Author: admin

  • Chinese Crispy Noodles (Chow Mein)

    Chinese Crispy Noodles (Chow Mein)

    Ingredients

    Sauce

    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shoasing wine) (sub Dry Sherry, Mirin, Note 1)
    • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce , light or all purpose (not dark soy)
    • 1/4 tsp sesame oil
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • White pepper , one dash
    • 3/4 cup (185ml) chicken stock / broth , low sodium
    • 3 tbsps cornflour / corn starch

    Crispy Noodles

    • 200 g / 8 oz fresh chow mein noodles (Note 2)
    • 4 tbsp water , separated
    • 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable or canola)

    Stir Fry

    • 150 g / 5 oz chicken , thinly sliced
    • 1 tbsp peanut oil , if needed (or vegetable or canola)
    • 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
    • 1/2 onion , sliced
    • 1 carrot * , small, halved lengthwise then sliced on diagonal
    • 1 bok choy * , stems and leaves separated with stems cut vertically into sticks
    • 2 shallots/scallions * , cut into 5cm/2″ pieces
    • 2 cups cabbage * , cut into 2.4cm / 1″ squares
    • 1/2 cup (125ml) water

    Instructions

    Sauce & Chicken Marinade

    • Mix the Sauce ingredients EXCEPT cornflour and chicken broth/stock.
    • Remove 1 tbsp Sauce and mix through chicke. Leave to marinate 10 minutes+.
    • Mix cornflour into Sauce until lump free.

    Crispy Noodles

    • Turn oven onto low (to keep noodles warm while you cook the topping).
    • Divide noodles into 2 then shape into 20cm/8″ rounds. Keep them tangled – this holds them together while cooking.
    • Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet over medium high heat. Place 1 noodle cake into pan then drizzle over 2 tbsp water.
    • Wait until the water evaporates (steam cooks the noodles), then pat down lightly and let the noodles cook for a further 1 to 2 minute until the bottom of the noodles are golden brown (lift up with a spatula to check).
    • Slide noodles onto a plate, then flip upside down back into the pan. Cook for a further 1 1/2 – 2 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to tray and place in oven to keep warm.
    • Repeat with remaining noodle cake.

    Saucy Stir Fry Topping

    • Add an extra 1 tbsp oil if needed, increase heat to HIGH. Add garlic and onion, cook for 30 seconds.
    • Add chicken and cook until it changes from pink to white (still raw inside)
    • Add the carrot and bok choy stems, cook 30 seconds.
    • Add cabbage and leaf of buk choy, cook for 1 minute until they start to wilt.
    • Add chicken broth, water, then Sauce and stir. Let it simmer for 1 – 2 minutes until the Sauce thickens to a syrup consistency (see video).

  • Real Vegetarian Chow Mein

    Real Vegetarian Chow Mein

    Ingredients

    • 6 oz / 180 g fresh chow mein noodles
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 2 garlic cloves , minced
    • 2 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
    • 1/2 cup carrot , julienned
    • 2 scallion/shallot stems , cut into 2″/4cm pieces
    • 1 cup bean sprouts

    Tofu and marinade

    • 5 oz / 150 g firm tofu , sliced
    • 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine

    Sauce

    • 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
    • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1/2 tbsp chilli garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
    • 2 tsp sugar
    • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
    • 1/4 cup water
    • White pepper

    Instructions

    • Prepare noodles according to packet instructions (usually soaking it in boiling water).
    • Combine tofu with marinade and set aside for 5 minutes.
    • Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
    • Heat oil in wok over high heat, add garlic and stir fry for 10 seconds.
    • Add tofu and stir fry until starting to caramelise – about 1 minute. Stir fry gently so the tofu doesn’t break.
    • Add the cabbage and carrot and stir fry until the cabbage starts to wilt.
    • Add the noodles, scallions/shallots, bean sprouts and sauce and stir fry until the noodles are warmed through and sauce evenly coats the noodles – about 1 minute. Don’t cook it too much – the bean sprouts should still be quite crisp, not wilted.
    • Serve immediately.

    Directions using homemade Real Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce

    • If you have a jar of homemade Real Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, you do not need to make the marinade or sauce for this recipe.
    • Substitute the tofu marinade with 1 tbsp Stir Fry Sauce
    • Substitute the Sauce ingredients with 1/4 cup Stir Fry Sauce and 1/4 cup water.

  • Chow Mein Ramen Noodles

    Chow Mein Ramen Noodles

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp oil
    • 200g/7oz chicken , sliced (thigh, breast)
    • 2 garlic cloves , minced
    • 2 ramen or instant noodle cakes , discard seasoning (Note 1)
    • 200g/7oz pre shedded Coleslaw mix , cabbage and carrot (Note 2)
    • 3 green onion stems , cut into 5cm/2″ lengths
    • 1 heaped cup beansprouts
    • 1 cup (250 ml) water

    Chow Mein Sauce:

    • 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce (Note 3)
    • 1.5 tbsp Oyster Sauce (Note 4)
    • 1 tbsp Chinese Cooking Wine or Mirin (Note 5)
    • 2 tsp sesame oil , toasted (Note 6)
    • 1 tsp white sugar (SKIP if using Mirin)

    Instructions

    • Mix Sauce in a bowl.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic, cook 10 seconds.
    • Add chicken and cook until mostly changes from pink to white, then add Sauce.
    • Cook for 1 minute, then add Coleslaw mix and white part of green onions.
    • Cook for 1 1/2 minutes until cabbage wilts, then push everything to the side to make room for the ramen (see video & photos in post).
    • Add water then squidge the ramen cakes in side by side.
    • When water simmers, leave for 45 seconds. Flip, then leave for 30 seconds.
    • Loosen noodles, add bean sprouts and green onion, then toss energetically for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes until sauce reduces and coats noodles. (Note 7)
    • Serve immediately!
  • Chow Mein

    Chow Mein

    Ingredients

    • 200g /6 oz chicken breast or thigh fillets , thinly sliced (Note 1 tenderise option)
    • 4 cups green cabbage , finely shredded (Note 3)
    • 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
    • 2 cloves garlic , finely chopped
    • 200g /6 oz chow mein noodles (Note 2)
    • 1 carrot , julienned
    • 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
    • 3 green onions , cut into 5cm/2″ pieces
    • 1/4 cup (65 ml) water

    Chow Mein Sauce:

    • 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
    • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce , all purpose or light (Note 4)
    • 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (sub Hoisin)
    • 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine OR Mirin (Note 5)
    • 2 tsp sugar (reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin)
    • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
    • White pepper (sub black)

    Instructions

    Sauce:

    • Mix together cornflour and soy sauce, then mix in remaining ingredients. 
    • Alternative: Use 1/3 cup Chinese All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, if you have some in stock.

    Chicken & Noodles

    • Marinate Chicken: Pour 1 tbsp of Sauce over the chicken, mix to coat, set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
    • Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the packet instructions (my pack says soak in boiled water for 1 minute), then drain.

    Cooking:

    • Heat oil in wok or large fry pan over high heat.
    • Add garlic and stir fry for 10 seconds or until it starts to turn golden – don’t let it burn!
    • Add chicken and stir fry until the surface gets a tinge of browning but inside is still raw – about 1 minute. 
    • Add the cabbage, carrot, and the white pieces of shallots (i.e. from the base of the stalk). Stir fry for 1 1/2 minutes until the cabbage is mostly wilted.
    • Add the noodles, Sauce and water*. Stir fry for 1 minute, tossing constantly. 
    • Add bean sprouts and remaining shallots/scallions. Toss through for 30 seconds or until the bean sprouts just start to wilt.
    • Remove from heat and serve immediately.
  • Lemon garlic salmon Fish

    Lemon garlic salmon Fish

    Ingredients

    • 4 x 180g/6 oz salmon fillets , skin on or off, doesn’t matter (Note 1)

    Marinade slather:

    • 1 tsp lemon zest (1 lemon)
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tsp dijon mustard (Note 2)
    • 2 garlic cloves , grated using microplane (Note 3)
    • 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Vegetables (optional):

    • 3 bunches asparagus , woody ends snapped or trimmed off (Note 4)
    • 200g/ 7 oz cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes, 1 Aussie punnet)
    • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

    Cooking & serving:

    • Olive oil spray
    • Parmesan , finely grated
    • Lemon wedges or slices , optional
    • Parsley , finely chopped, optional
    • Crusty bread or toast , for serving

    Instructions

    • Lemon garlic paste – Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Slather onto the top and sides of the salmon. If time permits, marinade for 1 hour. Otherwise, proceed with recipe.
    • Preheat oven grill / broiler to 280°C/525°F or as high as yours goes. Place the oven shelf 20 cm /8″ from the heat source.
    • Prepare tray – Toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread out on a large tray then clear space for the salmon. Place salmon on the tray leaving a bit of space between each. Spray surface of salmon with oil.
    • Cook – Grill/broil for 11 minutes or until the salmon is done – the flesh should flake, the internal temperature should be 50°C/122°F (Note 5).
    • Serve – Transfer salmon and vegetables to plate. Grate parmesan over the vegetables. Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon, sprinkle with parsley. Eat!
  • Fish Chowder Soup

    Fish Chowder Soup

    Ingredients

    • 40g / 3 tbsp butter , unsalted
    • 2 garlic cloves , minced
    • 1 small onion , finely chopped
    • 2 small carrots , halved, cut into 0.5cm / 1/5″ slices
    • 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white wine (can skip)
    • 1/4 cup (35g) flour (plain / all purpose)
    • 3 cups (750 ml) milk , any fat %
    • 2 cups (500 ml) fish stock, clam juice OR chicken stock, preferably low sodium (Note 1)
    • 2 cups potato , 1.5 cm/ 0.5″ cubes (~1 large potato)
    • 1 cup corn , frozen or canned (drained)
    • 0.5 tsp salt , plus more to taste
    • Finely ground black pepper
    • 600 g/1.2 lb white fish fillets , skinless, cut into 2cm / 4/5″ pieces (Note 2)
    • 1 cup peas , frozen

    Garnish/serving (optional):

    • 1/4 cup green onions , halved and finely sliced (garnish)
    • Crusty bread for dunking

    Instructions

    • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add garlic and onion, cook for 5 minutes until translucent but not golden.
    • Add carrots and stir through.
    • Turn heat up to high and add wine. Stir then let it simmer rapidly until it’s mostly evaporated.
    • Add flour and stir for 30 seconds – it will become sludgy!
    • Slow pour in broth while stirring to dissolve paste, then stir in milk.
    • Add potato, corn, salt and pepper. Bring to simmer then turn heat down so it’s simmering gently.
    • Cook, stirring every now and then, for 8 minutes or until potato is almost cooked.
    • Add fish and peas, simmer for 3 minutes or until fish is just cooked (should flake easily).
    • Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If soup is too thick, add a touch of water or milk.
    • Serve, garnished with green onions and crusty bread on the side for dunking!
  • Fish Fingers recipe

    Fish Fingers recipe

    Ingredients

    • 600g / 1.2lb white fish fillets , patted dry (Note 1)
    • Oil spray (olive oil or any plain)

    Crumb

    • 1 1/2 cups (75g) panko breadcrumbs (Note 2)
    • 1/4 cup (25g) parmesan
    • 2 tsp paprika , optional
    • 1/2 tsp salt and pepper , each

    Batter

    • 1 egg
    • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
    • 2 tbsp flour
    • 1/4 tsp salt and pepper , each

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.

    Crumbing:

    • Toast breadcrumbs: Spread breadcrumbs on tray. Spray with oil, bake 4 minutes until golden. Transfer toasted breadcrumbs into bowl, add remaining Crumb ingredients and mix.
    • Increase oven to 220°C / 425°F (fan 200°C). Spray used tray with oil.
    • Batter: Mix Batter ingredients in a separate bowl.
    • Cut the fish into strips 1.5 x 11 cm / 3/5 x 4.5″ (they shink 30% in length).
    • Place fish in Batter, gently mix with rubber spatula to coat. Do not leave sitting around (will become watery), coat immediately.
    • Breading: Pick up fish with tongs, place in breadcrumbs. Spoon over crumb, use fingers to press to adhere.
    • Baking: Transfer to baking tray. Spray with oil, bake 13 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
    • Serve immediately with lemon wedges, Tartare Sauce or other Sauce of choice – see here for recipes, any of these great for fish fingers! Also Note 3 for few quick sauce options.
  • Thai Fish Cakes

    Thai Fish Cakes

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb / 500g white fish fillets , skinless and pin boned, cut into chunks (Note 1)
    • 3 tbsp red curry paste (Note 2)
    • 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander leaves , chopped
    • 1 tbsp fish sauce (sub soy sauce)
    • 1 tbsp lime juice
    • 1 egg
    • 1/4 cup (40g) rice flour (or cornstarch / corn flour)
    • 6 green beans , finely sliced (optional, Note 3)
    • 4 – 6 tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, sun flower)

    Instructions

    • Place fish, red curry paste, cilantro/coriander, fish sauce, lime and egg in a food processor. Whizz until the fish is minced and it looks like a paste. (See video)
    • Transfer to a bowl and stir through rice flour and green beans until flour is all incorporated. (Note 4)
    • Measure 1/4 cup of mixture (I use an ice cream scoop – Note 5), form 1cm / 2/5″ thick patties.
    • Heat enough oil in skillet over medium high heat to cover the base (4 tbsp or so)
    • Place in oil, cook 2 minutes until deep golden brown, then turn and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. 
    • Repeat with remaining mixture, adding more oil into the skillet if required.
    • Serve with Sweet Chilli Sauce, garnished with cilantro/coriander leaves and lime wedges on the side. Add a side of Thai Fried Rice or even just plain jasmine rice to make a meal!
  • Crispy Skin Fish

    Crispy Skin Fish

    Ingredients

    • 180g/6oz x 2 barramundi or other fish fillets , skin on, pin boned (Note 1)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil)
    • 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt, Note 2)
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    • Sauces and sides – see Note 7 below

    Instructions

    Preparation:

    • Thick Fillets definition: Fish > 2.5cm / 1″ thick at the thickest point. Best finished in the oven. (Note 3)
    • Pan type: Non-stick pan, an oven proof one if you have Thick Fillets. (Note 4)
    • Preheat oven (for Thick Fillets): Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan).

    Cooking:

    • Dry skin: Pat skin dry with paper towels. For extra precaution, leave the fish fillets in the fridge skin side up, uncovered, for an hour. (I rarely do this)
    • Scoring skin (Note 5): For Thick Fillets, score the skin by cutting slashes into the skin as pictured in post. 4cm slashes 1cm apart, 2 – 3mm deep, through the skin and ever so slightly into the flesh (1.6″ long, 0.4″ apart, 0.1″ deep)
    • Season fish: Sprinkle the flesh and skin with the salt and pepper just before cooking.
    • Heat oil well: Heat oil in a non stick pan over medium high heat until you see the first small wisps of smoke.
    • Press fish down: Place one fillet into the pan skin side down, then use your fingers or spatula to press down lightly for 10 seconds to allow the skin to seal flat against the hot surface. Repeat with the other fillet (PROS: Do both at the same time!).
    • Cook skin 2 – 3 minutes: Cook the skin side for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s crispy in the centre and golden. Lift up to check.
    • Transfer Thick Fillets to oven: Transfer to oven for 10 minutes (do not flip, keep skin side still down – goes crispier!) or until the internal temperature is 55°C/131°F. (Note 6)
    • Thin fillets: Turn and cook the flesh side in the pan.
    • Rest 3 minutes: Transfer fish to a rack with the skin side UP. Rest for 3 minutes.
    • Serving: To serve, place on a plate skin side UP. Do not pour sauce on the skin until just before serving else it will soften the fish skin. See ingredients above for suggested sauces and sides!
  • Chilli Lime Fish

    Chilli Lime Fish

    Ingredients

    CupsMetric

    Fish:

    • 330g / 11 oz thin white fish fillets (~1cm / 0.4″ thick) , skinless, cut into 6cm / 2.5″ (or so) squares pieces (Note 1)
    • 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
    • 1/4 cup rice flour or ordinary flour (Note 2)
    • 2 tbsp canola oil

    Sauce:

    • 2 tsp sesame oil
    • 2 garlic cloves , finely minced with a knife (Note 3)
    • 2 tsp ginger , finely minced with a knife (Note 3)
    • 1 tsp chilli flakes / red pepper flakes (Note 4)
    • 2 tbsp sriracha (Note 4)
    • 2 tsp light soy sauce or fish sauce (Note 5)
    • 3 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 2 tbsp lime juice

    Garnishes (optional):

    • 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves
    • 1 tbsp large red chilli , finely sliced
    • Lime wedges

    Instructions

    Fish:

    • Dust fish – Sprinkle with salt, dust with rice flour, shake off excess.
    • Cook fish – In a non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook the fish until golden on each side then remove to a plate.
    • Fish cooking times – Thin fillets 1 cm / 2/5″ thick: 1 1/2 minutes each side; thicker fillets 1.5 – 1.75cm / 0.6 – 0.75″ thick 2 minutes each side) or until the internal temperature is 55°C / 130°F. Remove fish to a plate and set aside.

    Sauce:

    • Sauté aromatics – In the same pan, add sesame oil on medium heat. Cook garlic, chilli and ginger until golden – about 20 seconds.
    • Sauce – Add everything else except lime juice. Stir, simmer, then reduce until syrupy – about 2 minutes. Add lime juice and stir. (If sauce gets too thick, add water)
    • Coat fish – Return fish into sauce, turning to coat in the sauce.
    • Serve over rice, with garnishes of choice! Pictured with steamed baby pak choy tossed with Asian Sesame Dressing.