-
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Have you been outside lately? I am sitting indoors at the computer with the AC blowing full blast. Just looking out the window makes me glisten. How do I remedy this thermal warfare? Cucumbers. Cucumbers are magical. They have the power to cool you in the deepest of heat. But in this salad, paradoxically, they are also the source of deep heat as they are drenched in piquant oils and chiles. The vinegar + red pepper flakes provide a surprisingly potent punch of fire + tang to the cucumber ribbons, making this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad one of our favorites. About cucumbers: The recipe calls for either 1 large cucumber…
-
Sticky Honey + Hoisin Lacquered Ribs
This recipe is simple yet packed with big flavors. But before you jump feet first into this recipe, I feel compelled to share that making these Sticky Honey + Hoisin Lacquered Ribs is a two-step process. This cooking process will result in fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs through braising and then coating them in a deep + dark amber lacquer. Once they’re done, you’ll want to suck these babies all the way down to the bone. But these aren’t just any ordinary BBQ ribs. Oh, no. These are ribs with a Chinese flavor twist. Yessiree, a fusion of flavors that is so.damn.good you’ll be licking that sticky coating off your lips and fingers…
-
Seared Pepper Ahi Tuna + Wasabi Vinaigrette
I am about to blow your mind with this recipe, so pay attention. Seared Pepper Tuna is such an indulgence for me. Something about clean tuna crusted with freshly cracked pepper throws me into a drooling tailspin. So.Many.Times I have put all dinner plans aside to drive directly to a sushi house to get my fix. For some reason it never occurred to me that I should (or could!) make it at home. That is, until I had this chat with myself: Girl, you are a bad ass, and you can make this yourself! So here we are. Lean in. I have to tell you a secret. You can be…
-
Garlicky + Peppery Baby Bok Choy
This is an uber-clean, heart-healthy dish that will make your body sing! Infusing the olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes provides a robust, pure flavor bath for your bok choy. Top this delicious green with intensified toasted sesame seeds and yowza! There is a wholelotta love going on! Bok choy is a spoon-shaped varietal of cabbage. But unlike a traditional head of cabbage, bok choy is more of a cluster. Its crisp and sweet flavor make it an easy complement to most any spice, as it absorbs the flavors of the seasoning around it. In this recipe, assertive garlic and red pepper flakes on the wilted, gentle leaves…
-
House Blend Curry Powder
Even Indian-spice newbies can create this amazingly robust and simple curry powder blend. Once I learned how to make my own, I never looked back. While curry blends vary across the geography, they typically combine golden turmeric + earthy cumin + nutty fenugreek with various and sundry drool-worthy flavors. Tailoring the combination of spices to your own palate just makes sense. Making your own blend also gives you control over toasting the spices or not. Toasting the spices brings out a deep, delicious earthiness. If possible, start with whole spices. They tend to be more vibrant and retain their fresh flavor longer. Spices that are already ground are exposed to…
