooking oil

4 oz ground chicken, pork, turkey, beef or crumbled extra firm tofu

4 to 5 green cabbage leaves, cut into bite size

pinch of salt

1 T. butter

 

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water by following the directions of the package you are using. Meanwhile, mix miso, mirin, soy sauce, garlic, and pasta water in a mixing bowl and set aside. Heat a large skillet over high heat, add cooking oil; add ground meat, cabbage and pinch of salt. Cook until pork is fully cooked and cabbages are soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sauce mixture. Mix everything real quick then add the spaghetti and butter. Toss everything together. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Ground Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ground Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ground Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl

 

2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. lean ground turkey (see notes)

1 ½ T. sesame oil

1 ½ tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

1 T. brown sugar

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

8 cups shredded cabbage

1 ½ cups shredded carrots

2 T. low-sodium soy sauce

 

Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Add the sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and brown sugar and stir well to combine. Add the chicken broth and the cabbage and stir well. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted. Add the carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the soy sauce, taste and adjust seasonings, and serve immediately.

Bacon Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

Bacon Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

Bacon Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

 

3-4 slices bacon, cut into bite-size pieces

1/4 cabbage, sliced thinly

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

1 fresh Yakisoba packet (comes with noodles and seasoning powder)

Kewpie mayonnaise, aonori (seaweed flakes), or pickled ginger, for garnish

 

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until almost crispy. Set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat. (For non-bacon option, start with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.)  Add cabbage to bacon fat and cook until soft. Set aside.   In same pan, heat oil and water. Add noodles and pan fry 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add bacon and cabbage. Sprinkle in seasoning powder and combine until even.   Divide among 3 plates. Garnish with a few lines of Kewpie mayonnaise, a handful of aonori, and a pinch of pickled ginger.

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

 

2 T. oil

1/2 small onion, sliced

2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into thin slices

1 celery stalk, cut diagonally into thin slices

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped

6 cups chicken stock

6 green onions, white and light green parts, cut into 1-inch pieces

8 frozen chicken or pork pot stickers

4 baby bok choy, root end cut off so leaves can separate, then sliced lengthwise

One 3-ounce package instant ramen noodles, seasoning pack removed

8 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced

8 ounces leftover Chicken

1 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame chili oil (or just sesame oil)

 

Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about a minute. Add the stock and green onions and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Put in the pot stickers and cook for 5 minutes, then add the bok choy, noodles, shiitakes, and chicken. Cook until the noodles are softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in the soy sauce and sesame chib oil. Serve.

Asian Dipping Sauce

Asian Dipping Sauce

Asian Dipping Sauce

 

1 cup soy sauce

1 (2″) piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated

4 cloves garlic, finely grated

2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. raw honey or whole cane sugar

1 T. toasted sesame seeds

Pinch of dried dulse flakes (optional)

 

Stir together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey and let stand 15-30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and dulse flakes, if using, just before serving. For best flavor, serve immediately, but if you must store the sauce, place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Asian Chicken and Cellophane Noodle Salad

Asian Chicken and Cellophane Noodle Salad

Asian Chicken and Cellophane Noodle Salad

Cellophane noodles, also known as glass noodles, are thin, transparent Asian noodles usually made from mung bean starch and water. They’re great in soups and stir-fries, but we also love them as an interesting base of a chilled, hearty, summery dinner salad.

 

8 ounces cellophane noodles

3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch-long matchsticks

2 English cucumbers, peeled and cut into 2-inch-long matchsticks

6 T. rice vinegar, divided

1/3 cup soy sauce

2 T. vegetable oil

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1 T. grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken

 

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add noodles and cook until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again to remove as much water as possible. Meanwhile, toss carrots and cucumbers with 2 T. vinegar in large bowl; set aside to marinate for 10 minutes. Whisk soy sauce, remaining 1/4 cup vinegar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic together in bowl. Drain and discard vinegar from marinating vegetables. Add noodles, chicken, and dressing to bowl with vegetables and toss to thoroughly combine. Serve.

Glorious Meatball Pho

Glorious Meatball Pho

Glorious Meatball Pho

 

32 ounces beef stock

2 star anise

3 limes

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into 4 slices

8 ounces rice noodles

8 leftover Meatballs, warmed slightly in a microwave

One 8-ounce bag bean sprouts

1 bunch green onions, white and light green parts only, sliced into thin strips

1 big handful fresh cilantro

1 small red chile, sliced very thinly

Hoisin sauce for serving

Sriracha for serving

 

Combine the stock, star anise, the juice of two of the limes, and the ginger in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, lower the heat slightly, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the noodles well and divide among four bowls. Add the meatballs and cover with the stock. Then add some bean sprouts, green onion, cilantro, red chile, and a squeeze of juice from one-quarter of the remaining lime to each bowl. Add some hoisin and sriracha to taste to each bowl and eat.

Vegetable Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs

Vegetable Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs

Vegetable Lo Mein with Hoisin Meatballs

 

16-20 leftover Meatballs

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

2 T. rice vinegar

1 T. soy sauce

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 tsp sesame oil

Water if needed

2 chopped scallions for garnish

 

2 T. soy sauce low sodium

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp sesame oil

1 clove garlic minced

1 tsp fresh ginger minced

1 tsp sriracha

 

8 oz. Lo Mein Noodles (you could sub spaghetti if unable to find)

2 T. olive oil

1 red bell pepper sliced

3 scallions chopped

1 clove garlic

1+ cup shredded cabbage purple or green

1 cup sugar snap peas sliced

1 handful baby spinach

 

In a saucepan whisk the meatball sauce ingredients together (except scallions). Stir in meatballs and heat over medium low heat, until meatballs are heated through. Keep on low until ready to serve. Add a little water to thin our the sauce if needed. In a small bowl, whisk the lo mein sauce ingredients together and set aside. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions to just under al dente. Drain. Toss in a drizzle of oil just to prevent sticking. While the noodles are cooking heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over med-high heat. Add red bell peppers and scallions and cook for about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, cabbage, snow peas, and spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted. Toss cooked noodles and sauce into the vegetables until everything is coated. Serve in bowls topped with hoisin meatballs; additional hoisin sauce can be poured over each serving. Garnish with scallions.

Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken with Asparagus and Mushrooms

 

1 cup canned coconut milk, divided

2 T. Thai red curry paste

1 T. instant tapioca

1 1/2 tsp. table salt, divided

1 1/4 tsp. pepper, divided

4 (12-ounce) bone-in split chicken breasts, skin removed, trimmed

1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths

1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/2 inch thick

1 T. vegetable oil

2 T. lime juice, plus extra for seasoning

1 T. fish sauce, plus extra for seasoning

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

 

Whisk 1/2 cup coconut milk, curry paste, tapioca, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper together in slow cooker. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1 tsp. salt and remaining 3/4 tsp. pepper and arrange, skinned side up, in even layer in slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken registers 160 degrees, 2 to 3 hours on low. Microwave asparagus, mushrooms, and oil in bowl, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Stir vegetables, remaining 1/2 cup coconut milk, lime juice, and fish sauce into cooking liquid and let sit until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with extra lime juice and fish sauce to taste. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

Sweet Mango Chili Sauce

 

1 large mango around 2 cups chopped mango

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 large garlic cloves minced or very finely chopped

½ tablespoon chili flakes adjust to taste

2 tablespoons brown sugar

A pinch of salt

½ tablespoon corn starch adjust to get the desired consistency of the sauce.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil/ any neutral flavored oil

1 cup water

 

Peel and roughly chop the mango. Put the chopped mango in a blender and blend to make a smooth mango puree. Heat oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté for a few seconds. Add mango puree, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Mix everything and cook for about a minute. Add water and cover the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce starts simmering. Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl to make cornstarch slurry. Add it to the sauce and stir continuously for about a minute. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens and then switch off the gas. Allow the sauce to reach room temperature and then enjoy!

 

Notes: Use a less fibrous variety of mango in this recipe. The amount of sugar and lime juice will depend upon how sweet or sour your mango is. Check and adjust the seasoning as per taste. Instead of lime juice, vinegar can also be used. After adding the corn starch slurry, stir continuously for at least 1 minute otherwise it will get lumpy. If using readymade mango puree, use around a cup of puree in the above recipe. More detailed recipe tips and tricks are given within the post. Please follow them to make this recipe.

 

Simple Mushroom-Miso Soup with Shrimp & Udon

Simple Mushroom-Miso Soup with Shrimp & Udon

Simple Mushroom-Miso Soup with Shrimp & Udon

 

12 ounces udon noodles

3 ounces (3 cups) baby spinach

10 ounces shiitake mushrooms

3 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup white miso

12 ounces extra-large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound)

 

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add noodles and cook until al dente, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse under warm water to remove excess starch. Drain noodles well, then portion into individual serving bowls and top with spinach. Meanwhile, stem and thinly slice mushrooms. Bring broth, 2 cups water, and mushrooms to boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently until flavors meld and mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. Peel shrimp completely (including tails), de vein, and cut each shrimp into 3 pieces. Whisk miso and 1/2 cup water together in bowl. Off heat, stir miso mixture and shrimp into soup, cover, and let sit until shrimp are just pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Ladle soup into prepared bowls and serve.

Ramen with Beef, Shitakes, and Spinach

Ramen with Beef, Shitakes, and Spinach

Ramen with Beef, Shitakes, and Spinach

 

12 ounces blade steak; sliced into thin strips

8 tsp. Soy sauce

2 T. Vegetable oil

8 ounces Shiitake mushrooms; stemmed and sliced thin

3 cloves Garlic; minced

1 T. Fresh ginger; grated

3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

4 packages ramen noodles; seasoning packets discarded

3 T. Dry sherry

2 tsp. Sugar

6 ounces Baby spinach

 

Sauté beef: Pat beef dry with paper towels and toss with 2 tsp. of soy sauce. Heat 1 T. of oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Ad beef and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up clumps, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to clean bowl. Saute Mushrooms and aromatics: Add remaining T. of oil to skillet and return to medium high heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Simmer ramen: Stir in broth. Break bricks of ramen into small chunks and add to skillet. Bring to simmer and cook, tossing ramen constantly with tongs to separate, until ramen is just tender but there is still liquid in pan, about 2 minutes. Finish: Stir in remaining 2 T. soy sauce, sherry, and sugar. Stir in spinach, handful at a time, until spinach is wilted and sauce is thickened. Stir in beef and serve.

Asian Dipping Sauce

Asian Dipping Sauce

Asian Dipping Sauce

 

1 C. soy sauce

1 (2″) piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated

4 cloves garlic, finely grated

2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. raw honey or whole cane sugar

1 T. toasted sesame seeds

Pinch of dried dulse flakes (optional)

 

Stir together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey and let stand 15-30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and dulse flakes, if using, just before serving. For best flavor, serve immediately, but if you must store the sauce, place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh Spring Rolls

 

8 rice paper sheets

8 large basil leaves (or cilantro)

6 large butter lettuce leaves

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red bell pepper (sliced thin)

¼ head red cabbage (shredded)

1 medium english cucumber (sliced into thin, 2-3″ long matchsticks)

¼ cup green onion (sliced thin)

 

Submerge one sheet of rice paper at a time for 5 seconds to soften. Remove it and set aside for 10-15 seconds. On the lower middle section of the rice paper wrap, place the ingredients. First, a basil leaf, a few pieces of lettuce and cucumber, carrots and bell pepper, some shredded cabbage, and some green onion. Bring up the smaller end of the rice paper to wrap tightly over the vegetables. Next, bring the sides of rice paper over. Roll tightly until you get to the end of rice paper wrapper. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with peanut sauce.

Steak with Asian Crack Sauce

Steak with Asian Crack Sauce

Steak with Asian Crack Sauce

 

1-½ T. fish sauce

1 T. fresh lime juice

1 or 2 red Thai chili peppers (slice thinly)

1 small shallot (finely dice)

1 large garlic clove (finely dice)

1 T. fresh minced cilantro

2 T. brown sugar (loosely packed)

 

2 New York strip or sirloin steaks (1-½ inch thickness)

Salt to taste

Ground black pepper to taste

Oil or butter

 

Combine fish sauce, lime juice, Thai chili peppers, shallots, garlic, cilantro, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix until combined then set aside. Trim the steak of any excess fat and season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides, making sure to rub in the seasonings. Transfer the steak to a wire rack and roast in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. If you are using thinner cuts, you can skip this step. Pan-fry in oil or butter, 1-2 minutes per side on medium-high heat, for a beautiful crust. If you skip the oven step, increase the cooking time to 3-5 minutes per side. Serve steak and sauce on the side.

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

 

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the pancakes

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

¾ to 1 cup boiling water

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

4 scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced

1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 Tablespoon sliced scallions

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

 

Add the flour and salt to the bowl of a food processor and pulse for 15 seconds. With the motor running, stream in ¾ cup of boiling water. Continue processing until the dough balls up around the blade. If the dough does not come together, add more boiling water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms.  Lightly flour your work surface then turn out the dough. Knead it for 30 seconds then cover it with a damp towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.  Working with one piece of dough at a time (and keeping the remaining pieces covered with a damp towel), roll it out into a 8-inch circle. Brush it lightly with sesame oil then sprinkle it with scallions. Roll the dough up into a log then shape it into a coil, tucking the end under the bottom of the coil. Flatten the coil slightly with your hand then roll it out again into a 7-inch circle. Set the pancake aside under the damp cloth while you repeat the rolling and filling process with the remaining pieces of dough.  Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to a medium skillet set over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pancake and cook it, turning frequently to prevent the scallions from burning, until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer the pancake to a plate or wire rack then repeat the cooking process with the remaining vegetable oil and pancakes. Cut the scallion pancakes into wedges and serve them with the dipping sauce (recipe follows). In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, scallions and crushed red pepper flakes (optional).

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.