Chef's Blog

10 Recipes Every Cook Should Know: Vinaigrette

Vinaigrette is a simple cold sauce typically made from three parts oil and one part vinegar.  Vinaigrettes are extremely versatile and can be used for other things besides dressing for green salads. They are great as a marinade for grilled or broiled foods; to dress salads made from pastas, grains, […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Brines for Tender and Flavorful Meats

Curing meats, poultry, and fish in a salt and water solution is known as brining or wet curing. Brining provides depth in flavor, tenderness, and a moister final product. The base of a brine is salt and water, and sometimes sugar. Kosher salt is preferred because it doesn’t have any […]

Grilling

Chicken Tikka

Yields 4 to 6 portions Ingredients 2 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes Salt, as needed Ground black pepper, as needed Juice of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons ghee 1 tablespoon paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons ground Korean chili pepper 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground ginger 2 […]

Chef's Notes Plus

From the Garden: Basil Vinaigrette

I absolutely cannot keep a plant alive. Not even the easy ones, like aloe, even though I really try. The only plant that survives my path of destruction is basil, which is really a yearly tale of resilience. Now it’s mid-August, and for those of us who don’t know how […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Baby Octopus

Makes 8 servings Braising the octopus gently before you grill it gives it a unique texture. You can save the braising liquid to use as the base for a seafood soup or stew. Serve with hot coconut rice. Ingredients Octopus 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup medium-dice yellow onion 1/2 […]

Grilling, Main Dishes, Sandwiches

Grilled Pork Banh Mi

Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 1 1/2 tablespoons minced lemongrass 1/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons fish sauce 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 1/4 pounds pork sirloin cutlets, thinly sliced 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 tablespoons […]

Chef's Notes Plus

Home School: Make a Marinade Without a Recipe

I’m not sure when grilling season officially starts (maybe because there is not actually an official grilling season), but I’m ready to get started. Everyone has the fundamentals of grilling covered: fire, meat, veggies, go! But the under-appreciated old standby that doesn’t get the attention it deserves is the marinade. […]

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

Italian-Style Sauce

Makes 1 cup Use this sauce for dipping, as a marinade, or as the base for a salad dressing. Stir it into soup for a punch of herb flavor, or serve it along side grilled or roasted vegetables or meat. Ingredients 2 cups roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup extra-virgin […]

Grilling

Spicy Lamb Kebabs With Pickled Grapes

Makes 8 servings Lamb Kebabs Ingredients 10 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons minced oregano 1 tablespoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 2 teaspoons Spanish-style paprika 2 teaspoons […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Spit-Roasted Garlic and Lime Chicken

Make 4 servings This recipe is very easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. If you do not have a rotisserie, you can roast the chicken in the oven in a roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack. Ingredients 1 teaspoon lime zest 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about […]

Main Dishes

Stir-Fried Garden Vegetables with Marinated Tofu

Makes 6 servings Tofu is an excellent source of protein and a good medium to showcase brightly colored, well-seasoned garden vegetables. Because of the variety of textures available from silky to extra firm, tofu is a delicious option. Ingredients Marinated Tofu 1 1/4 lb firm tofu, drained, cut into 1-inch […]