The other night my husband and I went out to dinner with two other couples. One of the guys is married to a girl from Indonesia. We heard extensively about their travels to this exotic part of the world with awe and interest. And yes, this is where lemongrass vodka martini recipe comes into play....
Asian
I'll be honest, my exposure to Asian recipes has blossomed since my daughter went to live in China and Vietnam. Don't get me wrong, I loved our local Thai restaurant and going out for curry. I even made a few DIY asian fusion recipe attempts that didn't go so great until I had an insiders peek into healthy Asian food.
The key with Asian flavors is a balance of flavors versus other cuisines that place emphasis on one. There is also the element of representing a palette of colors on the table and eating family style from little plates. Yes, it's preferred to have red, orange, yellow, and green on the table at all the meals. If you find yourself in Vietnam, that will also include a small bowl of fish sauce.
There are also little rules I never would have known about. It's rude to plunge your chopsticks straight up in the bowl of rice, really, don't do it. They believe it represents a grave, which is bad luck. If you're dining with a family, don't finish your full drink or bowl when you're full. Leave a few pieces in the dish or your host will certainly refill it. I can't vouch for this in all situations, but my daughter did tell me of getting "overfed" on multiple occasions until she used this little trick.
If you're curious about the marriage of cuisine and culture, read more of the posts. I try to add little pearls of wisdom to each one!
Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
In the baking Hanoi summer heat, there is a tasty treat to refresh and give you a nice kick of energy. What is it? Vietnamese coconut coffee! Yes, you read right. Let me tell you all about it. In 2016, during our family's visit to Hanoi to visit our daughter who lives there, we wereintroduced...
Thai Style Pork Loin with Peanut Sauce
Thai Style Pork Loin with Peanut Sauce brings together a multitude of flavors. The contrast that is present in Thai food is what makes me love it so much. Thai cuisine is full of contrasts, not only in flavors but also in presentation, colors and textures. If you need a good recipe for Asian pork,...
Thai Beef Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing
The tantalizing flavors of Thai food are a symphony for the senses. Exotic ingredients such as lemongrass, tamarind, and palm sugar make for a spectacular flavor profile. Today I bring you Thai beef salad with peanut lime dressing. I made it for my family for Sunday night dinner two weeks ago, and it was a...
Super Easy Pad Thai with Shrimp
Ugh, the daily dinner dilemma! We sigh, scratch our heads, cross our arms and hang our heads. Sometimes we just pick up the phone and order in. Other times we reluctantly get in the car and drive somewhere. Tonight I am making a super easy Pad Thai with shrimp recipe that can be ready in...
Spicy Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Although this is still a "sushi recipe" I am, however, delving into the world of food deconstruction, as opposed to assembly. Spicy shrimp sushi bowl with avocado and carrots is what I would call an amicable "culinary divorce" if you will. My spicy shrimp sushi bowl recipe with avocados and carrots is undoubtedly much easier...
Thai Style Chicken Wings
Thai style chicken wings add a cool ethnic flair to any summer picnic, or appetizer party. I know, grilled chicken wings are not exactly Thai fare, but they are a tasty way to enjoy this party staple. The inspiration for this chicken wings recipe comes from a restaurant near my house claiming to have the...
Sushi: Sacred Union of Land and Sea
There is no denying that sushi is a trending food . Today many restaurant menus and large supermarkets carry it. At my house it is a favorite. Even my son who is a picky eater loves sushi. Spicy shrimp, and California roll are his favorites. For the longest time I had been wanting to learn to make...