Shrimp Tempura

This Lenten season, when millions of Catholics and members of other denominations abstain from meat, shrimp is a perfect menu choice either for dining in or eating out. Shrimp always tastes great especially if it is fresh.  It's affordable, easy to prepare and there is lot's of variety in shrimp recipes you can choose from. Shrimp Tempura is an easy "go to" recipe during Lent season.This famous Japanese deep fried dish is very simple, fast and easy. The secret to perfect tempura? A deep pot, plenty of oil, high cooking temperature and good batter. I made this Semi-homemade Shrimp Tempura using ready made Tempura Batter Mix and it turned out really good. It was cooked to golden perfection. This can be a great appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce; or a great filling meal when it is served with steamed rice.

Shrimp Tempura ( Semi-Homemade)

Ingredients:

2 lbs large shrimp or prawns, shelled and deveined
store bought tempura batter mix ( I used Krusteaz Tempura Batter Mix)
vegetable oil or peanut oil for deep frying

Cooking Directions:

• Clean and prepare seafood. Dry thoroughly.
• Pour 2 inches ( minimum ) vegetable oil into deep frying pan,wok or electric fryer. Pre-heat to 375°F.
• Prepare tempura batter mix as per package directions.
• Dip shrimp or prawns into batter. Drain off excess batter. Gently drop the shrimp in the preheated oil.
• Deep fry for 2-4 minutes,until brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot and Enjoy!

Note: This recipe can be used for vegetable tempura. Follow similar directions except the cooking time. Vegetable tempura should be deep fried 1-2 minutes.

Continue Reading...

Asparagus Bacon Maki

One night I was wondering what I could make for dinner. I asked my husband and he said, just make something light as we were both not that hungry. So I looked at what ingredients I had available inside the fridge. I had a fresh asparagus, chicken wings and bacon. I asked myself, what can I make with these 3 ingredients? I decided to make Asparagus Bacon Maki which is a popular modern Japanese dish. This Asian dish is made from fresh green asparagus rolled in bacon. It is very fast and easy, but delicious. Give this a try and please let me know how it goes.

Ingredients:

1 lb of fresh asparagus ( 12-15 pieces)
1 lb of bacon
salt and pepper

Cooking Directions:

• On a medium sauce pan. Bring 3-4 cups of salted water to boil. Prepare shock bath (ice and cold water).
• Clean asparagus by snapping off about an inch of the bottom part, trim the ends.
• Blanch asparagus on the boiling water for 30 seconds up to 1 minute and drop to the prepared ice bath. Drain the asparagus and pat dry with paper towel.
• Take 3-4 pieces of the asparagus and wrap a 2-3 slices of bacon.
• Heat pan under medium high heat. Pan fry the asparagus bacon wrap until bacon is cooked enough.
• Serve with other appetizer of your choice. Share and Enjoy !

Continue Reading...

Pork Yakisoba Noodles

My husband loves stir fry meals.   It makes me happy, because there is nothing quicker than stir frying a Yakisoba dish. This Japanese meal is super-fast.  Make sure you have all your ingredients  prepped and ready to go. This recipe is where you can used your leftover meat, poultry or vegetables. You really can cook a meal within 5 minutes. Try it and you will see what I am talking about.

Ingredients.

1 pack of  fresh Chow Mein Noodles or Yakisoba noodles with 1 package of seasoning ( see note )
1 red pepper
1 clove of garlic
½ cup of snow peas
½ cup of sliced onion
2 tablespoon sesame oil
salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

• Heat wok or pan with tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir fry pork for 2-3 minutes.Remove from pan and wipe the pan with paper towel.
• Re-heat wok or pan with half tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir fry vegetables for 2 minutes. Set aside. Again, wipe pan with paper towel.
• On the same wok or pan, heat remaining sesame oil. Add the noodles, stir fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoon of water. Add the 1 package seasoning that comes with the Yakisoba. Add pork and vegetables. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Note:  If you are using the dry Yakisoba noodles where in you need to boil in water first. Please follow directions on how to cook noodles found on the package.

Continue Reading...