Here’s a cheat version of Vietnamese sweet coconut purple sticky rice using a rice cooker. There’s no need for overnight soaking and no need for a steamer with the perfect size holes. All you need is what you probably already have, a rice cooker.
Read MoreOne of the first recipes that I posted on this blog was how to make one of my favorite sushi rolls, the Lion King . The other night I followed my haphazardly-produced recipe for sushi rice from many years ago and noticed that the recipe was off. So I had to update it. This is the update for perfectly moist sushi rice.
Read MoreComfort food for me is a well-balanced meal, all in one bowl that is quick to cook and quick to clean up. Fried rice automatically comes to mind that satisfy all criteria. Plus, it is a great vehicle to sneak in vegetables that my kids would otherwise refuse to eat. Fried rice is stir-fried rice, cooked in a wok or frying pan with other ingredients, such as eggs, vegetables, meat or seafood.
Read MoreThe chilling temperature and me coming down with a cold had me thinking of one thing and one thing only. A nice hot bowl of Vietnamese thick rice porridge soup (Chao), also known as congee or gruel. The soft texture makes it a favorite among elders, babies and those who are sick. With less than a cup of rice, you can make a pot of chao to feed the whole family.
Read MoreFried rice (Com Chien) is the most beloved food of many Asian kids and a favorite comfort food of many adults. My very first attempt at making fried rice many moons ago was ... interesting to say the least. It wasn't until much later (sadly) that I realized I had it all wrong. With a bit of practice, I can now say I make a mean wok of deliciously fluffy fried rice.
Read MoreMy favorite breakfast item during my stay in Vietnam was Xoi La Cam, a sweet version of glutinous rice. Xoi La Cam is made from naturally dying the rice grains purple/magenta from boiling Magenta leaves. It is then steamed with coconut milk and sugar, then topped with a mixture of freshly grated coconuts, toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, sugar and salt.
Read MoreI had a jar of kimchi that’s been sitting in my fridge for some time. It’s quite sour to eat on its own but instead of tossing it, I made kimchi fried rice. The frying and the ridiculous amount of butter calm down the fermented tart taste. To finish it off, I fried a couple of eggs and placed them on top. Mmm…mmmm….delicious.
Read MoreChicken rice or Com Ga. Such a plain-looking dish, but don't let it fool you. This dish is packed with flavors. This dish uses a lot of ginger. So if you have ginger to use up, this is a recipe for you.
Read MoreSushi is delicious, but it can get expensive eating out all the time. I finally was able to replicate one of my favorite sushi at home. The Lion King Roll is essentially the California roll wrapped with salmon, baked, then topped with a special house sauce. I was surprised that the house sauce was quite simple. Now I can have Lion King Roll anytime I want.
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