Korean pan-fried tofu (goon dubu)

I grew up eating this dish, and it always brings back happy childhood memories. Cut a 16 oz block of tofu in half vertically, and then crosswise into ½" thick slices. Blot each piece with paper towels until bone-dry; this will minimize splattering and help the tofu brown instead of steam. Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable… Continue reading Korean pan-fried tofu (goon dubu)

Filipino minced beef with string beans (ginisang baguio beans)

I first learned this recipe many years ago from a college friend. I misplaced her recipe, so we tried this one: http://www.russianfilipinokitchen.com/2014/07/30/sauteed-green-beans-with-ground-beef-filipino-style-ginisang-baguio-beans/ Our modifications: consistent with my friend’s recipe, we used ¼ cup white vinegar instead of water. We added the vinegar at the same time as the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Second,… Continue reading Filipino minced beef with string beans (ginisang baguio beans)

Sichuan bean thread noodles with minced pork

We tried this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/ants-climbing-a-tree/ Our modifications: first, we reduced the bean thread noodles from 200 g to 160 g dried (4 small bundles from an 8-pack). We also used ½ lb minced pork as a proxy for 1 cup. Second, we reduced the doubanjiang to 2 tsp from 1 Tbsp (3 tsp). Third, we… Continue reading Sichuan bean thread noodles with minced pork

Oven-roasted cauliflower drizzled with thyme and toasted sesame oil

During the pandemic, we have tried creative combinations. We made a Hokkien (Chinese) main course, so we tried to add an Asian note (sesame oil) to the side dish. Here, we preheated the oven to 425. We oven-roasted cauliflower florets (tossed in olive oil and a little black pepper) for about 20 mins, turning over… Continue reading Oven-roasted cauliflower drizzled with thyme and toasted sesame oil

Microwaved Korean sweet potatoes

Our conventional oven conked out, so we baked these in the microwave. Carefully wash the skin, fork-pierce a few times, and then wrap each tuber in a few damp paper towels. Place the wrapped tubers on a large, microwave-proof plate, and microwave on high until tender (about 5 to 5 ½ mins for two small-medium… Continue reading Microwaved Korean sweet potatoes

Candied Korean sweet potatoes (goguma mattang)

Every once in a while when I was a kid, my sister and I enjoyed this special treat at Korean-Chinese restaurants. I decided to try it at home. Because we rarely deep-fry, I tried combining a healthier, roasted sweet potato method with a traditional candy coating. First, following this recipe, https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/paleo-korean-caramelized-sweet-potatoes-goguma-mattang-2/ , we cut two… Continue reading Candied Korean sweet potatoes (goguma mattang)

Chinese soy-braised turnips

We tried this recipe from Madhur Jaffrey’s World Vegetarian cookbook: first, peel 2 lb (about 4) purple topped turnips, cut into 1.5 inch pieces (vertically cut in half, then each half into 2-4 thick chunks). Second, heat 2 Tbsp peanut or corn oil in a large wok, then add the turnip chunks on medium-high heat.… Continue reading Chinese soy-braised turnips