Sesame seeds may very well be one of the most underrated members of the superfood world. Loaded with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and at least 10 different minerals and vitamins, sesame seeds have proven to help with everything from diabetes to respiratory health to healthy skin! Due to the levels of copper and sesamin in… Continue reading Cold Sesame Soba Noodles
Tag: East Asian
Asian-inspired recipes
Togarashi Roasted Zucchini
Togarashi (also known as nana-iro togarashi, or shichimi togarashi) is one of the most common spice blends in Japanese cooking, and with good reason! This seven-spice blend dates back to at least the 17th century, and it contains red pepper, Japanese pepper, orange peel, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, ginger, and seaweed. You can just imagine… Continue reading Togarashi Roasted Zucchini
Rafute (Okinawan Pork Belly)
Okinawa has been a Japanese prefecture since 1879, but this area has a culture and history all its own. Okinawa was first united as the Ryukyu Kingdom under King Shunten in the 12th century, and it was fairly isolated until China arrived in 1372 with a trade agreement. They ushered in an era of prosperity… Continue reading Rafute (Okinawan Pork Belly)
Better Than Takeout Lo Mein
I come from a family of noodle fanatics, and lo mein has always been a favorite option for us. (Seriously, that’s what I always get my mom for her birthday dinner!) Those chewy noodles are irresistible when they’re combined with a savory sauce and yummy veggies! There are a couple distinct differences between lo mein… Continue reading Better Than Takeout Lo Mein
Hobak Namul
This quick-cooking side dish is a perfect way to bring a taste of your favorite Korean BBQ restaurant to your kitchen! Hobak namul (literally translating to “zucchini side dish”) blends the freshness of zucchini with savory flavors of fish sauce and garlic, along with a perfect kick of heat from Korean chili powder. If you… Continue reading Hobak Namul
Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)
This Korean dish is almost as fun to say as it is to eat! Tteokbokki has been a favorite Korean dish since at least the 19th century, when it was included in the historic Siuijeonseo cookbook. Early versions consisted of chewy rice cakes (called tteok) cooked with a savory soy-based sauce, and it routinely involved… Continue reading Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)
Miso Quinoa Fried Rice
Even though there are distinct differences between rice and quinoa, it’s actually pretty easy to substitute one for another in a number of recipes. Fried rice is one tasty, tasty example of that! Quinoa absorbs flavor beautifully through the steaming process, so it’s a great time to incorporate the uniquely umami flavor of miso. Miso… Continue reading Miso Quinoa Fried Rice
Japanese Curry
Take a guess at which country considers curry a national dish. No, seriously, give it a shot. India? Logical, but no. Pakistan? Also a good guess, but not quite. Would you believe that Japan considers curry its national dish? Yes, really. It beat out sushi, teriyaki, miso, and just about every other dish you would… Continue reading Japanese Curry