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Korokee (Japanese Croquettes)

Korokee (Japanese Croquettes)

SONY DSC1 T. grapeseed oil

1 pound ground pork

2 T. low-sodium soy sauce

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 T. thinly sliced scallions, from the white and tender green parts of 4 to 6 scallions

6 medium potatoes (about 2 1/2 to 3-pounds), peeled and placed in a pot of enough water to cover

2 T. butter, plus 2 T., cubed for sauce

1 C. orange juice

1 C. pineapple juice

1 lime, juiced

2 T. green curry paste

2 C. panko bread crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper

2 to 3 liters canola oil, as needed for deep-frying

 

Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  When it begins to shimmer, add the ground pork and cook for about 10 minutes until it begins to brown. Using a slotted spatula, temporarily transfer meat to a plate, drain the excess fat from the skillet and return the pork to the pan. Add the soy sauce and cook for 2 or 3 minutes to allow the flavors to integrate, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in scallions, and cook for 2 or 3 more minutes, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.  While the meat is browning, boil the potatoes until tender and drain well. Mash the potatoes with butter. (You want these potatoes to be “tight” mashed potatoes, not loose.)  In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice and green curry paste. Allow to reduce by half over medium heat.  Heat the oil in the deep-fryer to 375 degrees F or as directed in the manufacturer’s instructions for similar foods.  Combine the mashed potatoes with the pork mixture and roll into golf-ball sized spheres. Roll in the bread crumbs and add to the deep-fryer basket. Cook until golden brown and drain on paper towels.  Remove sauce reduction from heat and whisk in cubed butter.  Spoon some sauce onto a serving plate and use as a dipping sauce for the korokee.

 

 

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Bento, Lunch, Pork, Asian

Szechwan slaw

Szechwan slaw

dressing

2 cups rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes

1 bunch scallions, sliced, including greens

1 small piece fresh ginger, peeled and diced

2 small bunches cilantro

2 cups oil, or a blend

4 ounces sesame seed oil

Place all ingredients in the blender except for the oil. Blend the ingredients until smooth and then slowly drizzle in the oil to emulsify.

Slaw

2 heads red cabbage

2 heads green cabbage

3 large red bell peppers

5 medium carrots

Shred both kinds of cabbage into a tub. Peel and julienne the carrots using thin slicing attachment on the mandolin. Core and seed the peppers and julienne by hand. Combine all ingredients in a tub and mix thoroughly.

 

Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef

monbeefVegetable oil

1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced

2 tbsp. garlic, minced

1 cup low sodium soy sauce

1 cup water

1 1/3 cup dark brown sugar

2 pounds flank steak, sliced

1/2 cup cornstarch

Green onions, sliced

 

In a small saucepot, over medium heat, add 2 tsp. of vegetable oil and sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and let boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, toss sliced flank steak with cornstarch, shaking off the excess. Place in fridge for 10 minutes to allow coating to stick better on the beef. After 10 minutes, in a heavy bottom saucepan, over medium high heat, add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and add the beef to the pan, in batches, to sear the outside on all sides, but barely cooked in the middle. Remove and let drain on paper towels as you finish up the rest of the beef. Pour out any excess oil in the saucepan. Place the saucepan back on the burner, but on medium heat, and pour in the sauce from earlier. It should come to a boil immediately. Add in the steak and coat with the sauce. Continue cooking beef and sauce at a boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken gradually. Add in the scallions. Serve hot over white or brown rice.

 

Thai Green Curry Shrimp

Thai Green Curry Shrimp

1 tsp. peanut oil

1 C. thinly sliced onion

1 C. chopped green onions (about 8 small)

1 to 2 tsp. Thai green curry paste

1 14-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk

1 C. low-salt chicken broth

3 tsp. Thai fish sauce (nam pla)

2 tsp. sugar

1 C. diced plum tomatoes

2 lb. uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined (I used 25-30 count shrimp-bb)

Salt

Chopped fresh cilantro

Lime wedges

 

Heat peanut oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion; stir-fry until soft and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add green onions and curry paste; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and sugar; bring to boil. Add tomatoes and boil 2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook just until opaque in center, stirring often, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on size of shrimp. Add salt to taste. Transfer curry to large shallow bowl. Garnish with cilantro. Serve, passing lime wedges separately.

 

 

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Wonton Shrimp Blossoms

Wonton Shrimp Blossoms

wonton24 square wonton skins/wraps

1 T. butter, melted

10 ounces peeled, cooked shrimp, finely chopped

2 green onions/scallions, finely chopped

1/3 C. carrot, finely grated

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. salt

Small pinch cayenne pepper, or dash of Tabasco sauce

1 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).  Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. With a pastry brush, brush one side of each wonton square with melted butter and gently press into muffin cups, buttered side up. Bake 8 minutes or until brown and crisp. Remove from oven and cool. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese and remaining ingredients, mixing well. With a small scoop (or 2 tsp.), fill each baked wonton C. with a rounded scoop of shrimp mixture. Place filled C. on a baking sheet as you fill them, then bake 5 to 6 minutes, or until filling is hot and bubbling around edges.

 

 

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Thai Vegetable Medley with Coconut Milk and Cilantro

Thai Vegetable Medley with Coconut Milk and Cilantro

3/4 C. uncooked short or long grain brown rice

1 T. canola oil

1 tsp. minced gingerroot

1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced

1 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste

Neck of 1 butternut squash, cut into1-inch cubes (about 11/2 C.)

2 medium turnips, trimmed and cut into 8 wedges each

2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

4 medium red or fingerling potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 1/2 C. hot vegetable broth, or more as needed

1 tsp. red or yellow Thai curry paste, or more to taste

1 C. low-fat coconut milk

1 1/2 T. fresh lime juice

1/4 C. cilantro leaves

 

Cook the brown rice; keep warm. Meanwhile, heat the canola oil in a large nonstick pan set over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, onions and salt; cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften. Reduce the heat to low and, in separate sections of the saucepan, add the butternut squash, turnips, carrots, potatoes and zucchini. Scatter the tomatoes over the other vegetables; simmer gently. In a separate saucepan set over medium heat, whisk the hot broth with the curry paste until the paste dissolves. Pour just enough of the curried broth over the vegetables to cover them; simmer over medium heat, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked. In a separate pan set over medium-high heat, boil the coconut milk until it reduces in volume by half. Pour over the vegetables; simmer gently for 5 minutes. When you are ready to serve, stir in the lime juice. Spoon equal portions of cooked brown rice into warmed bowls and top with the curry. Scatter cilantro leaves on top for garnish.

 

Shrimp & Pork Potstickers with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Shrimp & Pork Potstickers with Spicy Dipping Sauce

pic30m6qp1 1/2 T. soy sauce

1 T. seasoned rice vinegar

1 T. chili-garlic sauce

1 tsp. hot chili oil

 

1/4 pound ground pork

2 oz. uncooked shrimp, shelled, deveined, and finely chopped

1 egg white

1/4 C. minced water chestnuts

2 T. minced Chinese celery

1 tsp. minced cilantro leaves

1/2 tsp. minced ginger

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. sesame oil

Dash ground white pepper

24 potsticker wrappers

3 T. cooking oil

2/3 C. chicken broth or water

 

To make the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, chili-garlic sauce and hot chili oil. Mix well and reserve. To make the filling: In a large bowl, combine, the pork, shrimp, egg white, water chestnuts, celery, cilantro, ginger, sugar, salt and sesame oil. Season with a little pepper and mix, stirring rapidly in 1 direction until the mixture is well combined and spongy. To make the potstickers: Working in batches, lay 4 potsticker wrappers on a clean surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying. Put a heaping tsp. of filling in the center of each of the 4 wrappers. Brush the edges with water. Fold the wrappers in half over the filling, pinching the edges together to form semi-circles. Put the potstickers on a baking sheet seam-side up and cover with a clean towel. Repeat until all the potstickers have been formed. To cook the potstickers: Heat a large skillet over medium. Add about 1 1/2 T. of oil. When the oil is hot add half the potstickers, seam-side up. Cook the potstckers until the bottoms are golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Add 1/3 C. broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cooked potstickers to a platter. Repeat, cooking the remaining potstickers. Serve the potstickers warm accompanied by the dipping sauce.

 

 

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Hong Shao Yu – Red Cooked Fish

Hong Shao Yu – Red Cooked Fish

1 whole freshwater fish, scaled and cleaned or 4-5 fish filets

1/4 C. dark soy sauce

1/2 C. Shaoxing cooking wine

3-4 T. sugar

1″ piece ginger, sliced in rounds, on the bias

2 stalks scallion, cut into 2″ pieces

3 whole star anise

1 stick cinnamon

1 tsp. whole Sichuan peppercorn

Flour, for dusting

Oil, for frying

 

Dust the fish on either side with a light coating of flour. In a large wok or pan, heat enough oil to cover the bottom. Fry the fish on both sides, about 1-2 minutes each. Remove fish to a plate. Drain most of the remaining oil from the wok. Add the soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, ginger, scallion and spices to the wok. Add about 1 C. of water to this, let come to a boil, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Place the fish in the broth, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Pick out the pieces of ginger and scallion, and any aromatics. Serve the fish with the broth, along with a bowl of rice.

 

 

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Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Soup

Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Soup

lemongrass2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can coconut milk
2 1/2 C water
1 inch ginger root, peeled and sliced
2 limes (one for zesting, another for juicing)
1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed and cut in half
2 red chili peppers, deseeded and cut in half

1 T. light brown sugar
2 T.  fish sauce
4 oz of sliced mushrooms
Salt and pepper taste
Cilantro for garnish

Pour the coconut milk & water into a pan. Add the ginger root slices, lime zest, lemongrass, chilis, sugar, fish sauce and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and let it simmer for 8 minutes.
Add the chicken, letting let it all cook for another 8 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or so.
Don’t forget to taste the soup along the way and season as necessary. You may want to remove a piece of chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly, too.
Before serving, remove the chilis, lemongrass and ginger as best you can. Then garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro before serving.  T

 

 

 

 

Singapore Chili Prawns

Singapore Chili Prawns

Singapore-Chilli-Prawns-with-Rice-5001 tablespoon peanut oil
1 pound shrimp (shelled and deveined)
1 tablespoon garlic (chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
1/4 cup shallots (chopped)
2 chilies (seeded and chopped)
1/2 cup water
4 tablespoons tomato sauce
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1/2 lime (juice)
2 teaspoons palm sugar (grated or sugar)
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 egg (lightly beaten)

 

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the garlic, ginger, shallots, and chilies and sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Add the shrimp and sauté for a minute on both sides. Add the water, tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, sugar and corn starch and bring to a boil. Stir the egg into the pan and continue stirring until the egg is cooked.

 

Asian Short Ribs

Asian Short Ribs

asianribs3 1/2 pounds beef short ribs, cut into
4 oz portions
1/4 cup flour
1 T. oil

3/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
3 T. rice wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, peeled & smashed
1 T. fresh ginger, minced
1 stalk lemongrass, the tough outside removed, cut into thin slices
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce

2 tsp corn starch

Season ribs with salt & pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess. In a frying pan, brown the ribs in oil over medium high heat. Transfer browned ribs into your slow cooker.  Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, lemongrass (if using), ginger, brown sugar, water, orange juice and Hoisin sauce and pour over ribs. Set slow cooker to low and cook for 10 hours on low or on high for 6 hours.  When done, transfer ribs to a platter and keep warm. Drain fat off the cooking liquid.  Place the remaining cooking liquid in a pot. Whisk in corn starch and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened and reduced. Brush over ribs and serve.

Snow Peas Canton

Snow Peas Canton

1 T. peanut oil

4 to 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1/2 pound pea pods, trim ends, remove strings

5 ounces bamboo shoots, sliced, drained

8 ounces water chestnuts, drained, sliced

1/4 C. canned or fresh chicken broth

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. cornstarch

2 tsp. water

 

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok.  Sauté garlic until light brown.  Add peas, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts.  Stir-fry one minute.  Add chicken broth and soy sauce.  Cover and cook another minute.  Combine cornstarch and water.  Stir into skillet.  Cook over high heat until sauce thickens and appears glossy, about 1 minute.

 

Grilled Salmon on Japanese Rice with Green Tea

Grilled Salmon on Japanese Rice with Green Tea

3 ounces salmon, grilled

1 C. cooked (warm) Japanese rice

1 C. brewed green tea

1 scallion, sliced, greens only

3 T. crumbled, toasted nori

1 T. wasabi

Japanese pickles or pickled vegetables

salmon green tea

Place rice in the center of a warm bowl; top with salmon. Pour the hot tea over the fish. Sprinkle with scallions and nori. Serve with wasabi and pickles.

Sweet and Hot Chili Sauce

Sweet and Hot Chili Sauce

5 T. white vinegar

3 tsp. red chili flakes

8 cloves garlic

Pinch of salt

2 fresh red chili peppers, seeded and sliced

1 c. whole canned tomatoes (with juice)

12 oz. Red Plum jam

9 oz. pineapple juice

4 T.p. apple juice concentrate

 

Place the first 7 ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend to an even consistency. This will take several minutes and require stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. lace the remaining ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour the blended ingredients in the saucepan. While stirring, let this mixture come to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 more minutes. Store in air-tight, sterilized jars. It will keep for at least 2 months, refrigerated.

 

 

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Baby Bok Choy with Garlic

Baby Bok Choy with Garlic

bok1/3 C. chicken broth

1 T. soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch

1 T. peanut or vegetable oil

1/4 C. thinly sliced garlic (about 8 cloves)

2 lb baby or Shanghai bok choy, halved lengthwise

2 tsp. Asian sesame oil

 

Stir together broth, soy sauce and cornstarch, until cornstarch has dissolved.  Heat wok or large skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly. Pour peanut or vegetable oil down side of wok, then swirl oil, tilting wok to coat side. Add garlic and stir-fry until pale golden, 5 to 10 seconds. Add half of bok choy and stir-fry until leaves wilt, about 2 minutes, then add remaining bok choy and stir-fry until all leaves are bright green and limp, 2 to 3 minutes total. Stir broth mixture, then pour into wok and stir-fry 15 seconds. Cover with lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in sesame oil, then transfer to a serving dish.

 

 

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Thai Lemongrass Soup with Shrimp (Tom Yum Goong)

Thai Lemongrass Soup with Shrimp (Tom Yum Goong)

thai1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

4 C. low-sodium chicken broth

2 to 3 lemongrass stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths

2 Serrano chiles seeded and chopped (see head note)

1 Tbs. Thai or Korean roasted chile paste (optional)

1/2 lb. medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 C. drained canned straw mushrooms (any fresh mushrooms may be substituted)

Juice of half a lime

Chopped fresh cilantro for serving

 

Finely chop half of the ginger. To a large pot, add the chopped ginger, the remaining chunk of ginger, the chicken broth, lemongrass and chiles. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the chile paste if using, the shrimp and the mushrooms to the pot. Simmer until shrimp are firm and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Discard the large pieces of lemongrass, ginger and chiles (if you opted not to chop them). Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with cilantro.

 

 

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Chicken Dumplings with Sesame Dipping Sauce

Chicken Dumplings with Sesame Dipping Sauce

Chicken Dumplings with Sesame Dipping Sauce1/2 pound ground chicken
1/4 C. thinly sliced scallions
1/4 C. minced canned water chestnuts
1/4 C. chopped cilantro
4 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
24 wonton wrappers (3-inch square)

1/4 C. low-sodium soy sauce
1 T. sesame oil
2 tsp. rice vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 C. thinly sliced scallions

In medium bowl, combine chicken, scallions, water chestnuts, cilantro, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Working with several wonton wrappers at a time and keeping remainder loosely covered with a dampened cloth, start filling wontons: Place a generous tsp.ful of filling on bottom half of wrapper. With wet finger or pastry brush, moisten two sides of wonton. Fold two moistened sides over filling and press to seal and form triangle. Repeat with remaining wonton wrappers and filling. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, and scallions. Bring large pot of water to boil. Add dumplings and cook until they float to surface and chicken is cooked through (filling will be firm to the touch), about 4 minutes. Drain. Serve with dipping sauce.

Asparagus Negimaki

Asparagus Negimaki

Asparagus Negimaki24 thin asparagus spears, trimmed
1/2 C. soy sauce
1/4 C. sugar
1/4 C. mirin or 1/4 C. dry sherry
1 T. fresh ginger, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bunch green onion, greens portions only
1 1/2 lb. beef tenderloin
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat grill pan until hot; bring salted water to a boil over medium high heat in a saucepan. Blanch asparagus spears for 1 minute; drain and plunge in an ice water bath to stop cooking. In a small saucepan combine soy sauce, sugar, mirin (or dry sherry), ginger, and garlic; heat over medium heat until reduced and slightly thickened; set aside to cool. Cut green onions in fourths, lengthwise, so you have long strips. Slice beef in 1/4 inch slices, then pound to tenderize and thin out. Dip beef slice in soy sauce mixture and place on a clean work surface; season with pepper. Place an asparagus spear and a piece of green onion on the beef slice and roll up. Do the same with the remaining asparagus and beef. Grill beef rolls about 2 minutes until slightly charred and medium rare. Turn several times and brush with soy sauce mixture. Remove to a serving platter and drizzle generously with soy sauce mixture.

Asian Pork and Noodle Bowl

Asian Pork and Noodle Bowl

1/4 of a small head of cabbage

1 T. vegetable oil

8 oz of cooked pork tenderloin cut in short strips

1 can of chicken broth

2 tsp.soy sauce

8 green onions, chopped

2 packages (3 oz each) ramen noodles with chicken flavoring

 

Shred the cabbage into thin strips. In a wok, pour the T. of vegetable oil and heat to medium heat. Add the cabbage and pork. Stir fry until the cabbage begins to soften. Open the packages of ramen noodles and remove the flavor packets. Add the can of chicken broth to the wok, the two packets of chicken flavoring, and 2 cans of tap water. Also add soy sauce. Bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in green onions. Heat two minutes. Add the two packages of ramen noodles, breaking them into smaller pieces if you wish. Cook until the noodles are tender, about two to four minutes. Serve immediately.

Asian Crispy Wonton Lasagna

Asian Crispy Wonton Lasagna

Peanut oil, for frying

12 wonton wrappers

Salt

Vegetable Layer:

4 tsp. vegetable or peanut oil

2 tsp. sesame oil

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. minced ginger

2 tsp. minced green onions

1/2 C. shredded carrots

1/4 C. diced red bell peppers

2 C. thinly sliced Napa cabbage

1/3 C. water

2 tsp. hoisin sauce

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. freshly ground white pepper

1 T. diced green onion

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Meat Layer:

2 tsp. vegetable oil

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. minced ginger

1 tsp. minced green onion

1/2 C. ground pork

1/2 lb. 1/2-inch diced shrimp

1 T. hoisin sauce

1 T. plus 1/4 C. soy sauce

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tsp. water

1 T. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1/4 C. mirin

2 large shrimp, split in 1/2 lengthwise

Whole cilantro leaves, for garnish

 

In a large 1-gallon pot, heat 2 inches of peanut oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the wontons in batches until golden and crispy, about 90 seconds. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season with salt and reserve until ready to assemble the lasagnas.  Place a 12-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the oils. Once the oils are hot, add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, and stir with a rubber spatula for 30 seconds, to keep from burning. Add the carrots and peppers to the pan and sauté, while stirring for 2 minutes. Add the cabbage to the pan and continue to cook for 3 minutes. Pour the water into the pan and continue to cook until all of the water is dissolved, about 3 minutes longer. Season the cabbage with the hoisin, salt, and pepper. Garnish with the green onions and cilantro and toss to blend.

Place 1 wonton skin on the base of 4 separate plates. Divide the vegetables among the 4 plates, and top each with another wonton skin. Continue by adding the meat mixture onto the second wonton.  Place a 10-inch sauté pan over a medium-high heat and add the oils. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger, and green onions to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds, and add the pork. Cook the pork, stirring occasionally, until most of the fat has rendered out and there is very little pink to be seen, about 3 minutes. Add the diced shrimp to the pan and continue to cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes. Add the hoisin, soy sauce, and 1 T. sugar to the pan, and cook, stirring, until the liquid is reduced slightly, about 1 minute. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook, stirring for 1 minute longer. Sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the pan and toss to blend.  Layer the second wonton skin with the meat mixture and top with the third and final wonton skin. In the same pan that you cooked the pork and shrimp in, add the remainder of the soy sauce (1/4 C.), remaining 1 T. of sugar, the mirin, and the shrimp halves. Place this over a high heat, and cook, until the shrimp are cooked and the liquid has reduced to a glaze, about 3 minutes.  Place a shrimp half on top of each wonton, and garnish with the cilantro. Drizzle the glaze around the lasagna on the plate and serve immediately.

Asian Chicken and Chili Soup

Asian Chicken and Chili Soup

6 C. chicken broth

2 red bell peppers, (ribs and seeds removed), thinly sliced lengthwise and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

2 T. soy sauce

1 to 3 tsp. Asian hot chili sauce

3 C. (12 oz. s) diced poached chicken

1 bunch (6 oz. s) watercress, large stems trimmed

2 scallions, thinly sliced lengthwise and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

 

In a 3-quart saucepan, bring broth, bell peppers, soy sauce, and chili sauce to a simmer; cook until peppers are crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Add chicken and watercress; cook 1 minute. Ladle into bowls, and top with scallions.

Teriyaki Beef Sticks

Teriyaki Beef Sticks

Teriyaki Beef Sticks

 

1 C. Soy Sauce

1 C. Sugar

3 T. mirin

4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced or grated

One 1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain into long strips

3 C. steamed rice, for serving

 

In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, garlic, and ginger until combined. Add the meat and evenly coat with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the meat in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Meanwhile, soak 8 bamboo skewers in water for at least 1 hour before using, weighing them dorm with a heavy bowl.  Preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, dull side up, and spray lightly with oil. Thread the meat onto the skewers and set them on the baking sheet. Broil until the meat is browned and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Serve with steamed rice.

Slowcooker Asian Short Ribs

Slowcooker Asian Short Ribs

Slowcooker Short RIbs1/2 C. low-sodium soy sauce

1/3 C. brown sugar

1/4 C. rice vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed

1 T. grated fresh ginger

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

8 beef short ribs (about 4 lb.)

4 medium carrots, peeled and halved crosswise

1 small green cabbage

2 T. cornstarch

1 T. sesame oil

4 scallions, thinly sliced

 

In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, combine the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper.   Add Short ribs and carrots and arrange in a single layer.  Cook, covered, on high for 7-8 hours on low or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Transfer the short ribs and carrots to plates.  With a large spoon or ladle, skim the fat from the cooking liquid and discard.  Turn the slow cooker to high. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 T. of water until smooth. Whisk into the cooking liquid and cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.  Stir in the sesame oil. Spoon the sauce over the short ribs and vegetables and sprinkle with scallions.

 

Asian Pinwheel Steaks with Noodle and Cabbage Sauté

Asian Pinwheel Steaks with Noodle and Cabbage Sauté

Coarse salt

1/2 lb. angel hair pasta

1/3 C. roasted unsalted peanuts

2 C. fresh ready-to-eat baby spinach leaves

1/2 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (a couple of generous handfuls)

1/4 C. cilantro leaves (half as much as the parsley)

3 garlic cloves, chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated, divided

4 T. tamari (dark aged soy sauce, found in the international aisle), divided

6 scallions, chopped, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco

1/4 C. plus 2 T. vegetable oil, plus some for drizzling, divided

2 3/4-inch-thick New York strip steaks

Metal skewers

1 sack (16 oz.) shredded cabbage “slaw mix” (on the produce aisle)

2 T. rice wine vinegar (eyeball it)

1 C. chicken stock or broth

 

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and the pasta, and cook until al dente, with a bite to it. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. While the pasta water is heating, in the bowl of a food processor, place the peanuts, spinach, parsley, cilantro, three fourths of the garlic, the lemon zest and juice, one third of the ginger, 1 T. of the tamari, one fourth of the chopped scallions, a little salt and pepper, and the cayenne and pulse-grind the ingredients to form a paste. While the machine is still running, slowly pour in the 1/4 C. of vegetable oil. Taste and adjust the seasonings; reserve. Place steaks several inches apart between layers of wax paper. With a meat mallet or a heavy-bottomed pan, lb. the steaks to half their thickness. Season each steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Cover each steak with a thin layer of the peanut filling. Roll the steaks tightly and cut each in half across. Secure the pinwheels with a carefully placed skewer and set the 4 pinwheels on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with a little oil and roast for 12 to 15 minutes. While the pinwheels are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 2 T. of vegetable oil (twice around the pan). Add the cabbage, the remaining ginger and the remaining garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the remaining 3 T. of tamari, the rice wine vinegar, and chicken stock. Bring up to a simmer and add the reserved noodles and the remaining scallions. Toss to coat and continue to cook for 1 minute to heat the noodles through. Taste to adjust the seasoning with more tamari or salt and pepper. To serve, remove the skewers and transfer the pinwheels to dinner plates. Serve some of the noodle and cabbage sauté alongside.

Asian Beef

Asian Beef

4 1/2 oz. beef, loin cut

1 C. fresh snow peas

1 bell pepper

1 green onion

1 tsp. canola oil

1 clove garlic

2 T. teriyaki sauce

2/3 T. sesame seeds

 

Prepare rice according to recipe directions, omit salt. Slice beef into half-inch strips on a separate cutting board. Chop green onion; core, seed and slice pepper into strips; mince garlic, set aside. Wash and trim snow peas, set aside. In a nonstick skillet, heat oil on low-medium heat and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Raise heat to medium and add beef: stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, add vegetables and teriyaki sauce and stir-fry about 5-6 minutes, until vegetables are tender, but still crisp. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Bulgogi (Korean Barbecued Beef)

Bulgogi (Korean Barbecued Beef)

1 lb. minute steak

2 T. sugar

4 T. soy sauce

2 T. dark sesame oil

1 t. ground sesame seeds

4 T. chopped green onion

3/4 t. garlic powder

3/4 t. black pepper

 

Combine all ingredients except beef. Marinate beef in mixture at least fifteen minutes. Discard marinade. Best grilled over a charcoal fire, but can be pan fried.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Chinese Chicken Salad with Toasted Almonds

Chinese Chicken Salad with Toasted Almonds

SALAD:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, grilled or roasted and sliced

1 large head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (8 C.)

1/2 head red cabbage, shredded (4 C.)

8 scallions, sliced diagonally

1/2 C. chow mein noodles

1/2 C. chopped almonds, toasted

Dressing:

1/4 C. vegetable broth

2 1/2 T. canola oil

1/4 C. rice wine vinegar

2 T. sugar

1 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 T. toasted sesame oil

 

To prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, cabbage, scallions, and noodles. To prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the broth, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk to blend. Pour the dressing over the chicken salad. Toss to coat. Serve, sprinkled with the almonds.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 300

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 3g

 

New Year’s Cabbage with Sausage

New Year’s Cabbage with Sausage

6 dried black mushrooms

2 green onions including tops

2 T. vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic minced

1/2 boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced

1 Chinese sausage (2 ounces) cut diagonally into 1/4 inch slices

1 Chinese (Napa) cabbage (about 1 1/2 pounds) cut into bite-size pieces

Sauce

1/3 C. chicken broth

3 T. soy sauce

1 T. dry sherry

2 tsp. chile paste (optional)

1 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

4 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 T. water

 

Soak mushrooms in enough warm water to cover for 30 minutes. Drain, cut off and discard stems, and slice caps in half. Set aside. Cut white and green parts of onions diagonally into 2 inch pieces and separately set aside. Combine all sauce ingredients except cornstarch solution in a bowl and set aside. Cooking: Place a wok or wide frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add garlic, cook, stirring until fragrant. Add white parts of green onions, chicken, and Chinese sausage and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add cabbage and sauce. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Add cornstarch solution and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens slightly. Toss in green onion tops and mix well.

Sticky Orange Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

Sticky Orange Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

Sticky Orange Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Fennel

½ C. (120 ml) toasted sesame oil

2 T. grated orange zest plus ½ C. (120 ml) fresh orange juice

6 T. (90 ml) tamari

1 T. fresh lime juice

2 T. grated fresh ginger

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 fennel bulbs, cored and thinly sliced, plus fronds, chopped, for garnish

 

In a large bowl, whisk the sesame oil, orange zest and juice, tamari, lime juice, ginger and garlic to combine. Add the chicken, onions and fennel; toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the chicken, onions and fennel from the marinade onto a baking sheet. Arrange the chicken skin-side up on top of the onions and fennel, distributing it all evenly. Pour ½ C. (120 ml) of the marinade over the chicken, discarding the remainder. Roast the chicken, turning the pan once halfway through, until the skin is browned and crisp and the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F, 40 to 45 minutes. Garnish with the chopped fennel fronds.

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

2-3 chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks

3/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp minced garlic, dried

2 T. cornstarch

 

For the Instant Pot: Setting the chicken chunks aside, whisk together remaining ingredients in the liner of the Instant Pot. Add the chicken chunks to the sauce. Cook on Manual HIGH for 1 minute, NPR 6 minutes before releasing the pressure manually. Stir the Instant Pot and let sit for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken. Serve over rice with steamed veggies. For the Stovetop: setting the chicken chunks aside, whisk together the remaining ingredients in a large skillet. Add the chicken to the skillet and simmer over medium high heat until the chicken is cooked through. Stir the cornstarch into 3 T. of water. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the skillet to thicken the teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice with steamed veggies.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice

1 egg 

2 T. chicken broth or water 

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce 

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1/3 C. finely chopped onion 

1/3 C. shredded carrots 

1/3 C. frozen baby peas 

1 1/2 C. cold cooked brown rice 

 

In a small bowl, combine the egg, broth or water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Beat with a fork until smooth. Set aside. Set a nonstick skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrots, and peas. Toss. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the rice. Toss and cook for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Reduce the heat to medium. Scrape the rice mixture to the sides of the pan. Pour the egg mixture into the well. Cook, stirring the egg mixture into the rice mixture, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 152

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 2g

Japanese Miso-Shiitake Soup

Japanese Miso-Shiitake Soup

Japanese Miso-Shiitake Soup

 

3 cups (225 g) shiitake mushrooms

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

½ cup (120 ml) olive oil

3 Tablespoons miso

1 piece (5 g) fresh ginger root

1 garlic clove

3 cups (720 ml) water

1 green onion, diced

 

Marinate mushrooms in soy sauce and 3 Tablespoons olive oil. Set aside to marinate. Place miso, remaining olive oil, ginger, garlic, and water into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 30 seconds. To serve, pour soup base into four bowls. Top each with marinated mushrooms and chopped green onion. Notes: Soup base with toppings will keep for one day. Soup base will keep for four days, and toppings will keep for two days in the fridge when stored separately. This recipe can be reduced by half and made in smaller containers.

Takuan (Pickled Daikon Radish)

Takuan (Pickled Daikon Radish)

Takuan (Pickled Daikon Radish)

 

1 large or 2 small firm daikon radishes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled

1/4 C. Hawaiian salt (‘alaea)

1/2 C. rice vinegar

1 1/1 C. sugar

3 or 4 squeezes of yellow food coloring gel (optional)

1 Hawaiian chili pepper (moi), thinly sliced (optional)

 

Cut the daikon into 3/8-inch-thick rounds and toss with the salt. Let sit uncovered at room temperature for 3 hours, then rinse and squeeze out the excess water before packing it into a jar. Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, sugar, food coloring, and chili pepper (if using) in a small, nonreactive saucepan and bring to a boil. Cool the sugar-vinegar sauce to room temperature while the daikon sits. Pour it over the prepared daikon slices in the jar and store in the refrigerator for at least 3 days but preferably a week before serving. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

 

Asian Noodle Bowl

Asian Noodle Bowl

4 C. vegetable or chicken broth

6 oz. Udon noodles

1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 C. broccoli florets, cut into bite size pieces

1 1/2 C. snow peas

1/4 C. sliced green onions

1 med jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional)

3 T. chopped cilantro

2 T. tamari, shoyu or light soy sauce

2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 tsp. Asian chili-garlic sauce

1/4 tsp. salt

 

Boil Udon noodles for 4 minutes in a quart of dark vegetable broth, or chicken broth would be fine, too. Remove the noodles from the broth, rinse under cold water, drain and set aside. Bring the broth back to the boil and add the broccoli florets, red pepper and (jalapeño pepper, shrimp or chicken, if using). Cover and cook for 4 minutes. Remove from heat.  Return drained noodles to pot. Add snow peas, green onion and cilantro, and remaining ingredients. Cover and let stand off heat for another 3 – 4 minutes until snow peas and onions are crisp-tender. Serve in deep bowls with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro. Chop sticks make the noodles easy to grasp and a big spoon lets you slurp up the wonderful broth.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Best Chicken Fried Rice Without a Wok

Best Chicken Fried Rice Without a Wok

How To Make the Best Chicken Fried Rice Without a Wok

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 3/4 cups water

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter or vegetable oil (optional)

For the chicken:

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

1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

 

4 tablespoons canola or other neutral-flavored oil, divided

2 teaspoons minced (not grated) fresh peeled ginger (from a 1-inch piece)

Pinch red pepper flakes

1/2 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions

1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce

1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)

 

Rinse the rice. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any starch on the outside of the rice; set aside to drain. Add the rice, salt, and butter to boiling water. Bring the water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice, salt, and butter or oil if using, and return to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Do not remove the lid while the rice cooks because steam escapes and this will change the cooking time. Check the rice after 18 minutes. Check the rice after about 18 minutes. The rice is finished when firm but not crunchy. The grains may stick together but should not be gummy. If there is any excess water in the bottom of the pan, tilt the pan to drain it off. Turn off the heat, cover again, and let stand for 3 minutes. Fluff the rice with fork and spread on a baking sheet. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Transfer to a baking sheet, spread it out into an even layer, and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, at least 30 minutes. (Alternatively, if you prefer chewier fried rice, refrigerate overnight.) Measure and set out the ingredients. Before beginning to stir-fry, cut and measure all of the ingredients. Use your fingers or a fork to break up any large clumps of rice. Arrange ingredients in order of use next to the stovetop. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and sesame oil for 5 to 10 minutes. Combine all the ingredients for the chicken together in a medium bowl. Set aside to marinate for 5 to 10 minutes. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 12-inch or larger stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate. Increase the heat. Increase the heat to high and return the skillet to the burner. Add another 1 tablespoon of oil. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil, pick up the pan, and carefully swirl it to coat the bottom and sides. (If the oil smokes immediately when added, your pan is too hot. Take the pan off of the burner and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, wipe the oil out with paper towels and start again.) Stir-fry the ginger and red pepper flakes for 10 seconds. Add the ginger and red pepper flakes and stir-fry until fragrant, about 10 seconds.

Stir-fry the carrots for 1 minute. Add the carrots and stir-fry until bright orange, about 1 minute. Stir-fry the peas and corn for 30 seconds. Add the peas and corn and stir-fry until heated through, about 30 seconds.

Add the last of the oil. Drizzle in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the rice and green onions for 2 minutes. Add the rice and scallions, then stir-fry for 2 minutes. Break up the rice with the spatula until the rice is heated through and combined with the vegetables. Stirring with a thin metal spatula will help but expect some of the rice to stick to the pan since you are not using a wok or nonstick pan. Season the rice with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper and stir-fry 10 seconds. Drizzle the tamari or soy sauce and sesame oil around the edge of the skillet. Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the rice and stir-fry until the seasonings are completely incorporated, about 10 seconds. Lower the heat, push the rice to one side, and scramble the egg. Lower the heat to medium. Use the spatula to push the fried rice to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten egg into the empty space and scramble until cooked. Toss the egg with the rice. Add the chicken and nuts. Return the cooked chicken to the rice, add the nuts if using, and stir to combine.

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

1 tablespoon oil optional.

1 pound flank steak cut into thin strips

2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon garlic

1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce

2/3 cup pineapple juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup honey or brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

 

Prepare you flank steak by slicing against the grain into very thin strips (about 1/4-1/2 inch thick). If you want to sear your meat, turn your Instant Pot to sauté. Once it reads “HOT,” add in 1/2 -1 tablespoon oil and let heat for 1 minute. Add in beef and sauté until JUST browned. About 2 minutes. Mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey and seasonings and add to Instant Pot.  Put lid on Instant Pot and turn vent knob to the sealed position.  Hit manual (you will have to first turn the Instant Pot OFF from Sauté function) and then adjust the cook time by using the plus or minus buttons to 3 minutes.  After cook time has elapsed, let rest 5-10 minutes and then do a quick release.  Turn Instant Pot back to sauté. Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until fully combined. Add cornstarch slurry to pressure cooker and stir and boil for 2-3 minutes.  Turn off instant pot and serve Mongolian Beef with rice, cauliflower rice and top with scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

 

It is NOT necessary to sear your meat first. Instead, put flank steak with soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes in Instant Pot and cook on high for 8 minutes. Follow instructions for adding cornstarch slurry as written.

If you do not want to use honey, brown sugar can be substituted.

Pineapple juice is a great way to add sweetness to the dish naturally to cut back on the amount of added sugar.

If your flank steak is frozen in strips, increase cook time to 10 minutes.

Adjust amount of red pepper flakes based upon how much spice you like.

To cook rice while cooking the beef, follow these steps:

Saute the beef as directed. Add in all the ingredients for the Mongolian Sauce.

Insert a rack in the Instant Pot (right over the Mongolian Beef Mixture).

Place a 7 cup oven safe dish on top of the rack and put in 1 1/2 cups Jasmine rice and 1 1/2 cup water (or stock).

Close the instant pot and turn valve to sealed. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.

Let pressure release for 10 minutes and then open the Instant Pot.

Remove the rice and rack from the inner pot and proceed with thickening the Mongolian Beef with the cornstarch slurry as the recipe directs.

Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodle Salad)

Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodle Salad)

1 serving of ramen noodles

1 egg, beaten

a chunk of cucumber

1 slice of cooked ham

1/2 of a medium tomato

a dash of toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For sauce:

2 Tsp. dashi

1 1/2 Tsp. soy sauce

1 Tsp. rice vinegar

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. sugar

1 drop of rayu (optional)

 

Cook ramen noodles according to instructions on package. Avoid using instant ramen noodles: I have not tried them myself, but I imagine that their texture won’t be chewy enough. When noodles are done, drain them and cool them with cold running water or ice immediately. Set aside. Heat a nonstick pan over medium low heat. Add egg and spread it out into a thin crepe. Finely slice egg, cucumber, ham, and tomato. Arrange noodles and toppings in a (chilled) bowl. Mix all ingredients for sauce together. Pour sauce over noodles and garnish with sesame seeds (if you want) just before serving.

Scattered Summer Sushi

Scattered Summer Sushi

 

2 C. Japanese rice (around 430g)

6 Tsp. sushi rice vinegar (or check label)

1 Tsp. sake (optional)

1 piece dried konbu (optional)

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

2 tsp cornflour

Large pinch salt

Pinch sugar

Vegetable oil

1 Cucumber

1 Carrot

Handful mange tout (cooked)

4 tofu pouches (optional)

16 large prawns (shrimp)

1/2 C. edamame beans (cooked)

 

Make your sushi rice – I recommend you buy a rice cooker, as it takes all of the guesswork and stress out of cooking rice. Mine cost me about £10 three years ago and is still working fine. Firstly, wash the rice thoroughly and leave it to soak for half an hour. Then, drain and add your sushi rice to the same quantity of water in your rice cooker. Add the sake and konbu if using, then switch on and leave to cook. Once it has finished, leave it to rest for 15 minutes. Turn the rice out into a damp, flat container (like a Pyrex oven dish) and add the sushi rice vinegar. Using a damp wooden spoon, turn the rice gently to coat it in the seasoning. At the same time, fan the rice to cool it and help it to absorb the dressing. Continue until no visible steam rises from the rice, and place it under a damp kitchen towel. Make thin Japanese omelettes by combining the eggs, egg yolk, salt and sugar in a bowl. Add the cornflour dissolved in 4 tsp water. Heat the oil in a frying pan, and add enough oil to coat the base. Thinly cover the pan with the egg, and heat until almost set. Then, turn the omelette over to finish it off. Do not allow it to colour. Continue until all the egg has been cooked, then roll the omelettes up and shred them finely. Prepare the carrot by peeling it and cutting it into thin discs. Then, using a flower-shaped cutter, cut the discs into flower shapes. Use your cucumber to make a pretty garnish. A simple method is to cut the cucumber thinly on a diagonal, cut through it to the middle, and then twirl the ends in opposite directions (see picture). If you’re using them, drain the tofu pouches and shred finely. Cut the mange tout at sharp diagonals. Divide the sushi rice into four bowls. Scatter over the shredded tofu, omelette and edamame beans. Finally, arrange the carrots, cucumber and prawns.

Chicken Pot Stickers

Chicken Pot Stickers

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken

1/2 C. shredded green cabbage

1/3 C. chopped green onion (4 medium)

2 tsp. chopped gingerroot

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped (1/2 C.)

1 egg white

1 package (10 oz.) round wonton skins

2 C. chicken broth

4 tsp. soy sauce

 

Mix all ingredients except wonton skins, broth and soy sauce. Brush each wonton skin with water. Place slightly less than 1 T. chicken mixture on center of skin. Pinch 5 pleats along edge of half of circle. Fold circle in half over chicken mixture, pressing pleated edge to unpleated edge. Repeat with remaining skins and chicken mixture. Spray 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Cook 12 pot stickers at a time in skillet about 3 minutes or until light brown; turn. Add 1/2 C. of the broth and 1 tsp. of the soy sauce. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook about 1 minute longer or until liquid had evaporated. Repeat with remaining pot stickers, broth and soy sauce.

Mango Avocado Summer Rolls with Miso Sesame Ginger Sauce

Mango Avocado Summer Rolls with Miso Sesame Ginger Sauce

Mango Avocado Summer Rolls with Miso Sesame Ginger Sauce

12–24 sheets rice paper

Warm water

1 large carrot

2 large (or 3 medium) cucumbers

1/2 purple cabbage

1 avocado, thinly sliced

1 mango, thickly sliced

1 C. cilantro or Thai basil leaves

 

3 T. light miso

4 T. seasoned rice wine vinegar

1 1/2-inch knob ginger, grated (about 1/2 tsp)

1 T. sesame oil

 

Spiralize carrots using the “spaghetti” blade, or thinnest blade possible. Set aside. Spiralize cucumbers using the “spaghetti” blade. I like to drain my cucumber noodles after spiralizing by squeezing them through a cheesecloth or a stack of paper towels. Set aside. Spiralize purple cabbage on the “ribbon” blade, or thickest blade possible. Set aside. Prepare your avocado, mango, and cilantro and arrange them alongside your other prepared veggies for easy assembly. Submerge a sheet of rice paper in a bowl of warm water for 5 seconds. Immediately lay the wet sheet on a cutting board or large plate. Fill your roll (careful not to overfill!) with veggies. I like to start with cilantro so you can see the leaves lying flat through the roll, and then add the veggies from thinnest to thickest. I also like to add more cilantro on top before rolling. Roll each summer roll delicately while keeping it as compact as possible. Sauce: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.