Work Lunches

Orange Chili Pork

1 pork tenderloin,trimmed and sliced into thin slices
6-8 baby bok choy or shanghai choy
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
2 tsp sesame oil
1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek or siracha (1 tsp. for moderate spice or 2 tsp. for spicy-lovers. Can omit if you don’t want heat)
1 Tbsp cornstarch

Garnish:
Toasted sesame seeds
1-2 green onions, sliced
Small red pepper, thinly sliced

Remove silverskin and trim any fat from pork tenderloin and cut into thin slices. Set aside. (*Tip: to easily remove silver-skin, make a slice into it with a sharp knife and them use a paper towel to pull it off. Repeat until it’s all removed). Remove ends from bok choy and wash. Chop, if desired or leave in whole stalks. Set aside.

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in frying pan over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until no pink remains. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add sauce and bring to a boil. Scatter bok choy over top and continue cooking, tossing, until bok choy is tender, but still a nice, bright green. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, red pepper slices (if usinand sliced green onions.

Serve as is, or over rice.

Sheet Pan Thai Chicken Salad with Red Curry Butternut Squash

For the roasted butternut squash and chicken:
1 medium butternut squash, cut into 1/4-inch chunks (feel free to substitute sweet potato or any other kind of winter squash like kabocha, acorn, etc.)
2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
About half of a 4-ounce can of Thai red curry paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
About 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper to sprinkle over the squash and the chicken

For the salad:
1 handful torn mint
1 handful torn cilantro
Baby kale and baby mesclun greens
1 small red onion, sliced very thinly
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup neutral oil, such as vegetable, canola, or light olive oil
Salt, to taste

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spread the butternut squash on the pan, leaving space for 2 chicken breasts in the center.
Mix 2 ounces of Thai red curry paste with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spoon a little less than half over the chicken breasts and spread evenly all over the chicken. Pour the rest over the butternut squash and toss to coat.
Roast the butternut squash for 30 min. Turn the heat down to 350 degrees F. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the pan with the squash and continue to roast for 35 min (the internal temperature should read 165F).
When the cooking time is almost complete, assemble the salad. Toss some torn mint, cilantro, and your preferred salad mix into a bowl with 1 small thinly sliced red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and ? cup mild-flavored oil until it’s emulsified into a salad dressing. Season with salt to taste.
Shred the chicken, and toss it with butternut squash, greens, and dressing for a warm Thai chicken salad.
You can also simply enjoy the butternut squash and chicken with some hearty sauteed fall greens like kale or collards on the side!

Red Curry Chicken with Pineapple

1 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces (or start with about 2 cups of leftover cooked and cubed chicken )
1 medium carrot cut into matchsticks
1 medium red pepper cored and cut into matchsticks
1/2 small onion cut into thin slices
1/4 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 heaping Tbsp red curry paste
14 oz can full fat coconut milk – about 1 3/4 cups
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce, for vegetarian
1/3 cup canned bamboo shoots cut into matchsticks
1/3 cup canned pineapple chunks each chunk cut into 2 or 3 pieces
2 cups baby spinach or other greens such as chopped baby bok choy leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: Chopped basil or cilantro leaves and lime quarters, for juicing over finished dish

Start your rice cooking.

(Skip if you are starting with pre-cooked chicken) Heat 1/2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add uncooked chicken pieces and cook, stirring, until cooked through.

Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables and bamboo shoots, cutting all into matchsticks of equal length (about 2-inches long). Assemble your other ingredients.

When the chicken is cooked, remove to a bowl and set aside.

Heat remaining 1/2 Tbsp oil in skillet and raise heat to medium high. Add carrots first, and cook, stirring, for a minute or two.

Add red peppers and onion and cook, stirring, until onion is softened, but carrots and red peppers are just tender crisp.

Add the ginger, red curry paste and a tablespoon of the cream from the top of the coconut milk to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add the rest of the can of coconut milk, the lime juice, brown sugar and fish sauce.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan (or add cooked chicken, if you are starting with pre-cooked chicken).

Add the bamboo shoots and pineapple. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer on medium-low heat, until chicken is heated through and carrots are softened a bit more, about 3-5 minutes.

*Note: Thai curries have a sauce that’s very soup-like, so the sauce won’t be thick. The curry is typically served in bowls, to be spooned over hot rice.

Taste sauce and season with a bit of salt and pepper, as needed. You can also add a bit more curry paste at this point, if you feel it needs more.

Remove skillet from heat. Scatter spinach (or other chopped greens) overtop. Let stand 30 seconds, then stir in to curry until greens have wilted.

Serve with jasmine or basmati rice, garnished with chopped basil or cilantro and lime wedges for drizzling.

Orange Chicken

1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast cut into small chunks (about 3 large breasts)
2 tsp oil

Sauce:
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice (or use 1/4 cup more orange juice, if you don’t have lemons on hand)
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 Tbsp finely diced orange peel DIVIDED (*see note below)
3/4 cup brown sugar packed
1 tsp minced fresh ginger (or 1/4 tsp. powdered ginger)
1 Tbsp Asian Chili Garlic Sauce (or more, to taste)

To thicken sauce: (mix the add in increments at end, as needed)
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 Tbsp water

Start rice cooking.

* Using a vegetable peeler, peel a couple of thin strips from the side of the orange. (Using a vegetable peeler allows you to just take the peel and none of the bitter pith). Finely dice peel (about 1/8-inch squareuntil you have about 1 1/2 Tbsp. Add 1 Tbsp. of the diced orange peel to your sauce. Reserve the remaining 1/2 Tbsp. to stir fry with your chicken.

Prepare sauce by combining sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk well to combine. Set aside.

Heat oil in skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and reserved diced orange peel and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. If using additional vegetables, add them after chicken is partially cooked. Add sauce. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer while your rice/veg cooks (5-10 minutes).

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water. Add about half of it to simmering sauce and cook, stirring regularly, until sauce thickens. If not thick enough, add more, as needed, until sauce is as thick as you’d like. Serve over rice.

If you’d like to try velveting your chicken, combine the following ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour over cut, raw chicken chunks. Stir, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp. veg oil
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp. salt

After 30 minutes, drain. Heat 4 inches of water to boiling in a medium/large saucepan. Once boiling, add drained chicken chunks and cook until opaque, about 1 minute. Remove to a plate, then proceed with recipe.

Kung Pao Chicken (or Pork or Shrimp)

Marinade:
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 medium)

Sauce:
3 Tbsp Chinese black vinegar or substitute good-quality balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp cornstarch

For Stir fry:
2 Tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
6-8 fresh small, thin red chili peppers, whole (Thai)
1/4 – 1/2 tsp dried crushed chili flakes
3 green onions white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
1/4 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
Black or yellow sesame seeds for garnish

In a medium bowl, stir together the marinade ingredients. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Let sit on the counter while you prepare the sauce.

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and stir well until smooth. Set aside.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add fresh red peppers and cook, stirring, until they start to brown in spots. Add red pepper flakes, white part of green onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, until onion softens, about 45-60 seconds. Add chicken and cook, stirring regularly, until chicken is just cooked through and no longer pink. Stir sauce and then add to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens. Add peanuts and 1/2 of the green part of the green onion. Stir to combine.

The red peppers aren’t intended to be eaten, as they are extremely hot, even after cooking. Their role is to infuse the heat in to the dish only. You can eat around them or simply discard before serving.

Serve over noodles or rice, if you like, with vegetables on the side. Garnish with remaining green onion and sesame seeds.

Chicken Coconut Curry

2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
2 Tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
1/2 red or yellow onion thinly sliced
1 Tbsp ginger paste or 2 tsp minced fresh
1 tsp minced garlic
1 large tomato diced or small can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp tomato paste optional
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup stirred coconut milk *see notes
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Start rice cooking, if using.

In a small bowl, stir together the turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

In a large pot (preferably with a lid), heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring until golden brown. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring for one minute. Add your spice mix and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds more. Add the diced tomatoes and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add the cut up chicken to the pot, along with a sprinkling of salt. Mix well. Let cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup water to the pot, cover with a lid (or a sheet of aluminum foil), reduce heat slightly and let cook 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked and tender.

Remove lid. Add coconut milk and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes more. Taste and add salt as needed. You can also add more of spices if you feel it needs it.

Recipe Notes
A small 5.5oz/160ml can of coconut milk is perfect for this curry, but if you are starting with a larger can, be sure to stir after opening the can, to stir the cream into the milk, then measure out the amount you need. Leftover coconut milk can be frozen.

Stir-fried Green Beans with Pork and Chilies

2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as peanut, sunflower or grapeseed, plus more if needed
1 pound ground pork
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces green beans, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
2 red chiles, seeded or not, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, lightly cracked with a mortar and pestle or with the side of a knife
1/4 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped, plus more for serving
3 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar, plus more for serving
4 teaspoons soy sauce, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Cooked white rice or rice noodles, for serving
Sliced tomato, for serving (optional)

Heat a 12-inch skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 1 minute, then add the oil and let heat for another 30 seconds — it should be hot but not smoking. Stir in pork and 3/4 teaspoon salt, and cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned and crisp, 6 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Return pan to heat and add more oil if it looks dry. Stir in green beans, cook until they are crisp, tender and bright green, 1 to 3 minutes. Stir in chiles, ginger, garlic, coriander seeds and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute longer.

Return pork to skillet, along with chopped cilantro, vinegar, soy sauce and sugar. Stir briefly to combine, then scrape into a serving platter.

Sprinkle more vinegar and soy sauce on top to taste, then top with more chopped cilantro. Serve with rice, and sliced tomato, if you like.

Crying Tiger

For the marinade
4 pieces sirloin
3 teaspoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Black pepper

For the sauce
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 tablespoons tamarind paste
Juice of a lime
2 tablespoons palm sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 prik chee fah pepper
1 (½-inch) piece fresh ginger, grated
1 stalk lemongrass
A few Thai basil leaves
1 bunch cilantro
1 Thai scallion , chopped

For the toasted rice
1 cup Thai rice

For the marinade, mix the soy sauce and honey.
Marinate the beef for 2 hours in the sauce at room temperature. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce:

Squeeze the lime. Press the garlic, cut the pepper into thin slices.

Mix water, sugar, and lemon juice. Add nuoc mam, soy sauce and tamarind paste.

Chop the garlic, chili, basil, cilantro and lemongrass. Grate the fresh ginger. Mix all the sauce and let stand for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.

In a non-stick pan, dry roast the rice over medium heat. Stir constantly so it does not burn.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Mix the rice in a food processor to obtain a very fine powder.
Pan-roast the beef a few minutes per side. Ideally, the meat should be just seared. Cut into strips. Lay on a bed of salad.

Pour the sauce on top of the beef and sprinkle with toasted rice.

Ideas for Egg Lunches: Burmese Golden Curry

5 duck eggs (or large chicken eggs)
6 tablespoons peanut oil
3 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 onions, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 thai chilis, thinly sliced (optional)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (1/2 inch) piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
3 tomatoes, puréed in food processor
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate
1/2 bunch cilantro , chopped
Salt

Place the duck eggs in a pot, cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, remove the pot from the heat and let stand 12 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pot and peel them under cold water.

Heat the oil in a pan over medium/high heat. Add the shallots and fry for about 6 to 8 minutes or until light brown. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towel and sprinkle with salt.
Add the duck eggs into the hot oil, then lower the heat. Fry them for 4 minutes, regularly turning them to brown them all around. Take them out of the pan and transfer them to a plate.
Add the onions, turmeric, paprika, chili, garlic and ginger to the pan and fry for a 5 minutes, then stir in the puréed tomatoes, tamarind concentrate, fish sauce and brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes to reduce.

Cut the eggs in half and carefully place them back into the pan. Pour some of the mixture over the eggs, making sure that they are coated generously and simmer for another 2 minutes.

Finish by sprinkling the fried shallots and roughly chopped cilantro on top of the eggs.

Lok Lak (Cambodian Shaking Beef)

1 1/2 lb beef steak, sliced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 scallions, chopped
For the marinade
3 tablespoons tomato sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 teaspoon Kampot pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon chicken broth powder
2 teaspoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
3 teaspoons paprika

For the sauce
Juice of 5 limes
3 tablespoons cold water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic , chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon Kampot pepper

Sides
A few leaves lettuce
2 ??tomatoes , sliced
Steamed white rice

Mix all the marinade ingredients in a salad bowl, add the meat and stir well.

Marinate the meat for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Heat the 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or pan and fry the chopped scallions over medium heat until they turn light brown.

Add the meat, mix well and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes.

In a bowl, stir all the ingredients of the lok lak sauce vigorously.

Prepare large plates.

In each plate, place a bed of lettuce leaves and a few slices of tomato.

Place the meat on the lettuce leaves and sliced ??tomatoes.

Serve with steamed white rice.

Place a small bowl of lok lak sauce on the side or the center of each plate.

Lap Khmer (Cambodian Laab)

3/4 lb beef tenderloin, sliced ??very thinly
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
4 teaspoons chopped fresh lemongrass
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon pahok (fish paste)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 small red onion, very finely sliced
1/3 lb yardlong beans (or green beans), cut very finely
1/2 lb soybean sprouts
2 tablespoons rice, toasted and ground
1 tablespoon chopped mint
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 small red hot peppers, chopped

Drain the meat by pressing it to get rid of all its water and its blood. Set aside.

Heat a small skillet. When it is hot, add the oil, garlic and lemongrass, mix well and add water and pahok (fish paste).
Leave the pan on medium heat and cook for 2 minutes after reaching the boiling point. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Place the raw beef in a large bowl. Pour the fresh lime juice over the beef. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes.

Add the fish sauce, sugar, and onion and mix well.

Add the beans and the soy sprouts and mix well.

Add the pahok and mix well.

Add the toasted rice powder and herbs, and mix well.

Garnish with chopped red hot pepper before serving.

Moroccan Meatballs

1/3 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
10 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup panko
1 pound 90 percent lean ground beef
1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
2 large eggs, cracked into a small bowl

In a small bowl, stir together the olives and lemon zest; set aside.

In a blender, puree the tomatoes with their juice until smooth, about 30 seconds. Set aside.

In a 12-inch skillet over medium, melt the butter. Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and pepper flakes, then cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat. Transfer 1/2 cup of the onion mixture to a large bowl and set aside.

Return the skillet to medium and add the broth and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Cover and cook until the flavors meld, about 15 minutes, stirring once about halfway through. Remove from the heat.

While the sauce simmers, stir the panko and 1/2 cup water into the reserved onion mixture. Let stand until the panko softens, about 5 minutes, then use your hands to mash to a smooth paste.

Add the beef, 1/2 cup of cilantro, and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands. Divide into 16 (2-tablespoon) portions, rolling them into smooth balls. Place on a plate, cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Return the sauce to medium and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs in a single layer, then spoon sauce over each. Cover, reduce to low and cook for 15 minutes. Flip each meatball, then continue to cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Push the meatballs to the sides of the skillet. Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Gently pour the eggs into the center, cover and cook over medium-low until the egg whites are barely set and yolks are still runny, 4 to 5 minutes.

Off heat, sprinkle the olive mixture and remaining ½ cup cilantro over the tagine.

Tip: Don’t use ground beef less than 90 percent lean or the sauce will be greasy. Also, don’t overcook the eggs; the yolks should remain runny so they mix with the sauce.

Sichuan Stir-Fry Sauce (For Chicken or Beef)

Sauce:
1 1/2 tablespoons aged Pixian chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
3 tablespoons canola (or other neutral) oil
2 teaspoons Sichuan chili flakes (toasted and ground chilies)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground red Sichuan pepper
1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon Chinese light soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For Chicken
1 pound dark-meat chicken, cut in small, ½-inch cubes
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1/4 pound mildly hot green chili peppers (Chinese or Korean long hot peppers or Anaheim), cut on the diagonal in 1-inch pieces
2 fat cloves of garlic, sliced

For Beef
3/4 pound steak (top sirloin, flank steak, etc.), cut in thin, slices
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 small white onion, cut in ½-inch slices
1 red or green bell pepper, cut in thin strips
2 fat cloves of garlic, sliced
cilantro

In a small bowl, mix the sauce: doubanjiang, oil, chili flakes, ground Sichuan pepper, dark brown sugar, soy sauce and sesame oil.

In a separate bowl, marinate the chicken or beef in Shaoxing wine.

Heat wok until very very hot, add a couple tablespoons of oil and swirl around the wok. Once heated, pour that oil out and add 2 tablespoons fresh oil. This procedure helps keep the chicken from sticking to the wok, which it really wants to do.

Add chicken or beef and let sear, undisturbed, on one side. When lightly browned, continue stir-frying until just cooked through. Remove and reserve.

Clean wok, return to heat, and add 2 tablespoons oil. Add vegetables and stir-fry over high heat until they start to brown but are still crispish.

Add garlic slices and cook briefly, then lower heat, push the veg to the sides of the wok and add the stir-fry sauce into the center. Cook it briefly, then add back the chicken, or the beef and cilantro, and mix all ingredients well.

Ginger Chicken (Gai Paht Khing)

1/2 cup peeled and julienned fresh ginger
2 small mild red chili peppers (fresno or serrano) or sweet red peppers, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces
1 small white onion, peeled and cut into small sections
1 Tbsp minced garlic
2 spring onions, cut into 1 inch pieces (discard tops)
1/2 lb (200 grams) chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g. palm, soybean, or corn)
1 Tbsp Thai Yellow Soybean Paste
1 Tbsp Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce
1 Tbsp Thai Fish Sauce (Golden Boy brand is recommended)
2 Tbsp sugar

Wash and peel about 3-4 inches of ginger root. Julienne into thin 1 1/2 inch long pieces. Set aside.

Cut red peppers diagonally into attractive approximate half-inch pieces.

Peel and cut white onion in half and then into smaller sections lengthwise. Set aside.

Peel and mince the garlic (or simply smash the cloves with a side of a cleaver if you prefer and add whole to your stir-fry).

Cut spring onion into approx. 1 inch pieces, discarding the tops.

Wash chicken and pat dry. Cut into bite-size pieces, approx 1 1/2 inch length, 1/2 inch wide by 1/4 inch thick.

Heat wok over high heat. Add cooking oil, heat quickly (10 seconds), add garlic, stirring. Add chicken and cook until opaque and no longer pink.

Add ginger and white onion, stir-frying briefly.

Add soybean paste, Golden Mountain Seasoning Sauce, fish sauce and sugar, stir-frying to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thoroughly combined. The vegetables should still be somewhat firm, not soft.

Add spring onion, red chili peppers, quickly stir to combine and transfer to a serving plate.

Serve hot for best taste.

Lemongrass Chicken (Gai Tod Takrai)

2 stalks fresh lemongrass
1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless is preferred; wash thoroughly and cut thighs in half)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground Thai chili (prik haeng)
2 tbsp palm sugar
1 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp Thai fish sauce
4 tbsp peanut oil

Cut off the woody tops and bottoms of the lemon grass. Remove the outer 2-3 layers of the stalk and cut the tender middle section into 1 inch lengths. Bruise the lemongrass by hitting it with the back of a Chinese cleaver or pound it in a mortar and pestle.

Combine bruised lemon grass, chicken thighs, garlic, black pepper, ground Thai chili, palm sugar, salt, and fish sauce in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add the peanut oil, swirling to coat the entire surface. Heat the oil for 1 minute and add the marinated chicken mixture. Stir-fry for 15 minutes (the chicken and sauce will thicken and become caramelized). Remove from heat and serve with cold cucumber slices, lettuce, and jasmine rice or sticky rice.

Thai Yellow Curry with Cucumber Salad (Gaeng Karee Gai)

Ingredients

300g (11/2 cups, 10oz) chicken breast – thinly sliced
250mls (1 cup, 8 fl. oz.) thick coconut milk (coconut cream)
250mls (1 cup, 8 fl. oz.) thin coconut milk
1 teaspoon yellow curry powder
100g (4 tablespoons) yellow curry paste
2 medium potatoes – peeled and cut into small cubes and boiled in water for 5 minutes (or other vegetables such as sweet potato, taro root or pumpkin)
40g (2 tablespoons) palm sugar
45mls (3 tablespoons) soy sauce
Cucumber Salad Ingredients

90mls (6 tablespoons) sugar syrup
30mls (2 tablespoons) white vinegar
4 tablespoons cucumber, thinly sliced
20g (11/2 tablespoons) ground, roasted peanuts
1 shallot – thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves – chopped
A few slices of big, red chilli
Preparation

Put the thick coconut milk into a wok and fry for 3-5 minutes stirring continuously, until the coconut oil begins to separate out. Then add the yellow curry paste and the yellow curry powder and fry for 1-2 minutes.

Once the paste is cooked, add the chicken and potato and cook until the outside of the chicken turns white. Then add the thin coconut milk and bring to the boil. Add the palm sugar along the side of the wok until it melts and then add the soy sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the chicken and potato are cooked.

Mix the ingredients for the sauce together and serve with the yellow curry.

Yellow Curry Chicken (Kaeng Kari Gai)

3 tbsp yellow curry paste
1 lb chicken, cut into 2 inch pieces (cut through the bones with a sharp cleaver if using chicken with bones)
2-3 small red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 can (16oz) coconut milk, shake before opening to mix separated milk
2 tbsp fried shallots (available ready-made in a plastic jar), optional
1 tsp fish sauce, to taste (Golden Boy brand is recommended)

In a small bowl mix the curry paste with 1 Tbsp. of water to dilute. Add to the coconut milk in a medium sized sauce pan. Stir to mix. Add the chicken and potatoes, and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat and potatoes are cooked through, not simmering on low heat, but let the curry roll on a low boil.

At the end of cooking, taste and add fish sauce to adjust the saltiness. Cook a minute longer. Remove from heat. Garnish with fried shallots, if desired. Serve

Thai Chicken and Ginger Soup (Gai Joo Khing)

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 Cups Chicken, Cut into bite size
1 Half Head of Garlic, peeled and crushed
1/2 Cup Sliced Ginger
2 Tablespoons Yellow Bean Sauce (soybean paste)
2 Cups Water or Soup Stock
1/2 Tablespoon Thin Soy Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon Thai white Pepper Powder
1/4 Cup Spring Onion cut into one inch long
2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
Garnish Fresh Thai Chile Peppers

Heat oil in a wok on medium heat until hot. Add chicken stir fry until start to cook, add garlic and ginger cook until aromatic. Stir in yellow bean sauce and water, bring to a boil for about 5 minutes. Season with thin soy sauce and white pepper powder. Add spring onion and cilantro remove from heat.

Transfer to serving bowl top with red chili pepper. Serve with steamed jasmine rice. Enjoy!

Thai Rama Chicken (Praram Long Song)

INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN

Cups Chicken Sliced
1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 Teaspoon Sugar

INGREDIENTS FOR SAUCE

1 Can (13 Ounces) Coconut Milk
1 Tablespoon Red Curry Paste
1 1/2 Tablespoons Palm Sugar
1 Tablespoon Tamarind Concentrate
1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce
1/4 Cup Roasted, Unsalted Peanuts
2 Cups Broccoli Florets

METHOD FOR CHICKEN

Place chicken in medium bowl. Add all ingredients and let marinade for 15 minutes. Cook chicken in boiling water for just a minute or two, drain and set aside.

METHOD FOR SAUCE

In a mortar and pestle, pound peanut until very fine, and smooth. Set aside. In a wok, heat coconut milk. Keep stirring until coconut oil comes up to the surface, then add red curry paste. Cook until fragrant. Add more coconut milk if you prefer. Season with sugar, tamarind and fish sauce. Add peanut, stir until combined, and let it all cook for a few minutes longer. Remove from heat.

FINAL PREPARATION AND SERVING

Cook broccoli in boiling water for 1.5 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice cold water (we like to use theThai stainless skimmer to transfer from boiling pot to ice water). This stops the cooking process. Drain and place cooked broccoli on serving plate. Next, put the cooked chicken over the broccoli. Pour peanut sauce over the chicken. Serve on a Thai ceramic rectangle platter for nice results. Enjoy with fresh steamed jasmine rice.

Crispy Pork and Garlic (Moo Tod Gratiem)

1 Pound Lean Pork Meat, Sliced Into 1/4
1 Teaspoon Corriander Powder
1/2 Head of Garlic, Pounded in A mortar & pestle
1/2 Head of Garlic, Roughly Chopped
1 Teaspoon Thai Pepper Powder
2 Teaspoons Corn Starch
2 Teaspoons Fish Sauce
1 Tablespoon Thin Soy Sauce
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil

Pound your pork slices with a meat mallet to soften it, then transfer to a mixing bowl.

In a mortar & pestle, pound 1/2 head of garlic. Add corriander powder, Thai pepper powder, and pound into a paste. Add this paste to the pork in a mixing bowl.

Add corn starch, fish sauce, thin soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Mix well and let this marinade in the fridge for 1/2 hour or longer.

Heat wok, and add just enough oil to fry your pork. Over medium/low heat (not too high), cook your pork in the oil and be careful not to over cook it. Fry both sides until golden brown. Remove from wok.

Remove any bits of blackened garlic from the oil. Next, add 1/2 head of sliced garlic. Quickly remove it from the oil as soon as it gets brown. Set the garlic on a paper towel to dry for a few minutes.

Put fried garlic on top of the pork, serve with cilantro as a garnish (optional), and your favorite rice. Enjoy!

Note: In Thailand, this is a recipe that’s usually made at home, not typically found in a restaurant. Mothers will make this for kids to eat on a long trip or picnic. The pork smells delicious, with the garlic. Kept in a food carrier, this is a special treat. Usually served with sticky rice, or jasmine rice.