MY ASIAN RECIPE

MEDU VADA (ULUNDU VADAI) fried lentil donut with shallots , green chillies and curry leaves Medu Vada (Ulundu Vadai) is a staple of South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine—a savory, protein-rich "lentil donut" that is light as air. The secret to a perfect Vada lies in the aeration of the batter, creating a snack that is irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy within. Crispy Golden Medu Vada Savory lentil donuts tempered with shallots, green chilies, and fresh curry leaves. The Ingredients 3/4 cup Whole Urad Dal (husked/white) 10 Shallots (finely chopped) 3 Green Chilies (finely chopped) 1 sprig Curry Leaves (chopped) 1/8 tsp Asafoetida (Hing) Salt (to taste) Ice-cold water (as needed for grinding) Oil (for deep frying) Preparation Steps 1. Soak the Lentils Wash the urad dal thoroughly and soak it along with the asafoetida in cold water for at least 3 hours . This softening process is essential for a smooth, airy batter. 2. Grind to ...

CHICKEN CHOP SUEY with stir fry veg etable in a mild sauce. Chicken Chop Suey is a classic stir-fry favorite, beloved for its crunch and clean, savory flavors. This version uses tender chicken thighs and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together by a silky, mild sauce. It is a fast, nutritious meal that perfectly balances protein and greens. The Ingredients The Chicken Marination: 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs (diced into bite-sized pieces) 1/4 cup Dry Sherry (or Shaoxing wine) 1 Garlic clove (finely chopped) 1 tsp Ginger (finely chopped) 1 tsp Cornstarch (helps tenderize the meat) The Vegetable Medley: 1 medium Onion (chopped) 2 ribs Celery (thinly sliced) 1/2 lb Bok Choy (sliced, keeping whites and greens separate) 1 Carrot (thinly sliced) 1/4 lb Fresh Bean Sprouts Cooking Oil (as needed) The Silky Sauce: 1/2 cup Chicken broth 1 tbsp Oyster sauce 1 tbsp Soy sauce 1 tsp Cornstarch Preparation Steps 1. Marinate and Mix In a medium bowl, combine th...

HOMEMADE ROASTED CURRY POWDER roasted spice blend Aromatic Homemade Mild Curry Powder A robust, complex, and kid-friendly spice blend featuring toasted aromatics and zero chili heat. The Ingredients 4 tbsp Coriander seeds 3 tbsp Cumin seeds 2 tbsp Black peppercorns (the only source of mild heat) 1 tbsp Mustard seeds 3 tsp Whole cloves 2 tsp Cardamom seeds 2 tsp Fennel seeds 2 tbsp Uncooked rice (acts as a natural thickener and anti-clumping agent) Preparation Steps 1. Gentle Toasting Place a dry, non-stick pan over medium-low heat . Add all the ingredients and toast them for 3 to 5 minutes . Stir constantly to ensure the spices brown evenly and release their natural oils. The goal is a deep golden color and a rich, toasted aroma. 2. Cooling Once the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted, remove the pan from the heat immediately. Transfer the ingredients to a plate and let them cool completely. Grinding spices while hot can create moisture and affect the shelf lif...

SALMON FISH CURRY This Homemade Salmon Tamarind Curry is a masterclass in balancing the richness of fresh salmon with the sharp, tangy brightness of tamarind. By lightly searing the fish before simmering, you lock in the juices and ensure the fillets don't break apart in the robust, aromatic gravy. Zesty Salmon & Tamarind Curry A vibrant, tangy fish curry featuring a complex blend of roasted spices and a classic tamarind base. The Ingredients The Fish & Marinade: Salmon Fillets (Cut into medium chunks) Marinade: 1 tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Chicken curry powder, and a pinch of Salt The Aromatics & Spices: 1 medium Onion (sliced) 1 medium Tomato (chopped) 4 Green chilies (sliced) 1 sprig Curry leaves 1 inch Ginger (finely chopped) 5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) 3 tbsp Tamarind juice (extracted from paste soaked in hot water) The Whole Spice Blend: 1/4 tsp Mustard seeds 1/4 tsp Fennel seeds 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds 1/8 tsp Fenugreek seeds 1/8 t...

MUSHROOM FRIED RICE This Mushroom and Avocado Fried Rice is a fantastic way to transform leftover rice into a hearty, flavorful meal. While traditional fried rice is a staple, the addition of creamy avocado and savory mushrooms provides a unique, modern twist on a classic comfort dish. Note on Ingredients: To keep this truly Vegan , simply omit the egg and ensure you use a Vegan Mushroom Oyster Sauce . Savory Mushroom & Avocado Fried Rice A quick, nutritious, and protein-packed stir-fry using fresh vegetables and umami-rich mushrooms. The Ingredients 2 cups Cooked rice (chilled/leftover rice works best) 5 Mushrooms (roughly chopped) 1/3 cup Avocado (diced) 1/3 cup Carrots (finely chopped) 1/3 cup Green beans (chopped) 1 Egg (optional) 1 medium Onion (chopped) 5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) 1 1/2 tbsp Oyster sauce (or Vegan mushroom sauce) 2 tbsp Soy sauce A pinch of White pepper Optional: A splash of vinegar for tang; leftover chicken or meat for extra protei...

WHITE COFFEE For many, a cup of Bru Coffee is the ultimate comfort drink. This iconic Indian blend of Arabica and Robusta beans is celebrated for its deep, roasted aroma and smooth finish. While it is an instant coffee, preparing it correctly on the stovetop makes it taste remarkably rich and creamy. The Classic Indian Bru Coffee A smooth, frothy, and comforting milk coffee made with the signature Bru roasted blend. The Ingredients 1 cup Milk (Full-cream milk works best for a richer texture) 1 tsp Bru Instant Coffee powder 1 tsp Sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness) Preparation Steps 1. Scald the Milk Pour the milk into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Watch closely to ensure it doesn't boil over. 2. Infuse the Coffee Once the milk is hot and beginning to rise, add the Bru coffee powder. Stir thoroughly with a spoon or a small whisk to ensure the coffee is fully dissolved and integrated into the milk. 3. Sweeten Add the sugar and con...

FRENCH FRIED POTATOES To achieve the perfect French fry—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—the secret lies in the preparation. Using Russet potatoes and a unique sugar-water soak helps remove excess starch and aids in achieving that beautiful golden-brown caramelization. Here is your recipe rephrased for clarity and success. Perfect Golden French Fries Classic, restaurant-style crispy fries made right at home with a professional soaking technique. The Ingredients 2 Large Potatoes (Russets or baking potatoes are best; peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch strips) 1/3 cup White Sugar 2 cups Warm Water 5–6 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying) Salt (to taste) The Essential Tools A heavy-bottomed pot A wire mesh strainer or slotted spoon Paper towels Preparation Steps 1. The Secret Sugar Soak In a medium bowl, dissolve the sugar into the warm water. Submerge your potato strips in the sugar water and let them soak for 15 minutes . This process helps draw out the starch and ens...

SHRIMP SOUP   with tomato, thyme, oregano, ginger, garlic, butter This Homemade Shrimp Soup is a light yet deeply flavorful dish that makes the most of every part of the shrimp. By simmering the shells to create a rich, golden broth and infusing it with aromatic herbs and butter, you get a restaurant-quality soup that is both comforting and sophisticated. Aromatic Shrimp & Herb Consommé ( crystal-clear, refined soup) . A savory seafood soup enriched with fresh ginger, garlic, and a fragrant butter-herb infusion. The Ingredients The Base & Aromatics: 2 cups Shrimp Broth (Freshly made by boiling shrimp shells in water) 1 tsp Butter 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) 3 cloves Garlic (chopped) 2 inches Ginger (finely chopped) 1 medium Tomato (chopped) The Herbs & Seasoning: 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano Salt (to taste) Cooking Oil (as needed) The Finishing Touches: Fresh Shrimp (cleaned and deveined) Handful of Fresh Leafy Greens or Scallions (c...

STEAMED LEMON SALMON  with ginger, garlic, scallion, thyme, oregano, soy sauce and lemon juice The salmon fillets come out of the steamer juicy and coated in a flavorful sauce. This Steamed Lemon Salmon is a bright, refreshing dish that highlights the natural richness of the fish. By steaming the salmon in its marinade, you ensure the meat stays incredibly juicy while the sauce infuses every flake with the zest of ginger, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Zesty Ginger-Lemon Steamed Salmon Tender salmon fillets steamed to perfection in a savory herb-soy glaze and finished with crispy ginger. The Ingredients The Salmon: 1.25 lbs Salmon Fillet (divided into two portions) 3 sprigs Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) White parts of the Scallions (cut into strips) The Savory Herb Sauce: 2.5 tbsp Cooking Oil 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce 2 inches Fresh Ginger (peeled and finely julienned) 3 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano Fresh Lemon Juice...

Grilled Butter Chicken This Grilled Butter Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. By using a butter-basting technique on the grill, you ensure the chicken breasts stay succulent and develop a rich, savory crust that olive oil alone can't achieve. Butter-Basted Grilled Chicken Breasts A simple, elegant preparation featuring golden-seared chicken infused with rich, melted butter. The Ingredients Chicken Breasts (Large, boneless) Unsalted Butter (Melted, for basting) Olive Oil (To help the seasoning adhere) Salt (To taste) Black Pepper (Freshly ground for the best aroma) Preparation Steps 1. Prep the Cutlets Slice the chicken breasts into even cutlets (or butterfly them) so they cook quickly and uniformly. Lightly rub each piece with olive oil—this prevents sticking and helps the spices stick to the meat. 2. Season Generously Season both sides of the chicken with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. ...

LAKSA (Penang Laksa) Rice vermicelli with spicy coconut milk curry broth Penang Curry Laksa is an iconic Southeast Asian noodle soup, celebrated for its rich, creamy, and deeply aromatic broth. This recipe delivers a complex "Curry Laksa" style popular in Southern Malaysia and Singapore, featuring a luscious coconut milk base infused with a handmade spice paste (rempah). Authentic Malaysian Curry Laksa A vibrant, spicy coconut curry noodle soup loaded with shrimp, chicken, and silken tofu puffs. 1. The Spice Paste (Rempah) This is the soul of your laksa. Grind these together into a fine paste: 1/2 oz Toasted Belacan (Shrimp paste) 4 oz Shallots & 2 oz Garlic (peeled and chopped) 2 stalks Lemongrass (white part only, chopped) 1 oz Dried Chilies (soaked and drained) & 4 Fresh Red Chilies Dry Spices: 3 tbsp Coriander powder, 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Fennel, 1 tsp White pepper 2. The Rich Coconut Broth The Stock: 3 cups water + 2 cups chicken stock (used to ...

SHRIMP WONTON SOUP A simple and light Chinese dumpling This Shrimp Wonton Soup is a delicate, comforting staple of Chinese home cooking. By infusing a standard broth with lemongrass and shrimp shells, you create a layer of depth that tastes professionally made. The secret to the shrimp's signature "snap" is a quick overnight soak in baking soda, which gives the wontons a restaurant-style springy texture. Refined Shrimp Wonton Soup Hand-folded shrimp dumplings served in a fragrant, lemongrass-infused seafood broth. The Ingredients The Shrimp Prep: 1 lb Fresh Shrimp (peeled and deveined; save the shells ) 1 tsp Baking Soda (for the signature "crunchy" texture) The Aromatic Broth: 6 cups Chicken Broth (store-bought or homemade) 2 stalks Lemongrass (peeled and bruised to release oils) 1 inch Fresh Ginger (sliced) 2 Green Onions (whole) Fish Sauce (to taste) The Wonton Filling: 1 tsp each Grated Garlic and Ginger 2 tsp Oyster Sauce 1 tsp Soy Sauce...