Recipes By Kay Chun
274 recipes found
Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta
The addition of avocado lends a lovely creamy texture to this pesto. The ripe fruit imparts richness to the sauce, while nutty roasted pepitas add a deep toasty flavor. If you can only find raw pepitas, simply toss them with olive oil and salt, then toast in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, until they start to pop and turn golden brown. Shower the dressed pasta with more crunchy pepitas for a nice contrast to the velvety sauce. Leftover pesto can be refrigerated for two days; press the surface with plastic wrap to avoid discoloration (any browned areas on top should be scraped off before using). The pesto also makes a tasty avocado toast, sandwich spread or crudité dip.
Sweet Corn and Scallop Pasta
Scallops have a mildly briny, delicately nutty flavor that pairs extremely well with sweet corn. The key to properly cooked scallops is making sure they’re very dry, then allowing them to cook, undisturbed, to caramelize. Chopping the seared scallops into tender morsels helps to infuse the pasta with rich seafood flavor, while fresh corn adds texture to complement them. The emulsification of pasta water, butter and cheese creates a silky sauce for a satisfying pasta meal that still feels light.
Miso and Seaweed Ramen With Egg
This weeknight ramen features a soothing broth that comes together in just 30 minutes with the help of rich seaweed and sweet-salty miso. Dried wakame is a dark green, edible seaweed with a delicately sweet flavor; once cooked, it softens and transforms into a tender, smooth and silky texture. Caramelizing the miso with earthy shiitake mushrooms adds extra depth and body to the meatless broth. A nutty, scallion-flecked sesame-ginger sauce adds brightness and a fresh crunch to the cozy soup.
Vegetarian ‘Carbonara’ With Spinach
This spinach-laden carbonara deviates from the standard by nixing two of its leading ingredients: custardy egg yolks, which create its silky texture, and cured meat, which delivers its salty punch. This egg-free version uses a combination of butter and starchy pasta cooking water to give the sauce body. A sprinkle of grated smoked Provolone or Gouda adds a bit of the earthy flavor that traditionally comes from guanciale or pancetta. The final coup? Adding greens: One entire pound of baby spinach may look like a gargantuan amount, but it wilts right into the pasta. Most importantly, don’t be shy with the black pepper: It adds a necessary dose of spice and heat.
Tofu and Bok Choy With Ginger-Tahini Sauce
This simple dish showcases the uniquely silky texture of soft tofu. The tofu is steamed on top of a layer of bok choy, eliminating the need for a formal steamer and making this meal a cinch to prepare. (Napa or savoy cabbage leaves would also make a nice bed for the tofu.) Once steamed, the warm, mild tofu soaks in all of the bright flavors of a tangy and creamy tahini sauce that’s spiked with aromatic ginger and fragrant herbs. For a heftier meal, either double the tofu or serve with a side of rice. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter.
Roasted Vegetable Burritos
Roasted mushrooms, sweet potatoes and poblano chiles become a comforting vegetarian burrito filling in just 30 minutes. The meaty mushrooms and hearty potatoes give it substance, while roasted poblanos impart subtle smoky notes and mild heat. (Green bell peppers are a good nonspicy alternative.) The mashed avocado and sour cream lend creamy richness, while shredded lettuce and pico de gallo bring welcome crunch and freshness. Although not necessary, leftover rice is a nice addition to the burritos for an even more substantial meal.
Baked Risotto With Greens and Peas
This easy baked risotto eliminates the constant stirring required in traditional risotto recipes. It’s laden with vegetables, namely kale and spinach, but other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens would work equally well. If you happen to have some extra asparagus, sub it in for the peas. This risotto makes a great starter or side dish, but you can also turn it into a vegetarian main course by using vegetable or mushroom stock in place of the chicken broth, and topping it with sautéed mushrooms, a fried egg or crispy tofu slices. Leftovers can be refrigerated for two days and reheated with more broth, or repurposed into crunchy rice cakes or arancini. Simply form into patties or balls, coat in bread crumbs and shallow-fry until golden and crunchy.
Tofu and Broccoli Fried Rice
Fried rice is the perfect weeknight meal: It requires minimal prep, simple pantry condiments and basic vegetables. Not to mention, it comes together quickly. Here, otherwise mild tofu is transformed into savory bites when cooked in soy sauce infused with aromatics, absorbing all of the rich, sweet-salty flavor and bringing depth to the dish. The rice seasonings are kept simple and bright with garlic and ginger, which allows the vegetables to shine. Use any mix of leftover vegetables: Cabbage, bell peppers and mushrooms are all great alternatives.
Crunchy Cauliflower Salad
This chopped salad celebrates raw cauliflower, a hearty vegetable often reserved for roasting, which renders it golden and soft. Here, crunchy, thinly sliced cauliflower and radicchio bring a mix of slightly sweet and pleasantly bitter flavors; the honey and Meyer lemon vinaigrette is a nod to winter, when citrus fruits are at their brightest and sweetest. Customize the salad with whatever crunchy vegetables you have on hand; celery, fennel and cabbage all make great candidates. This dish makes the perfect side for roasted fish or chicken, or enjoy the salad as a main dish topped with beans, shredded chicken or canned tuna.
Apricot Snack Cake
This simple and tender cake is prepared entirely in the food processor, with juicy apricots, fragrant vanilla and nutty almond flour, which accentuates the fruity flavor. The apricots add natural tartness to balance the rich, buttery cake, but the cake also works well with other stone fruits, like peaches, plums and nectarines. It’s an ideal recipe for using overripe fruits, if you’ve bought too many and can’t eat them fast enough. Perfect for breakfast with coffee or tea, this snacking cake is a great pick-me-up treat any time of day. For dessert, toast the slices and serve warm topped with whipped cream, ice cream or macerated fruit.
Black Pepper Stir-Fried Tofu and Asparagus
This fast, one-skillet stir-fry dinner combines vibrant spring vegetables with hearty tofu in a rich and spicy black-pepper sauce. (Use freshly ground pepper, if possible, for the ideal combination of flavor and heat.) The tofu is simmered in the fragrant sauce, which is spiked with aromatic garlic and ginger until it has absorbed all of the flavors and is nicely glazed. This recipe is perfect for using up that pencil-thin asparagus, which cooks quickly and toes the line between crisp and tender, while sweet snap peas balance out the assertive sauce. The dish can be served over baby spinach or in lettuce cups instead of with rice for a satisfying salad.
Ponzu Tofu and Mushroom Rice Bowls
This quick, satisfying tofu and mushroom rice bowl uses citrusy ponzu sauce in two ways: first, to infuse the tofu as it cooks, then as a final bright drizzle over the rice. Japanese citrus (usually yuzu or sudachi) imparts tart, tangy flavor that complements and lightens soy sauce. (Some brands of ponzu contain bonito seasoning, which gives the sauce a slightly smoky flavor. Bonito flakes are made from dried and smoked skipjack tuna, and are commonly used to make dashi, a Japanese stock. If following a vegan diet, reach for a fish-free version of ponzu.) Tofu and mushrooms simmer in the zippy garlic and ginger-infused ponzu and absorb all of the aromas, with a final addition of snow peas for fresh crunch. Use any baby green or a mix; spinach, kale and mesclun are all great options.
Roasted Salmon With Peas and Radishes
Salmon and sweet peas are the perfect pairing for a quick and satisfying supper. The salmon is roasted skin-side up, to protect the delicate flesh and keep the fish moist. Peppery radishes mellow during cooking, turning slightly sweet and juicy as they soften. Browned butter, mustard and capers coat the peas and radishes in a tangy sauce, and white miso provides depth. If there’s no miso to be found, just leave it out or sub with a splash of soy sauce.
Beef Negimaki
Negimaki is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of thinly pounded meat that’s marinated in teriyaki sauce, wrapped around scallions and grilled. (Negi is the Japanese word for scallions; maki means roll.) Although beef is traditionally used for these tasty appetizers, chicken is a popular alternative. These can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to grill. To make a complete meal, serve the negimaki with steamed rice and a simple green salad or roasted broccoli. Any leftovers can be chopped and tossed into fried rice the next day.
Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs
These meatballs, inspired by traditional Korean barbecue, bring the savory-sweet flavors of caramelized meat without the need for a grill. As the meatballs bake, the soy sauce marries the garlic and scallions to create a glaze. This meatball mixture can be made ahead and left to marinate in the fridge for 3 hours or even overnight. Use ground beef that is 85 percent lean meat, 15 percent fat, or 80 percent lean and 20 percent fat for juicier meatballs. The Ritz crackers here make for a more tender meatball, but feel free to substitute plain dry bread crumbs. The meatballs are tasty on their own, but for a simple dipping sauce, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar. Serve over steamed rice with kimchi, or as a sandwich with mayonnaise or marinara sauce.
Miso Gravy-Smothered Green Beans
In this modern take on green bean casserole, beans simmer in creamy gravy until completely tender and supple. Inspired by classic Southern gravy, this one gets unexpected savory depth from earthy miso. A final swirl of tangy sour cream and acidic lemon juice lightens the rich sauce. For some crunch, try topping the beans with fried shallots or onions, or chopped nuts, like roasted pecans or almonds. The dish makes a perfect side dish for the Thanksgiving table — or alongside a simple weeknight roasted chicken.
Green Bean Salad With Hot Mustard Dressing
Hot mustard powder brings a sharp, spicy twist to traditional mustard vinaigrette, which complements sweet green beans well. The beans are blanched until crisp-tender, then tossed in the vinaigrette while still hot. As the beans cool, they absorb all the flavors of mild shallot, fragrant garlic, tangy rice vinegar and hot mustard. Rich, roasted pecans add nutty sweetness to balance the spicy dressing. Though the salad can be made a few hours ahead, you’ll want to top it with the nuts right before serving to preserve their crunch. The beans themselves can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Green Bean and Corn Almondine
The classic French dish of green beans and almonds gets a fun update with the addition of corn, which lends extra sweetness, chewy texture and pops of golden color. The simply prepared dish allows the tender green beans and corn to shine in a velvety garlic- and thyme-infused butter sauce. The nutty flavor and delicate crunch of toasted sliced almonds round out the dish. (Haricots verts also work beautifully here, in place of the green beans, but decrease the steaming time to 3 minutes.) This quick and versatile salad pairs well with many different foods and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Chicken and Mushroom Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
The savory Korean bulgogi marinade in this recipe is made with pantry items and livens up just about anything you put it on. Here, the soy-scallion-ginger marinade is used on boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but it can also be brushed on tofu, zucchini or bell peppers for a satisfying vegetarian meal. As the meat cooks, the marinade caramelizes into a sweet-salty sticky glaze that coats the chicken. Serving the grilled chicken and vegetables in lettuce cups is a fun way to enjoy the meal. Korean condiments like kimchi and gochujang are traditional bulgogi accompaniments, but shredded cabbage, salsa or even guacamole would also work. Leftovers can be refrigerated overnight, then chopped and tossed with salad greens.
Pressure Cooker Kalbi Jjim
One of Korea’s most loved dishes, kalbi jjim is a rich, braised short rib and vegetable meal that is traditionally reserved for special occasions. Luckily, a pressure cooker makes it possible to enjoy this special one-pot stew whenever the craving hits. The ribs and vegetables simmer in the garlic and ginger-infused sauce until the meat falls off the bone and the vegetables absorb all of the rich juices. Bones give the sauce extra flavor, but boneless ribs also work great here. Chop leftover meat and vegetables and serve in corn tortillas with salsa for a tasty taco. If you prefer pork, try pressure cooker Korean soy-glazed pork belly, which has similar flavors to this dish.
Instant Pot Chicken Juk With Scallion Sauce
This Korean savory porridge was originally created as a comforting meal to soothe an upset stomach, but it’s satisfying no matter how you feel. A stovetop version typically requires a few hours to prepare, but the process is reduced to a mere 30 minutes with the use of a pressure cooker, and boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which cook faster than a whole chicken. In the cooker, combine the chicken, rice, vegetables and store-bought chicken broth with aromatics, and your work is done. The chicken emerges meltingly tender and practically shreds itself. A fresh and vibrant ginger sauce brightens the rich, warming soup.
Pressure Cooker Korean Soy-Glazed Pork Belly
This hearty braise requires minimal ingredients and makes use of a pressure cooker to reduce hours of work into just 45 minutes of hands-off cooking. The pork belly soaks up the Korean-inspired marinade of soy sauce, garlic, ginger and scallions, and a good dose of black pepper balances the sweet-salty flavors. To finish, the cooking liquid is reduced into a silky sauce that glazes the meat. Serve the tender pork in crisp fresh lettuce cups to balance the richness of the meat. Leftovers can be chopped and reheated in tomato sauce for a quick and tasty Bolognese sauce.
Pressure Cooker Bo Ssam
Bo ssam is a Korean dish featuring boiled pork belly or shoulder that’s slowly braised in an aromatic broth until incredibly tender. While the dish traditionally takes hours to prepare, a pressure cooker can turn it into a festive weeknight meal. For the best bite, wrap the rich pork in small bundles of napa cabbage leaves and dollop with ssamjang and other spicy condiments, like the piquant radish salad, which comes together quickly and lasts a week in the fridge, or serve this dish with store-bought kimchi, a tasty alternative and time saver. Leftover pork can be chopped up for a flavorful fried rice or tossed with pasta and grated Parm for a comforting meal.
Sheet-Pan Chicken Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican breakfast dish of fried corn tortillas simmered in a red (roja) or green (verde) sauce and often topped with cheese and fried eggs. The green sauce features tomatillos, while the red version uses tomatoes. Here, the quick salsa roja gets a flavor boost from charring the components under a broiler, resulting in a sauce that is pleasantly spicy, bright and smoky. While this dish is usually made in a skillet, this version is cooked on a sheet pan, making it a breeze to feed four people in just one batch. Guajillo chiles have medium heat and an earthy sweetness; for a milder sauce, New Mexico chiles are an excellent choice.