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 […]
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 […]
This homemade sweet chili sauce is bound to become a fridge staple. It’s versatile, quick and easy to make, free of additives, and tastes far better than anything store-bought. As ever, nothing beats homemade—and sweet chili sauce is no exception. Not only is it quick and easy to make, it’s […]
This Vietnamese take on a popular Southeast Asian cured pork is spicy, salty, and bursting with the tangy, fiery, and aromatic flavors of raw garlic, chilies, and pepper. It’s a real treat. Nem Chua: What Is It? Ah, nem chua! This little gem of Vietnamese charcuterie really knows how to […]
Chinese dumplings are a beloved treat for Lunar New Year, a season rich with wonderful traditions and celebrations. But no celebration feels complete without the dishes that define the season. Tangyuan are to the Lunar New Year what the yule log is to Christmas: an almost essential tradition. Yuanxiao (Lantern […]
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 […]
Let me say it up front: it’s a Japanese pantry essential. Also called “tsuyu,” this foundational condiment brings quintessential Japanese flavor to your dishes. A true ambassador of Japanese tastes! What is mentsuyu? Mentsuyu is the base sauce for many soups, broths, and noodle dishes. Traditionally, it’s a blend of […]
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, […]
A detailed guide to homemade Chinese hot pot broth. Two versions are included: a classic Sichuan-style spicy broth and a mild, chicken stock-based broth. If you’ve ever enjoyed Chinese hot pot, you’ll agree it’s a fun, interactive way to eat. Although I’ve published a complete guide to Chinese hot pot, […]
Nuoc cham, also known as nem sauce, is a flavorful and versatile Vietnamese condiment. When you think of many Vietnamese dishes, it is hard to imagine enjoying them without a little nuoc cham on the side! Yes, even though in France nước chấm is often associated with a single version, […]
