Recipes By Kay Chun
265 recipes found
Chicken Birria
Birria, a classic Mexican stew from Jalisco, is traditionally made with goat but also enjoyed with lamb or beef. This weeknight version features juicy chicken thighs for faster cooking. A quick blender sauce of dried chiles, garlic and tomatoes creates a smoky and rich base for the stew, which deepens in flavor as the chicken simmers. Here, the birria is enjoyed as a stew, but it also makes terrific tacos: Simply dip tortillas in the warm broth, fill them with shredded chicken and top with chopped white onion and cilantro, then fold in half and pan-fry until golden and crispy.
Orecchiette With Brussels Sprouts and Bratwurst
This zesty pasta is a playful riff on choucroute garnie, the classic Alsatian dish. The usual suspects (pork and cabbage) show up in the form of bratwurst, brussels sprouts and sauerkraut. Instead of potatoes, pasta joins the party and everything comes together in a tangy sauce of Parmesan, sour cream and fresh dill. Buy sauerkraut that looks fresh and crunchy for best flavor and texture. For a more kid-friendly meal, swap in shell pasta. If you happen to find yourself with leftovers, they make a tasty cold pasta salad.
Bulgogi Cheese Steaks
These sandwiches, which are inspired by Philly cheese steaks, are made with beef marinated in classic Korean barbecue flavors. Tender rib-eye steak is thinly sliced and pounded to mimic the texture of shaved meat, then tossed in a savory garlic-soy marinade. Thin-skinned shishito peppers, a common ingredient in Korean cuisine, stand in for traditional bell peppers. Shishito peppers vary in spiciness, so once blistered, they will add mild, or sometimes bold, heat to the sandwiches. Rib-eye creates the juiciest sandwiches, but sirloin is more affordable, and a solid substitute.
Roasted Pistachio Butter
Pistachios contain less fat than other nuts, but they are still packed with protein and flavor, making them a fantastic choice for nut butter. Some brands contain sugar or hydrogenated oil, but you can make your own with just nuts — and maybe 1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds. For deeper flavor, roast the raw pistachios before blending. The seeds add a satisfying crunch and a more intense nut flavor, while a pinch of ground cardamom takes pistachio butter in a new direction. Swirl the finished product into your breakfast oatmeal or smoothie.
Roasted Cashew Butter
Cashews have a relatively sweet flavor and a fairly soft texture, and are used to make all sorts of dairy-free alternatives, such as milk, cheese and ice cream. They also make a delightfully creamy nut butter. Roasting the raw nuts before blending coaxes out the nuttiest flavor. Flax seeds, sesame seeds and poppy seeds are all great add-ins for crunch, but you could also stir in some tahini, which intensifies the flavor and adds even more creaminess.
Vietnamese-Style Chicken With Fragrant Rice Noodles
Nuoc cham, the Vietnamese dipping sauce, does double duty here: As a marinade, it soaks into the chicken as it roasts. And as part of a rich pan sauce for rice noodles, it marries with the chicken juices. Look for rice noodles that are flat and similar in width to linguine, those normally used for pad Thai. Since the noodles are served at room temperature, run them under cool water after boiling to keep them from clumping. Raw snap peas offer a refreshing crunch, and fans of half-sour pickles will enjoy the extra tanginess they add to the dish.
Roasted Almond Butter
While many nut butters contain added sugar or hydrogenated oils, this homemade recipe contains just nuts, and maybe a little salt if you’re so inclined. The secret to a deeply nutty flavor is twofold: Leaving the skins on and roasting the almonds before puréeing both add complexity. For a chocolate version, blend in some maple syrup and cacao nibs (start with about 2 tablespoons of each, then adjust to your liking). A few drops of pure almond extract would also add a nice flavor boost, reminiscent of marzipan.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is an essential pantry item, and a perfect building block to pack protein into on-the-go snacks. Making your own from scratch means you control what goes into it (no sugar or hydrogenated oils, or excessive salt). Roasting the raw peanuts until deep golden is the key to achieving a flavorful result. If your raw peanuts have skins, leave them on; they add extra fiber, antioxidants and toasty flavor. A few pinches of ground cinnamon, or a couple tablespoonfuls of chia seeds, currants or honey can be added to provide crunch, warm spice or a touch of sweetness.
Roasted Macadamia Butter
Macadamia nuts have the highest level of monounsaturated fats, but they are also expensive, since the macadamia tree only produces nuts after seven to 10 years. Making your own nut butter ensures that it contains just nuts — and none of the sugar or hydrogenated oils that some brands include. The roasted macadamia nuts are central to this butter, but try blending in pitted medjool dates for a little sweetness or folding in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor. Spoon this macadamia nut butter over warm pancakes or waffles, or whisk a spoonful of the nut butter into salad dressings to add depth.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a beloved classic pizzeria snack that can easily be recreated at home. Start with premade dough from the supermarket or buy it straight from your neighborhood pizza joint. For best results, the dough needs to rest — or “rise” — twice. The first resting period achieves a dough that is pliable and easy to roll out and shape. Once formed into knots, the dough rests a second time, allowing it to relax after being stretched and shaped, resulting in a more tender and fluffier garlic knot. But it’s the garlic butter that’s the star here. Cook the garlic slow and low, since frying it too fast will make it bitter, then toss it with the knots. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the glossy rolls.
Spring Pasta Bolognese With Lamb and Peas
This recipe is inspired by springtime and Bolognese bianco, or white Bolognese, a hearty Italian meat sauce made without tomato. It calls for ground lamb, but you can also use beef, pork or veal. The addition of cream to the simmering broth helps tenderize the lamb, and gives the sauce body. Incorporating starchy pasta water, then stirring it vigorously, creates a glossy, thick coating. Spinach, peas and lemon provide fresh, bright notes that balance the rich Bolognese. If fresh peas are available, cook them in the sauce for a few minutes before stirring in the spinach.
One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Ginger and Cumin
Inspired by Indian flavors, this one-pot chicken-and-rice pilaf comes together in under an hour by taking advantage of spices that pack a punch: Mustard seeds bring heat, cumin adds nutty notes and cardamom provides depth and warmth — and all of the spices are toasted in oil and butter, which concentrates their flavor. Golden raisins lend a touch of sweetness. To make it a vegetarian side, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or even water in place of the chicken broth.
Beignets
The French might have been the first to deep-fry choux pastry, but it’s in New Orleans that beignets became a true mainstay in bakeries and cafes. This version is relatively easy to make at home: The yeast-leavened dough comes together quickly, is very forgiving to work with and fries up light and airy. The yeast must be fresh and active: Once stirred with warm water and sugar, let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. If the yeast is fresh, it will create a foamy, bubbly layer on top. (If this doesn’t happen, you’ll need to start over with new yeast.) You can cook the beignets in a Dutch oven or deep skillet, no deep-fryer necessary. To obtain the perfect puffs, fry the fritters in batches so they have plenty of room to cook evenly on all sides. Beignets are best eaten hot, buried in a blanket of powdered sugar.
Mushrooms and Dumplings
This hearty vegetarian riff on chicken and dumplings uses meaty fresh mushrooms and concentrated dried mushrooms to quickly build layers of rich flavor. Dried shiitakes, normally rehydrated before using, are grated into a fine powder that dissolves and fortifies the broth with intense mushroom umami. Make the dumpling mixture while the stew cooks and allow it to rest in the fridge for more tender dumplings. Once simmered, they emerge light and spongy on the outside, and slightly chewy on the inside. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter.
Korean Braised Spare Ribs With Soy and Black Pepper
These St. Louis-style spareribs are braised until tender and lacquered in a savory Korean soy sauce glaze that’s spiked with fragrant garlic, ginger, scallions and lots of black pepper. There’s no marinating required and little hands-on work, but you will need to make sure the tough membrane on the back of each rack has been removed before cooking. (That task is easy: Set the ribs meat side down and find the thin, translucent skin that sits over the bones. Gently pull it up at one corner, inserting a sharp knife to loosen it at one end if necessary, then peel the membrane off in one piece.) The potatoes and carrots sit underneath the ribs and soak up the meaty drippings. The pork and vegetables all release flavorful juices as they roast, resulting in a rich, assertive pan sauce. A quick broil at the end achieves golden, crispy edges.
White Soondubu Jjigae (Mild Tofu Stew)
This Korean stew features velvety silken tofu in a clear, savory broth that allows the nutty flavor of the tofu to shine. Dried kelp, radishes and shiitake mushrooms build the base of the soothing soup: Radishes impart sweetness, while the kelp and mushrooms add earthy notes. Sesame seeds give each spoonful an extra toasty flavor and crunch. Traditionally, the stew is finished with eggs that have been gently poached, with runny yolks that enrich the broth. If desired, crack four eggs into the stew once the tofu is warmed through and let them simmer gently for three minutes.
Banh Xeo
Banh xeo are Vietnamese rice pancakes filled with various vegetables and meats. Thin and crispy, the finished pancakes are cut into pieces, tucked into lettuce wraps, and finished with fragrant herbs and a spicy nuoc cham dipping sauce. This recipe features the classic shrimp and pork, using bacon for the hit of smoky flavor. If bean sprouts are unavailable, try finely shredded cabbage instead. The batter can be made two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature and whisk until well blended, adding water if needed to thin the batter. (It should be slightly thicker than the texture of heavy cream.) Banh xeo are best eaten as they are made, but if you need to keep them warm while making all four pancakes, heat the oven to 200 degrees and set a rack over a baking sheet. As you make the pancakes, transfer them to the rack to keep warm.
Vegetarian Mushroom Meatballs With Honey-Ginger Glaze
These tender, aromatic meatballs are packed with almost a pound of vegetables and a healthy dose of fresh ginger. Rice noodles are the secret to these tender meatballs, keeping them moist while they bake. The shiitake mushrooms provide rich, meaty umami flavor, while the baby bok choy keeps the meatballs delicate and light. These meatballs make a great snack for entertaining, or can form the foundation of dinner when served over brown rice with more steamed bok choy on the side. Leftover meatballs can be frozen and reheated in a 425-degree oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Peking Duck With Honey and Five-Spice Glaze
Peking duck is one of the most famous and popular Chinese dishes. The traditional method is grand and laborious, requiring three days of intense preparation. This recipe simplifies that method for a home version that comes pretty close to the original. For that coveted crisp, golden skin, all the excess fat is trimmed, and the skin is separated from the meat. The duck is then air-dried overnight and roasted vertically to ensure even cooking, while rendering out the fat. The crunchiest skin comes from the duck’s backside and legs, so carve them off first to maintain their crackly texture. A simple honey and five-spice glaze creates a beautiful mahogany lacquer on the finished duck.
Roasted Broccoli and Potato Tacos With Fried Eggs
These weeknight tacos are packed with nutrient-dense broccoli and comforting potatoes for a satisfying meal that comes together in just 45 minutes. The secret to its flavor lies in roasting the vegetables over high heat without stirring, which allows their edges to become smoked and crisp. Creamy egg yolks and deep, smoky paprika meld here, to create a rich sauce. If you’re short on time, you can roast the vegetables ahead of time and rewarm them, or even serve them at room temperature. Corn tortillas are used here, but flour tortillas can also be used. And feel free to customize them as you like, using all the suggested toppings or just some.
Chicken, Artichoke and Broccoli Bake With Herb Bread Crumbs
This one-dish dinner is indeed a casserole — but it’s bright and light, and nearly effortless. Toss canned artichokes with capers, garlic and chicken stock, pour over chicken breasts and broccoli florets, then let the oven do the work. Canned artichokes are the main flavor builder here so opt for the firmer water-packed variety, which hold their shape better during cooking. While the casserole bakes, toast the panko bread crumbs and season them with dill. Serve the chicken with a squeeze of lemon for brightness and a sprinkle of herby bread crumbs for crunch.
Thai-Style Coconut Curry Chicken Tacos
This weeknight chicken dish takes advantage of super flavorful jarred curry paste and pairs it with silky coconut milk to create a meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Each step in this deceptively simple dish coaxes maximum flavor out of relatively few ingredients: Toasting the curry paste in the pan concentrates its taste, searing the chicken in the mixture ensures it's properly coated, and simmering in creamy coconut milk tenderizes the meat. A splash of lime juice and a spoonful of pico de gallo brighten and lighten the rich curry. Fold the mixture into tacos or try the curry chicken as a topping for grain bowls, cauliflower rice, sautéed broccoli or leafy greens.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Gnocchi, or Italian dumplings, are traditionally made with flour and potatoes, but they can also be made with ricotta or other vegetables like pumpkin or spinach. Here, they’re made with a combination of cauliflower and potato. The cauliflower is roasted alongside the potato, which helps intensify the vegetable’s natural sweetness. If short on time, the gnocchi can be made in advance through Step 4 and frozen. (Arrange gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then pack into resealable freezer bags.) When ready to use, sauté the frozen gnocchi as in Step 5, increasing the cook time as needed, or heat gently in tomato sauce, or even just melted butter, until tender.
Green Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki are savory, fried Japanese pancakes that are crisp on the outside and custardy at their core. They traditionally feature cabbage and pork, but this meatless version opts for spinach, zucchini and Napa cabbage. You’ll want to visit a Japanese market for the more unusual ingredients like Hondashi, Kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce and dried shaved bonito, though truthfully you can pick and choose your preferred toppings (Hondashi and shaved bonito contain fish, so skip them if you’re serving vegetarians). The vinegary okonomiyaki sauce combines with the creamy mayo and umami-rich bonito for a playful topping that makes these pancakes truly unique. Leftovers make a great breakfast sandwich filling or snack; reheat at 375 degrees until warmed through, about 15 minutes.