Burmese banana and coconut milk custard (naypyew sa-nwin makin)

Preheat oven to 350.  Blend 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temp) and ¾ cup sugar until creamy, then mix in 2 eggs. Fold in 6-7 mashed ripe bananas (here, a combo of Cavendish and apple bananas) and 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz).  Mix in ½ cup flour to bind.  Pour mixture into a buttered… Continue reading Burmese banana and coconut milk custard (naypyew sa-nwin makin)

Japanese grapefruit jello 

During my childhood, a Japanese family friend, Mrs. Otsuka, made grapefruit jello, which she served in grapefruit shells (similar to lemon sorbet being served in a hollowed-out lemon).  A few years ago, I finally tracked down a Japanese recipe for this dish, which turns out to be quite simple.  First, lightly spray the inside of the gelatin mold(s)… Continue reading Japanese grapefruit jello 

Korean egg-dipped flounder (saengsun jun)

Cut ½ lb flounder filet (boneless, skinless) into bite-sized (1 ½ inch) pieces. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Set up two bowls next to the stove: one small bowl with 3 Tbsp flour, another with 1 egg, ½ tsp water, and a little Korean beef bouillon seasoning (sogogi dashida). Heat a large skillet,… Continue reading Korean egg-dipped flounder (saengsun jun)

Korean kimchi stew with pork (kimchi jigae) 

This is a dish from my childhood.  Using a large Dutch oven, heat some neutral oil and then saute bite-size pieces of pork (here, 1.5 lb boneless pork loin).  When browned, add 1 onion, roughly chopped, andabout 3-4 cups of kimchi (here, a mix of radish and cabbage).  Mix well, then add water - enough to… Continue reading Korean kimchi stew with pork (kimchi jigae) 

Shanghai Lion’s Head (Chinese pork meatballs with bok choy)

Combine the following:  1 ¼ lb minced pork, 2 chopped scallions, 1 minced garlic clove, 30 water chestnuts (diced), 1 tsp microplaned ginger, 1 Tbsp each soy sauce and cooking sherry, and 1 large egg (beaten).  Slowly add enough cornstarch, 1 Tbsp at a time (and up to 3 Tbsp) to bind the meatball mixture.… Continue reading Shanghai Lion’s Head (Chinese pork meatballs with bok choy)