Category Archives: Asian

Japanese Pork and Potatoes (Nikujaga)

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Japanese Pork and Potatoes (Nikujaga)

Japanese Pork and Potatoes (Nikujaga)

Nikujaga is a traditional Japanese dish of meat and potatoes simmered in a soy, mirin, and sugar broth. In eastern Japan pork is commonly used, while in western Japan beef is preferred. As the meat and potatoes cook, the broth is reduced and the ingredients absorb its flavor. The finished dish–a hearty stew–is sweet, savory, and utterly comforting.

Japanese pork and potatoes is easy to prepare, and doesn’t even require a trip to an Asian market. Soy sauce and mirin—the only speciality ingredients—can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. This dish is great for beginners experimenting with Japanese cuisine. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal attention after the initial prep. read more

Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi-Bokkeumbap)

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Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi-Bokkeumbap)

Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi-Bokkeumbap)

When it comes to Korean food, living in Chicago has really spoiled me. One of my favorite haunts is the King Spa and Sauna—a Korean spa that’s pretty much paradise on earth. On top of their spa amenities, they have a food court that features authentic Korean dishes, including eggs cooked in the hottest sauna at the spa! Despite, or I guess because of, the extreme heat, it’s my favorite sauna.

Right next to the King Spa is one of the best Asian grocery stores I’ve seen: H-Mart. It’s an Asian (primarily Korean) grocer the size of a big-box retailer, and its tremendous selection always spurs me to experiment with Korean cooking at home. Out of these experiments have emerged several favorites, one of those being kimchi fried rice. read more

Spicy Pork and Mustard Green Soup

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Spicy Pork and Mustard Green Soup

Spicy Pork and Mustard Green Soup

With the recent arctic blast and below-zero temperatures here in Chicago, I wanted a comforting, nutritious soup. Bon Appétit’s most recent cover recipe fit the bill: Rice Noodle Soup with Spicy Pork and Mustard Greens.

When I’m trying out a new recipe I tend to follow it almost exactly, so that I can properly decide what, if anything, needs to change. The first time around, I did reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes from 3/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon, as I had a friend over who doesn’t care for spicy foods. read more

Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Bap)

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Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul Bap)Kongnamul Bap (Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bean Sprouts) and Kimchi

I love Korean food! The spicy fermented vegetables, the seared meats served straight off the grill, the infinite variety of banchans (side dishes that accompany the main course), and the bibimbap (mixed rice bowls). These flavors awaken the taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Kongnamul bap is a type of bibimbap that features soy bean sprouts. Kongnamul bap is easily prepared, healthy, and inexpensive. Bean sprouts, kimchi*, and cooked rice are placed in a pot with a small amount of water and oil. The pot is then covered and heated, effectively steaming the vegetables and rice. The kongnamul bap is then ready to serve, topped with spicy soy sauce . . . it’s really that simple! This is a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. read more

Chinese Egg Rolls with Pork

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Chinese Egg Rolls with Pork

These Chinese egg rolls with pork are amazing! Every year for my birthday my family makes me a Chinese dinner featuring these egg rolls, shrimp toast, mu shu pork, sweet & sour pork, pan-fried dumplings, cubed steak, Mongolian beef, fried shrimp, and beef and broccoli. It’s an all-day affair and everyone pitches in to help. The crowd favorite are these Chinese egg rolls with pork.

My grandfather learned a lot about Chinese cooking from Shu-min Hsieh—a Chinese immigrant who came to the US in 1963. She taught Chinese cooking classes in Gainesville, FL from 1970-1990 to increase awareness about Chinese food within the community. I know her recipes are much appreciated in our household and we have  incorporated them into our family traditions. read more