These traditional Japanese dumplings, known as gyoza, are juicy and crispy yet wonderfully tender; their flavor will please even the most discerning palate Ah, gyoza! Who can resist these bite sized Japanese dumplings that have taken the world by storm? Even if you are new to Asian cooking, you have […]
Dim Sum
Homemade Gyoza wrapper
The preparation of gyoza, these delicious Japanese dumplings, is an art that deserves our full attention. Today, we’ll dive into the heart of Japanese culinary tradition with a gyoza dough recipe that will delight even the most discerning. Whether used for chicken gyoza, beef gyoza, or even pork This is […]
Quick Soy-Braised Mushrooms
Not all mushrooms have to be sautéed in a flash. They are just as delicious when braised, especially when you simmer them the Chinese way as we do here. This technique, known as “red cooking,” is widely practiced in China, often with pork. By the way, I have a delicious […]
Xiao Long Bao – Chinese Soup Dumplings 小笼汤包
Xiaolongbao (小笼包), also known as Chinese soup dumplings, are a type of dim sum often hailed as the pinnacle of culinary perfection. This dish is a true gastronomic treasure that blends tradition and craftsmanship. This specialty, which proudly symbolizes the cuisine of the Jiangnan region in China, has earned unmatched […]
Siu Mai (烧卖) Recipe – Chinese Steamed Dumplings
Siu mai, also called xiu mai or “bouchons” on Réunion Island, are one of my favorite dim sum dishes. Why? Easy to fold and deliciously juicy—I eat them by the dozen without getting a stomachache afterward. That’s what I call having your cake and eating it too. What are siu […]
Fried Wontons
This fried wonton recipe yields delicious wonton or wantan dumplings filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and other savory seasonings. They are then fried until golden and crispy. In short, a guaranteed hit for an authentic Chinese appetizer! How to Make Fried Wontons? It’s surprisingly easy and fun to make your […]
Som Tam – Easy Green Papaya Salad
The classic Thai green papaya salad: crisp, vibrant, and sweet-and-sour. Walk down any bustling street in Thailand and you will almost certainly hear the steady thud of wooden pestles hitting clay mortars as vendors whip up their own versions of som tam, each finished with a lip-smacking sweet-and-sour dressing. The […]
Kai lan (Chinese broccoli): What is it and how do you cook it?
What is kai lan? In Asia, it’s also called gai lan; around here you’ll more often hear “Chinese broccoli” or “Chinese kale.” So what is kai lan? It’s a variety of cabbage from southern China that doesn’t have the typical cabbage flavor… It’s closer to broccoli—hence the French name. It’s […]
Choy sum, what is it?
What is choy sum? Choy sum, also known as “yu choy” or “yu choy sum”, is a leafy green from the cabbage family. In this article we simply call it Chinese cabbage, but the name “choy sum” literally means “vegetable heart”. It is one of many varieties of Chinese cabbage, […]
Banh cuon – Vietnamese steamed rice crepes
Bánh Cuốn make the perfect warm-weather dish! These delightfully light Vietnamese rice rolls are filled with a simple, savory pork mixture. Serve them fresh with plenty of crisp greens and crunchy toppings for an incredible burst of flavors and textures, especially when you dip each roll into a good homemade […]