Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad

Crispy Gochujang Potato Salad

Ingredients

  • 500 g new potatoes

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • 1 tablespoon butter melted (or substitute with vegetable oil)

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or substitute with red pepper flakes

  • 2 shallots peeled and finely chopped

  • Juice of half a lime

  • 8 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1-2 tablespoon gochujang paste adjust according to spice preference

  • 2 teaspoon fish sauce

  • Small bunch fresh chives finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds optional

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 200 °C (fan oven) if baking, or preheat your air fryer to 180 °C if air frying.
  • Wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
  • Cook the potatoes until they are just fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a medium bowl.
  • Add the butter, garlic powder, gochugaru and a pinch of fine sea salt then toss to coat.
  • Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a jar or glass to gently crush them until they burst but remain in one piece (as much as possible).
  • If baking, place the seasoned potatoes in the oven and bake until crispy, about 20 minutes. If air frying, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook until crispy, also about 20 minutes.
  • While the potatoes cook, combine the shallots and lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside for the shallots to pickle slightly for 5 mins.
  • Add the mayonnaise, gochujang paste, fish sauce and coriander leaves. Whisk to combine.
  • Once crispy, remove the potatoes from the oven/air fryer and let them cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer them to a serving plate or salad bowl.
  • Dress the potatoes with around half of the sauce. Sprinkle with the finely chopped chives and toasted black sesame seeds (optional) and serve with the remaining sauce on the side.

Notes

Marinated Green Beans

Marinated Green Beans

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 1/4 red onion, in thin slices

  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 1.5 tablespoons rice wine or white balsamic vinegar

  • Salt to taste

  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar

  • 1/4 cup minced fresh mint, plus additional for garnish

  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed

Directions

  • Combine the garlic, onion, oil, vinegar, salt, sugar, and mint in a rectangular glass Pyrex baking dish that’s large enough to hold the beans.
  • Cook the beans in plenty of boiling water to which 1/2 tablespoon of salt has been added. Drain the beans and put them in ice water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and help retain the fresh green color. Drain again and add the beans immediately to the marinade; toss several times and allow to stand at least 1 hour, covered, before serving. Sprinkle with fresh mint. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Pan-Fried Catfish

Pan-Fried Catfish

Ingredients

  • Catfish filets

  • 1 cup cornmeal

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

  • 1 1/2 garlic salt

  • vegetable oil for frying

Directions

  • Combine the cornmeal, Cajun seasoning and garlic salt in a shallow dish.
  • Heat the oil until shimmering.
  • Dredge the filets in the cornmeal mixture and add to the pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Serve with lemon slices or remoulade.

Cherry Almond Pop Tarts

Cherry Almond Pop Tarts

Ingredients

  • For the dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour + more for rolling

  • 2 tablespoons white sugar

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks), cut into pieces

  • 2 eggs

  • 1/4 cup milk (I used almond milk)

  • 1 additional egg, beaten (to brush on pastry)

  • Cherry filling
  • 8 oz (1/2lb) cherries frozen or fresh

  • 1/8 cup (25g) granulated sugar

  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp cornstarch 2 tsp if using frozen cherries

  • Frangipane
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt

  • 1 cup (96g) almond flour

  • 3 tablespoons (23g) All-Purpose Flour

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature

  • 2 teaspoons almond emulsion or almond extract

  • Fillings (per tart)
  • 1 tablespoon of cherry jam plus 1 tablespoon frangipane

  • For the glaze
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  • 3 tablespoons water

  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened

  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

  • Almond extract and/or food coloring (optional)

Directions

  • For the cherry filling
  • Combine all of the ingredients for the cherry filling in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Bring the heat down to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid resembles a sauce.
  • Remove the cherry topping from the heat and pour it into another bowl to cool quicker.
  • For the frangipane
  • In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and salt until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute on medium speed.
  • Stir in the flours, egg, and almond flavoring. Mix until just combined.
  • Use the frangipane as desired. Store leftover unbaked frangipane in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • For the tarts
  • In a food processor or with a whisk, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the butter and blend with a pastry blender or with quick short pulses in the food processor. Add the 2 eggs and milk and pulse or stir until the dough just begins to form. Turn out into a bowl and finish combining using a spatula. Try not to overwork the dough. Divide into four even balls and shape into 3″ by 5″ squares.
  • Prepare three cookie trays with parchment paper. On a heavily floured surface, roll out one square at a time until it is 9″ by 12″. Cut off excess from sides and then cut into 3″ by 4″ pieces. Remove to cookie trays, six pieces per tray.
  • Brush the tart bottoms with additional beaten egg to help hold the tarts closed. Repeat the above step with tart tops after filling as desired. Top with tart tops and press around the edges of the tarts to seal. Crimp all sides with a fork.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the tarts in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Bake for 25-27 minutes or until the tarts are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes before glazing.
  • For the glaze
  • In a medium bowl with a whisk or hand mixer, combine the powdered sugar, water, butter, light corn syrup and vanilla until smooth.
  • Spoon or drizzle glaze over each tart and serve.

Notes

Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls

Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls

Ingredients

  • For the dough
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan

  • 1 cup whole milk (I used oat milk)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided

  • 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3 tablespoons poppy seeds

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • For the filling
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter

  • 2 medium lemons

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • For the glaze
  • 2 medium lemons

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened i.e. ½ stick

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2-4 tablespoons milk add 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s the consistency you want

  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  • Make the dough
  • Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • Melt 1 stick unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl or large measuring glass. Add 1 cup whole milk and microwave until warm to the touch (about 100ºF).
  • Add 3 large eggs and whisk to combine. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar and 1 packet active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let sit until bubbly and frothy, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add the remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 4 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low speed until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Turn the mixer to medium speed and add the milk mixture. Continue to mix until the dough comes together in a ball and is smooth and elastic to the touch, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the dough from the bowl. Wipe out the bowl and coat it with butter. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, let the 1 stick unsalted butter for the filling sit at room temperature to soften.
  • Punch the dough down, then place on a work surface. Roll out to a 16×22-inch rectangle with a longer side closer to you.
  • Make the filling
  • Finely grate the zest of 2 medium lemons into a medium bowl. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and use your hands to rub the zest into the sugar.
  • Spread the softened stick of butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
  • Starting at the bottom, tightly roll the dough up into a 22-inch long log. Cut the log crosswise into 15 (about 1-1/2 inch-wide) pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the baking dish, 5 across and 3 down, evenly spaced apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Uncover the rolls and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, make the glaze.
  • Make the glaze
  • Add softened unsalted butter (¼ cup, i.e. ½ stick), powdered sugar (2 cups), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), and a pinch of salt to a medium-sized bowl.
  • Use a hand or stand mixer to mix until combined (about 30-60 seconds). Add milk one tablespoon at a time (2-4 tablespoons) until it’s the consistency you desire.
  • Pour over slightly cooled sweet rolls and enjoy!

Notes

Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie

Ingredients

  • Crust
  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 175 g

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter 1 stick or 115 g

  • 4 to 6 tablespoons cold water

  • Crumb Topping
  • 2 cups shelled pistachios 250 g

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 105 g

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats 55 g

  • 1/2 cup white sugar 100 g

  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 55 g

  • 2 tablespoon Turbinado sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 95 g

  • Filling
  • 4 cups 1-inch chunks rhubarb 1 pound or 455 g

  • 2 cups chopped strawberries 1 pound or 455 g

  • 2 medium kiwis peeled and chopped, 200 g

  • Zest of 1 Meyer lemon

  • Juice of 1 Meyer lemon

  • 3/4 cup white sugar 150 g

  • 1/4 cup tapioca starch or cornstarch 40 g

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

  • Make the pie crust dough by placing the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into 1/2-inch cubes and add to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, toss the cubes in the flour then smash them into flat pieces, continue to dip your hands in the flour to prevent the butter from sticking. You want to break the butter down into pieces roughly the size of a pea.
  • Once all the butter is flat and broken up, drizzle 4 tablespoons water over the dough and toss with a fork until a dough starts to form. Using your hands, massage the dry ingredients into the wet parts. If the dough looks too dry, add more water, half a tablespoon at a time, until a cohesive shaggy dough forms.
  • Gather the dough and flatten it into a 1-inch thick piece. Wrap with plastic wrap and then refrigerate for a minimum of an hour or overnight (or up to 2 days in the fridge).
  • While the dough is chilling, make the crumb topping by chopping or crushing the pistachios (in a freezer Ziploc bag). Add them to a bowl with the flour, oats, white sugar, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Drizzle the olive oil over all the ingredients and toss with a fork until it starts to clump up and is absorbed by all the dry ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the pie.
  • When the dough has fully chilled, preheat the oven to 375°F. If you’re using a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan (the kind that you make brownies in), lightly spray it with cooking oil, then line it with parchment paper. If you are using a 9 x 13 x 1-inch rimmed baking quarter sheet, skip this step. Flour a clean surface and then roll out a disk of dough into an 11 x 15-inch rectangle.
  • Move the dough to the baking pan, tucking it into the sides, and then gently curl or crimp the edges of the dough. Place the dough in the fridge to chill (no need to cover it) while you make the filling.
  • Make the filling by combining the rhubarb, strawberries, chopped kiwis, lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, olive oil, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Toss with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated and the cornstarch is absorbed.
  • Take the chilled rolled out dough from the fridge and pour the filling into it, making sure to scrape out any liquid that accumulated at the bottom of the bowl. Spread the filling out evenly over the crust. Place the pan on a large baking sheet (to catch any drips) then bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Once the 30 minutes is up, pull the pie out of the oven and sprinkle the cold crumb topping over the top of the fruit, making sure to evenly distribute the topping all over. Break up any large chunks with your fingers but keep some of the smaller chunks together.
  • Return the pie to the oven and bake an additional 30 to 40 minutes or until the fruit is bubbling through the crumb topping and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the topping is browning too fast but the filling isn’t bubbling yet, cover the pie with aluminum foil and continue to bake until the filling is done.
  • Let cool completely before serving. You can server the pie by itself or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Spicy Korean Coleslaw

Spicy Korean Coleslaw

Ingredients

  • Vegetables
  • 1 bag coleslaw mix

  • 1 stalk green onion , thinly sliced

  • fine sea salt

  • Dressing
  • 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 to 1.5 Tbsp Korean fish sauce or 2 Tbsp regular soy sauce

  • 1 Tbsp (raw) castor sugar

  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

Directions

  • Thinly slice the cabbage. Place it into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle some salt and gently mix the cabbage to wilt it lightly.
  • Add the carrots and the sauce. Mix them well. Garnish with green onion and perilla leaves.
  • Serve. (It works very well with Korean BBQ.) Best to consume within 24 hours of making it.

Notes

Korean Corn Dogs

Korean Corn Dogs

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups (210 g.) all purpose flour

  • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling

  • 1 (1/4-oz.) package instant yeast

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1 cup water

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (3 to 4 cups)

  • 4 beef hot dogs (dried)

  • 4 cheese sticks (optional)

  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

  • flour, cornstarch or potato starch for dredging hot dogs

  • 2 cups chopped frozen fries, crumbled ramen, and/or crushed cornflakes (optional)

  • Ketchup and yellow mustard, for topping

Directions

  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt until fully combined. Fold in water until a sticky, stiff batter forms. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to proof until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Into a large Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet fitted with a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer, pour oil to a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 325º or use a deep fryer.
  • Thread hot dogs on 4 skewers or chopsticks. (If you’re making cheese dogs, slice cheese sticks and hot dogs in half. Thread one hot dog half, then one cheese half onto skewers.) Place panko, flour dredge and any desired toppings on 2 separate plates.
  • Coat hot dogs in flour, then batter mixture, slowly spinning skewer and, using wet fingers, making sure entire dog is covered in batter. Roll dogs in desired toppings, then in panko, sprinkling with more if needed.
  • Immediately fry coated hot dog, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer fried dog to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  • Sprinkle dogs with granulated sugar on all sides, then drizzle with ketchup and mustard.

Notes

Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 to 3 large egg whites

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • Cooking spray

  • Flaky salt (optional)

Directions

  • Place 3 cups powdered sugar, 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add 2 large egg whites and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Stir with a rubber spatula until no lumps of cocoa or powdered sugar remain, and you have a loose, shiny dough similar to a very thick brownie batter. At first the mixture will seem too dry to combine, but will eventually come together. If after 3 minutes of mixing the dough is still too dry, stir in the remaining egg white.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.
  • Divide the dough into 12 portions (about 2 heaping tablespoons each). Using your hands, roll each portion into a ball. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheets, 6 per sheet. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
  • Bake for 7 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets between racks and from front to back. Bake until the tops of the cookies are cracked, shiny, and no longer look wet, 5 to 7 minutes more. Let cool completely on the baking sheets, at least 1 hour. (The cookies will stick to the parchment paper when warm but will release when cooled.)

Notes

Blackened Rockfish Tacos

Blackened Rockfish Tacos

Ingredients

  • Blackened Seasoning Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Rockfish Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted, or avocado oil

  • 1 lb. Rockfish about 4 fillets

  • Avocado Fish Sauce

  • 1 avocado

  • ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 cups cilantro with stems

  • ½ lime juice of, or 1 teaspoon

  • 1 large garlic clove

  • ½ teaspoon salt I use Himalayan

  • 1-2 splashes of chipotle sauce optional

Directions

  • Make the Blackened Seasoning
  • In a small bowl mix all the ingredients for the blackened seasoning. Set aside.
  • Bake and Season the Rockfish
  • Preheat the oven to broil. In a 9 x 13 inch baking dish drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil. Rinse the Rockfish in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Add it to the prepared baking dish. Pour blackened seasoning on top of the fish and using hands rub it into the fish and around the sides and bottom. Bake uncovered 6-10 minutes or until the center is cooked and flakes apart when pulled with a fork (bake 6 minutes for thin slices, thick slices might need about 10 minutes). If it starts to burn on top cover in aluminum foil to cook.
  • While The Fish Bakes, Make the Avocado Sauce
  • Blend all ingredients of the avocado fish taco sauce in a blender.
  • Drizzle the avocado fish taco sauce on top of the baked rockfish. Serve with a side of vegetables and rice or into tacos.