7 Recipes for Tofu - Tofu has come a long, long way from the days when most people thought it was a food relegated only to health obsessed hippies. Newer to the West, tofu has been a staple in Asian cuisine for 2000 years. Made…
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Agedashi Tofu - Authentic Agedashi Tofu like it's made in Japan is difficult to find even in the best Japanese restaurants outside of Japan. In Japan, the best Agedashi Tofu is made with silken tofu and has a perfectly light crisp exterior but…
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Asparagus Rice - Most of us have had those moments where we don't know what to do with leftover rice, either from restaurant take-out or from cooking at home. This easy recipe spruces up old rice into something brand new and exciting. Though…
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Avocado & Corn Confetti - Makes 1 medium sized bowlIngredients1 cup fresh corn kernels1 tablespoon olive oil2 medium sized ripe avocados, diced¼ medium sized red onion, diced½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1 tablespoon soy sauce2 tablespoons plum sauce½ teaspoon sea saltMethodIn a…
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Baked Eggs in Shiitake Mushroom - Makes 8 MushroomsIngredients8 fresh, large whole Shiitake mushrooms8 small to medium sized eggs1 1/2 tablespoon Hoisin sauceJuice of 1/2 lime (~ 1 tablespoon)1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce (adjust quantity to your taste)MethodPreheat oven to 375 degrees. Using a paper towel,…
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Basil Tofu Linguine - As a child, Asian noodles and Italian pasta were an intense obsession for me, both bringing great joys and some of the best memories in my life. As an adult though, I realized that a lot of those same dishes…
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Blue Lake Beans & Carrot Sabji - The only note on these recipes is my dad's "measurements" are super old-school — in that, there aren't any. What I've found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is…
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Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry - Enough cannot be said about the pairing of fresh green leafy vegetables with mushroom, particularly shiitake mushroom. Shiitake mushrooms are high in an amino acid named eritadenine, which has been shown to greatly reduce high cholesterol levels. Another component in…
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Braised Garlic Eggplant - Eggplant is my favorite vegetable- one that I think is greatly under-appreciated. In this dish I use a simple but powerful technique I learned from a chef in Beijing that helps minimize the amount of oil needed for cooking since…
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Brussels Sprouts with Lap Cheong - Serves 4Ingredients1 1/2 lbs brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and cut into halves or quarters3 tablespoons olive oil8 cloves garlic, smashed and roughly chopped2-3 lap cheong sausages, thinly sliced4 tablespoons oyster sauceMethodIn a wok or skillet, dry stir-fry the lap cheong…
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Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry - It’s freezing outside today. Well, freezing for Bay Area standards. I’ll happily admit that I’m a big baby when it comes to the weather being cold. My hubby, who’s from Chicago, always teases me about how the Bay Area doesn’t…
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Calabasa & Green Bean Stir-fry - I'm a huge fan of fresh vegetable pairings, simple ingredients and quick stir-frying. Overcooking vegetables will lose their nutritional content which is why this recipe focuses on the natural flavors of fresh ingredients. The crispness of the calabasa is a…
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Chicken & Vegetable Skewers - Serves 4Ingredients5 medium Portobello mushroom caps cut into quarters½ large red onion, cut into bite sized chunks1 medium fennel, cut into bite sized chunks2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch squaresMedium sized skewersOlive oil for cookingSea Salt…
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Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce - This quick and easy vegetable dish is one of the most popular and classic Chinese recipes across the world. Gently stir-fried Chinese broccoli is full of antioxidants and essential nutrients but the addition of sweet and savory oyster sauce and…
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Cilantro Lime Cod on Mashed Squash - Serves 4Ingredients4 medium to large Alaskan cod fillets (substitute any medium to firm white fish- ~1 lb)2 tablespoons soy sauce3 tablespoons lime juice½ cup cilantro2 scallions, finely chopped8 cloves garlic2 tablespoons olive oilMashed Squash1 ½ lbs butternut squash, roughly chopped…
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Endive Salad with Plantain Chips - Traveling back and forth between Asian and Central and South America brings the realization that the two regions, though so far apart geographically and culturally, have many ingredients in common in the kitchen. In reality, this should come as no…
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Garlic Edamame - By now, parboiled Edamame lightly salted is standard appetizer fare at Japanese restaurants the world over. Edamame, or soy bean pods, have a high nutritional content with a major dose of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. This Edamame recipe…
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Garlic Green Bean Stir-fry - Serves 4Ingredients1 lb green beans, ends trimmed and cut in half2 tablespoons olive oil12 cloves garlic, finely minced1/2 teaspoon saltMethodIn a wok or large skillet, heat the olive oil on high heat. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes…
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Garlic Green Herb Rice - Serves 4Ingredients3 heaping cups warm cooked rice2 lap cheong sausages, thinly sliced (optional)12 cloves garlic finely minced½ large red onion, finely chopped1 large handful cilantro, roughly chopped1 large handful parsley, roughly chopped4 bok choy, rinsed and finely chopped3 to 4…
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Garlic Herb Okra - Serves 4Ingredients1 lb fresh okra, ends trimmed and sliced in half lengthwise4 tablespoons olive oil10 cloves garlic, minced1/3 medium onion, finely diced1 tablespoon finely minced ginger1/2 teaspoon cumin1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder1 tablespoon butter (substitute with more olive oil)1/2 teaspoon…
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Garlic Mashed Cauliflower - Serves 4 as a side dishIngredients1 head cauliflower (white part only), roughly chopped10 garlic cloves¼ cup olive oil1 teaspoon saltFreshly ground black pepper (optional)MethodPlace the chopped cauliflower and garlic cloves in a heat-safe shallow bowl or plate. Using a wok…
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Garlic Rice in Eggplant - Serves 4Ingredients2 large Chinese eggplant, sliced lengthwise in half (keep the head on)4 tablespoons olive oil12 cloves garlic, finely minced2 lap cheong sausage, thinly sliced2 cup cooked white rice (room temperature)1 1/4 teaspoon sea saltParmigiano Reggiano cheese for gratingMethodPreheat the…
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Green Mango Salad - Serves 4Ingredients2 young green mangoes, peeled and shredded6 garlic finely minced1/3 cup cilantro finely chopped1/3 cup mint finely chopped1 tablespoon shrimp paste3 tablespoons fish sauceJuice of 1/2 large lime (~2 tablespoons)1/2 teaspoon sugar3/4 teaspoon ground red chili peppersMethodIn a large…
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Green Papaya Salad - Thailand has a few dishes that are widely recognized throughout the world and Som Tam is definitely one of the standouts. Some of my best memories in life are of wading through the Chao Praya River in Bangkok and eating…
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Green Vegetable Stir-fry - The mentality that nutritious and delicious food requires a lot of time and energy can no longer hold true in the Western hemisphere. All Asian countries boast a vast array of vegetarian dishes that are incredibly healthful and taste spectacular.…
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Indian Mixed Vegetable Sabji - One of the things I love about my dad's cooking is its classic homestyle Indian food made super easy and healthy. He and my mom both believed that you could create a great meal without having to spend hours and…
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Korean Bean Sprouts - Makes 1 medium sized bowlIngredients3/4 lb fresh raw bean sprouts2 scallions (green onions) sliced thinly on the diagonal1/2 tablespoon salt1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oilMethodIn a medium sized pot, bring a few inches of water to a vigorous boil on high…
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Leek Mushroom Stir-fry - Serves 4Ingredients1 large leek, ends trimmed, chopped into ½ inch pieces and rinsed thoroughly under cold water2 heaping cups thinly sliced fresh shiitake mushroom (substitute with Portobello or button mushroom)2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon butter (optional)8 cloves garlic finely minced2…
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Mixed Greens with Miso Orange Dressing - Serves 4Ingredients4 heaping cups mixed greens (you can also use romaine lettuce instead)4 cups fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and drained2 scallions, ends trimmed and chopped roughly2 seedless oranges, peeled and chopped into small chunksDressing1 tablespoon miso paste 5 tablespoons orange…
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Moong & Toor Daal - The only note on these recipes is my dad's "measurements" are super old-school — in that, there aren't any. What I've found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is…
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Mung Bean Sesame Noodle Soup - It's no secret that I have an obsession with noodle soups of all types. In my culinary adventures, I do spend perhaps an unfair amount of time dedicated to both creating recipes and discovering others' recipes for amazing noodle soups.…
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Mushroom Medley - Every few years, mushrooms make a comeback in the forefront of the culinary industry, finding their way into countless recipes with fancy names and an assortment of other fancy ingredients that home cooks generally can't get their hands on. Given…
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Okra & Mushroom Stuffed Portobellos - Makes 4 large PortobellosIngredients4 large Portobello mushroom caps, wiped clean2 tablespoons olive oil + for drizzling8 cloves garlic, finely minced¼ medium white or yellow onion, finely diced2 scallions, finely chopped1 cup woodear mushroom, finely chopped1 cup king oyster mushroom, finely…
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Onion Rings with Chaat Masala - Several fast food places in India serve these light, crispy rings on a large metal rod (like a kitchen paper towel holder). They are easy to make, fun to eat and wonderful when it is raining outside. I like to…
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Potato Chinese Broccoli Soup - Serves 4 to 6 as main meal or 8 to 10 as appetizer soupIngredients10 cups chicken or vegetable stock4 large white or yellow potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks12 cloves garlic, smashed4 shallots8 Chinese broccoli stalks, ends trimmed and cut…
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Quinoa Egg Tartlets - Talk about getting your healthy proteins and vegetables in early in the day- these egg tartlets blast the notion that breakfast has to be time consuming or complicated to taste good and be nutritious. Prep time is all of 5…
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Roasted Bok Choy with Szechuan Pepper Salt - Makes 16 small halvesIngredients8 small whole bok choy1 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon Szechuan pepper salt (substitute with fine sea salt + course ground black pepper)MethodCut each bok choy in half lengthwise. Rinse thoroughly…
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Roasted Garlic Potatoes - Contrary to popular belief, Asians don't eat only rice. Garlic potatoes are a popular dish across much of Asia with each country presenting its own unique twists. This is one of my favorite recipes, a classic and simple one that…
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Roasted Red Cabbage - Serves 4 Ingredients1 small to medium sized head of red cabbage2 tablespoon olive oil3 tablespoons fish sauce2 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice of ½ large lime)2 tablespoon honey½ teaspoon dried ground red chili peppers10 cloves garlic, finely minced1 lap cheong sausage,…
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Gochujang Sauce - Makes 1 small basket (serves 3 to 4 as appetizer or snack)Ingredients2 medium to large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into long wedgesVegetable oil for coating¼ cup olive oil1 teaspoon garlic powder¾ teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon salt¾ teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon…
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Sauteed Garlic Spinach - Even people who aren't crazy about spinach love this dish when I make it. It would take too long to go on about the health benefits of spinach with its sky high levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, magnesium,…
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Savory Pomelo Salad - Serves 4Ingredients1 large (~ 2 medium) pomelo (substitute with 2 large grapefruits)1 tablespoon dried tiny shrimp, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, drained & finely minced3 red bird’s eye chili peppers, finely chopped (substitute ½ tablespoon ground red chili…
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Seared Tuna with Sweet Potato & Sprouts - Serves 4Ingredients4 boneless, skinless tuna steaks4 tablespoons olive oil + 4 tablespoons12 garlic cloves finely minced or thinly sliced4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes4 cups brussel sprouts (~3/4 lb), ends trimmed, quartered then cut in…
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Spicy Bamboo Salad - Serves 4Ingredients14 oz (~3 cups) bamboo shoots cut into long slivers8 cloves garlic finely minced2 tablespoons fish sauce4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (~juice of 1 large lime)4-6 red bird's eye chili peppers finely chopped (substitute 1 tablespoon ground red chili…
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Spicy Green Bean Salad - Serves 4Ingredients1 lb (~500 g) fresh raw green beans, ends trimmed and chopped into 2 inch length pieces1 heaping tablespoon shrimp paste2 tablespoons water8 garlic cloves8 red chili peppers (substitute with 1 tablespoon dry ground red chili peppers)1 tablespoon sugar2…
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Spicy Lemongrass Salsa - Here's a twist on a classic favorite. Incredible bursts of flavor with super fresh ingredients and unique touch of fish sauce instead of salt adds a whole new dimension to this party staple. Aromatic lemongrass lends a lovely fragrance and…
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Spicy Mushroom Salad - From antioxidants that help to prevent premature aging to anti-cancer, anti high blood pressure and high cholesterol, mushroom has long been praised as one of the wonder foods of the world. In this recipe, the super food is combined with…
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Spicy Soy Avocado - Makes 4 half avocadosIngredients2 medium to large ripe avocadosJuice of 1/2 fresh lime2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroFor the Sauce:1 tablespoon soy sauce1 tablespoon plum sauce1/2 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauceMethodIn a small bowl, mix together the ingredients…
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Squash and Mushroom Stir-fry - Serves 4Ingredients1 lb butternut squash or pumpkin, chopped into bite-sized chunks6-8 oz oyster mushroom (substitute with your favorite mushroom)2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil3/4 tablespoon butter8 cloves garlic finely minced2 tablespoons fish sauce1/2 teaspoon dried ground red chili peppers (optional)MethodIn…
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Strawberry Honeydew Salad - I love combining different favorite foods in new ways. Strawberry and reduced balsamic vinegar is a classic as are honeydew and prosciutto. But all four together? Who would've thought that these fresh fruits with salty prosciutto and sweet balsamic syrup…
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Sunset Stir-fry - Trying to get kids to eat vegetables can be one of the hardest things to do. Even grown-ups get bored with the same leafy greens every day. I created this sunset stir-fry from the vibrant colors of yellow squash and…
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Sweet & Spicy Okra - Serves 4Ingredients1 lb okra, ends trimmed and chopped into ½ inch pieces1/2 cup cornstarch3 + 3 tablespoons olive oil10 garlic cloves, minced3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce2 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek3/4 teaspoon saltMethodIn a large bowl, toss together the okra and…
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Sweet Daikon & Lotus Root Stew - Serves 4Ingredients1 whole fresh daikon (~1 1/2 lbs), peeled & chopped into bite sized chunks4 oz fresh lotus root, sliced thinly2 tablespoons vegetable oil10 cloves garlic, mashed2 cups vegetable broth, chicken broth or water1 tablespoon soy sauce1/2 teaspoon salt3 tablespoons…
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Sweet'n Spicy Beet Salad - I was never crazy about beets but with friends who love it, I created this recipe to find a happy medium. This easy beet recipe allows the beautiful, vibrant color of the beet and its natural flavors to shine through…
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Three Mushroom Salad - Serves 4Ingredients6 oz woodear mushroom7 oz enoki mushroom, ends trimmed1/2 lb king oyster mushroom, chopped into small bite sized pieces8 garlic finely minced1/4 onion thinly sliced2 scallions finely chopped2 tablespoons fish sauceJuice of 1/2 lime (~2 tablespoons)1 teaspoon sugar1 teaspoon…
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Tofu & Pumpkin Red Curry - Serves 4Ingredients1 package firm tofu (~ 16 oz)8 oz pumpkin or butternut squash, chopped into bite sized chunks2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 onion, chopped into bite sized chunks1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite sized chunks2 cups coconut milk1…
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Tofu Quinoa Stir-fry - Serves 4Ingredients10 cloves garlic, roughly mincedOlive oil14 oz firm tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes3 cups sugar snap peas, ends trimmed4 cups cooked quinoa1 teaspoon salt4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce4 tablespoons sambal oelek or any of your favorite spicy sauce…
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Tofu Steak - Serves 4Ingredients28 oz firm tofu cut into thick slicesGarlic powder for sprinkling3 tablespoons olive oil2 scallions finely chopped6 tablespoons soy sauceJuice of 1 lemon or lime1/2 teaspoon sesame oilMethodPlace the tofu pieces on a plate or cutting board. Sprinkle the…
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Vegetable Dumplings - Makes 38-42 DumplingsIngredients2 tablespoons vegetable oil8 cloves garlic, finely minced1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced2 cups Chinese Napa cabbage, finely shredded1 1/2 cups dried wood-ear mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, drained and thinly sliced1…
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Veggie Pho - Asian Fusion fans have long been asking for more vegetarian recipes, even those who are not actual vegetarians. It's heartening to see a slow but sure culinary culture change across America and much of the world when it comes to…
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Warm Potato & Brussels Sprouts Salad - Serves 4 (as side dish)Ingredients3 cups teeny tiny potatoes (use any very small, whole potatoes)4 heaping cups (~ ¾ lb) Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half3 tablespoons olive oil6 cloves garlic, finely minced¼ red onion, finely diced4 to…
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Wasabi Mashed Potatoes - Here's a different, hot twist on an old classic favorite. Adding Japanese wasabi to mashed potatoes lends another depth of flavor and a kind of heat that will clear out any sinuses. Instead of using milk as I usually do…
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Whole Moong Daal - The only note on these recipes is my dad's "measurements" are super old-school — in that, there aren't any. What I've found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is…
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Zucchini Sabji - The only note on these recipes is my dad's "measurements" are super old-school — in that, there aren't any. What I've found works well is to just play around with the spices and taste as you go. The recipe is…
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