Cuisine: Asian

Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice

I had some chicken legs leftover and searched for something interesting to do with them. I found this recipe for Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice. Although it seems like a long list of ingredients, it's rather easy to prepare. The spicy Gochujang paste gives it the perfect amount of heat. The crispy rice is mixed with spices, made into patties, and fried. My husband thought the sauce should be thicker, which can be achieved by taking the drumsticks out of the pan and whisking in some cornstarch.

By Leslie Blythe

Sweet Miso Steak with Ramen

This Sweet Miso Steak with Ramen is broth-less. It's a simple stir-fry recipe that is easy to make and satisfying. I have modified it and I think it needs a touch of chili to add a bit of spiciness.

By Leslie Blythe

Red Bean Mooncake

I think you can learn so much about other cultures through food. My husband and I were invited to learn how to make Chinese Mooncakes, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The moon’s roundness symbolizes harmony and prosperity, and the festival celebrates the harvest, often bringing together family members from near and far.

Our Chinese hosts prepared the dough and the filling for the Red Bean Mooncakes in advance and helped us roll out the dough, wrap it around the filling and press it into special molds before brushing with beaten egg and baking. We also made SuZhou-Style (salty, pork filled) Mooncakes.

At first, making these pastries seemed daunting but by the end we actually got the hang of it and our hosts called us experts, which was very generous of them!

By Leslie Blythe

Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls

I had some ground beef I needed to use and made these Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but it was seriously good. I happened to have all the ingredients and also made Bibimbap Sauce to drizzle over the top. You could add some cooked broccoli, snap peas, carrots, etc. It's quick to make. This recipe is the cheater version because it uses ground beef, unlike the more traditional Bulgogi.

By Leslie Blythe

Momofuku’s Soy Sauce Eggs

My daughter Grace made Chef, Christina Tosi's, Momofuku's Soy Sauce Eggs inspired by David Chang. You can vary the marinade by adding sake, scallions, ginger, mirin, garlic, chiles, or rice wine vinegar, and can be served as an appetizer, on toast, in ramen, or just eat it plain as a snack.

By Leslie Blythe

Ramen Noodle Salad

Yesterday for lunch, I made this Ramen Noodle Salad. It's another one from Chrissy Teigen's book. She calls it Dump and Done Ramen Salad. I have made many salads using crushed up uncooked ramen noodles. It adds a lot of crunch and nice texture. I have adapted it to suit my tastes, like using green onions instead of red onions, etc. You could add some cooked shrimp or chicken to add protein to this salad. It's absolutely delicious and very adaptable to your own tastes.

By Leslie Blythe

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower rice is full of antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C, which can help lower your risk of cancer. Having had cancer, I am all for that. This Cauliflower Fried Rice is a great rice substitute being low in calories and carbs and is ideal for people with diabetes. The beauty of this dish is that you can use any vegetables you have on hand and make it your own.

By Leslie Blythe

Bang Bang Cauliflower

When we're looking for a spicy, flavorful side to brighten up our dinner, I give you Bang Bang Cauliflower. Not only is it quick and easy, but the dish is super adaptable. Not a fan of spice? Go easy on the sriracha and bump up the chili sauce. Hate cilantro (which I do!)? Ditch it in favor of thinly sliced green onions. You can make it your own!

By Leslie Blythe

Ramen Noodle Frittata

One of my favorite lunches is Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles, which is a recipe my husband invented. Here is another way to use ramen noodles and the first thing you do is throw the flavor dust packet in the trash! Your family will love this Ramen Noodle Frittata. It's very versatile. You can use different vegetables or ground meat in it. The funny thing is that it calls for Oyster sauce and I grabbed hoisin sauce instead, which worked just fine. Then I looked up the difference between the two -

Hoisin sauce is made primarily with soybeans with other ingredients like garlic, sugar and various spices. Oyster sauce does contain the seafood after which it is named. ... Hoisin sauce contains various spices and is sweeter. While oyster sauce contains sugar as well, it is not as sweet as hoisin sauce.

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Spicy-Sweet Sambal Pork Noodles

My daughter has a friend at Bon Appétit and he told her this was the best recipe they published this year. She made it and called me immediately to say it was the best thing she's ever eaten! So I made it last night and yes, these Spicy-Sweet Sambal Pork Noodles are all that and a bag of chips as my husband says. It's so good that you should make the full recipe. Apparently, it's even better the next day. Sambal is an Indonesian chili sauce or paste.

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