Weeknight beef and turkey ragu

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013593-turkey-ragu Our modifications: first, in lieu of pancetta, we used 4 slices of precooked bacon, cut into matchsticks. Second, we doubled the recipe, using 1 1/3 minced turkey (which was the size we had) and 1 lb minced beef. We doubled the amount of onion, garlic, celery, and carrot, and minced… Continue reading Weeknight beef and turkey ragu

Gong bao chicken with peanuts

We tried this stirfry by Fuschia Dunlop: https://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/gong-bao-chicken-with-peanuts We converted the metric measurements as follows: 3 oz roasted peanuts = 1/3 cup (mounded) and 1.5 cm cubed chicken = ½" cubed. The recipe called for 1 tsp whole Sichuan peppercorns, which we found jarring to bite (similar to star anise). The next time, we will… Continue reading Gong bao chicken with peanuts

Chinese smoked tofu with celery and roasted peanuts

We tried this recipe from Fuschia Dunlop: https://www.vegkitchen.com/smoked-tofu-with-celery-and-peanuts/ Our modifications: first, we increased the amounts to 5 oz smoked tofu, 4 celery stalks, and ¼ cup (about 2 oz) peanuts. To destring the celery stalks, we used a serrated vegetable peeler to scrape off 1/8" of the outer layer of each celery stalk. To roast… Continue reading Chinese smoked tofu with celery and roasted peanuts

Filipino picadillo with potatoes

We tried this recipe, mainly following the “stew” (as opposed to “soup”) version: https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/picadillo-with-potatoes/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used 1 lb minced bison, even though the stew version calls for 1.5 lb minced beef. We also reduced the fish sauce to 2 tsp (instead of 1 Tbsp, which is 3 tsp).… Continue reading Filipino picadillo with potatoes

Velvet chicken and asparagus stirfry

We tried this recipe by Grace Young, who is well-regarded for healthy Chinese cooking: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/grace-youngs-velvet-chicken-with-asparagus-52140001 We used 1 lb chicken cutlets (thinly sliced chicken breast), which we cut into ¼" thick x 2" wide diagonal slices. As the first step, we marinated the chicken for 30 mins, and towards the end of marinating time, we… Continue reading Velvet chicken and asparagus stirfry

Burmese chicken with bottle gourd (kyet tha boothee hin)

In a blender (we use a handheld chopper), roughly chop 1 large onion, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp (about ½ inch penny slice) fresh ginger, and 8 Thai chili peppers (or 3 medium Korean hot peppers), and set aside. Marinate 2 lbs of chicken (here, skinned chicken thighs cut into large chunks) in 2 Tbsp… Continue reading Burmese chicken with bottle gourd (kyet tha boothee hin)

Leftover rice and Chinese sausage frittata

I had a craving for a frittata with Asian flavors. We had about 1 cup of leftover cooked jasmine rice, so I experimented as follows: Preheat oven to 400. At the same time, heat 1 Tbsp neutral vegetable oil in a large (10") cast iron on the stove top on medium heat. Add 1 large… Continue reading Leftover rice and Chinese sausage frittata

Turkish scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onion, and chilies (menemen)

We had leftover roasted shishito peppers, we tried this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/09/menemen-turkish-style-scrambled-eggs-tomatoes-chilies-recipe.html Our modifications: first, we used ¼ tsp Aleppo pepper instead of ½ tsp hot paprika. Second, we sauteed the onion, Aleppo pepper, and oregano in 2 Tbsp olive oil, and a few mins later added ¾ chopped roasted shishito peppers (which had been roasted… Continue reading Turkish scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onion, and chilies (menemen)

Sichuan minced pork with cellophane noodles (ma yi shang shu)

We tried this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/ants-climbing-a-tree/. Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used Korean sweet potato cellophane noodles (dang myun). Because they are thicker than bean thread noodles, we parboiled the cellophane noodle for 4 mins, drained, rinsed in cold water, and then set aside. Second, we used ½ lb minced pork. Also, to… Continue reading Sichuan minced pork with cellophane noodles (ma yi shang shu)