Something great about the supermarkets here in Seoul is that you can often find fresh vegetables relatively inexpensive. Going to the market, I saw a package of assorted mushrooms that had my favorite king oyster mushrooms, bundled along with shitake and enoki. There are different textures to these mushrooms: king oyster are quite meaty, shitake … Continue reading
Tag Archives: cooking
Rice Cake Soup (떡국 Tteokguk)
With the celebration of Lunar New Year, many Asian families gather to share family and cultural traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Being in Korea this Lunar New Year, I am sharing this recipe for rice cake soup which is made by Koreans for family and visiting guests. During the New Year … Continue reading
Steamed Kabocha Squash with Pork Spare Ribs
For many Cantonese people, Sunday mornings are a time to relax and gather the family for breakfast over dim sum (點心), which is a style of Chinese food where small portions of food are served in bamboo steamer baskets or on small plates. This recipe puts a spin on a regular dim sum favorite of pork spare … Continue reading
Mussels in Spicy Black Bean Sauce
These mussels are in a rich, fragrant Chinese black bean sauce that can easily be found in Asian grocery stores or supermarkets. This quick mussels recipe combines fresh seafood with pungent black bean sauce, spicy Sriracha, and garlic for a delicious dish. We usually serve this Chinese-style mussels recipe with steaming bowls of white rice as part … Continue reading
Beef Negimaki with Enoki and Scallion
Beef negimaki (ねぎ巻き) is a Japanese dish consisting of broiled strips of beef marinated in a sweet, flavorful teriyaki sauce and rolled with scallions (negi). The dish is thought to have originated in the Kanto region of Japan, and makes a deliciously fun appetizer for parties. In this recipe, we’re using scallions and enoki mushrooms for the stuffing to get a … Continue reading
Puglian Octopus Salad
Taking a look around the market for the freshest ingredient of the day can be such a cooking inspiration! It’s a wonderful feeling of freedom to let your culinary creativity roam when there is no shopping list in your hands. Octopus was incredibly fresh at the market this weekend, so it promptly came home with me … Continue reading
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pollock
Bukuh (북어) is dried Alaskan pollock that is high in protein, low in fat, and full of essential amino acids. This time we’re using this dried fish to make a Korean side dish (“ban chan” 반찬) that can be served either hot or cold. Sweet and spicy, this banchan is a great introduction to using this … Continue reading
Grilled Chicken Greek Salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing salad to combat the warm summer months, look no further than this bright Greek salad. With tangy flavors, this grilled chicken Greek salad features fresh vegetables, lemon, and savory feta. Adding hearty chickpeas and a lean chicken breast fillet gives protein, while keeping it low fat. Here’s to a … Continue reading
Shanyao Soup
Cantonese people’s passion for soup is deeply rooted in their culture and history. There are soups that boast the ability to nourish the body, strengthen physical health, and prevent diseases. Depending on the season and one’s physique, one would adjust the type of soup made. I have also always been a big proponent of Cantonese soups … Continue reading
Parmesan Cheese Pasta Salad in Olive Oil
With the warmer weather finally settling in, add this pasta salad to your picnic, BBQ’s, or potluck menu. This colorful, summer dish is mixed with kalamata olives (for its meaty, smooth texture) and capers, then tossed with Italian herbs and olive oil. Pasta salad is meant to be a cold dish, so you can even … Continue reading
Chunky Guacamole
When it comes to guacamole, I have to admit that I have pretty high standards. It should have a fresh taste, chunky texture, and just the right amount of heat. But everything begins with choosing right ingredients. There is a wide variety of avocados available; however, hass avocados are the most ideal for guacamole given … Continue reading
Salmon Chazuke: Oolong Tea with Rice
The possibilities are endless when it comes to chazuke (茶漬け, ちゃづけ) which is popularly served as a light meal or snack throughout Japan. Oolong tea, green tea, or dashi is poured over rice that is served with savory toppings. This time, we’re using roasted smoked salmon and toasted nori for this quick-fix at home dish; … Continue reading
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
When it comes to making Caprese Insalata, the salad is only based on a limited number of ingredients, so it’s all about selecting the freshest ones you could find- moist mozzarella cheese, meaty and juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The simplicity of the salad is its beauty, as it perfectly combines textures, flavors, and freshness … Continue reading
Congee with Shanyao, Dried Longan, and Barley
Shanyao (山藥) is eaten in many East Asian cuisines, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese. While it is popularly used in its dried form for traditional herbal medicine, fresh shanyao is great as a soup ingredient and can be readily found in local Asian supermarkets. This tuber has a thin yellowish outer skin over its … Continue reading
Linguine with Little Neck Clams in White Wine Sauce
Start the weekend right with a classic pairing of shellfish and pasta- a match made in heaven indeed! This recipe features tender little neck clams with a white wine sauce and served over linguine. The white wine is a highlight of this dish, so select one you would enjoy drinking for this recipe. I have … Continue reading