Dim Sum Shrimp Rolls Recipe

34 ingredients for the steam rosThese Chinese shrimp rolls are a simpler version of the traditional dim sum dish.  They use pre-made rice paper, typically found in spring roll recipes.  This method skips dough preparation while still delivering delicious, chewy rolls.

Ingredients:

 Ingredients for the Shrimp Rolls:

• 12 peeled shrimp
• Four rice paper sheets (Ba Cay Tre brand recommended for its chewiness)

Ingredients for the Shrimp Marinade:

• White pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• sesame oil

(Adjust seasoning to taste.)

Ingredients for the Dipping Sauce:

• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp sugar

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Rice Paper:

·         Fill a large basin with water.

·         Soak each rice paper sheet for about 20 minutes until softened.

2.    Marinating and Cooking the Shrimp:

·         Wash and pat dry the shrimp.

·         Marinate with white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar.

·         Microwave the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until about 50% cooked (time may vary by microwave).

3.    Assembling the Rolls:

·         Lay one softened rice paper sheet flat.

·         Place three shrimp in the center.

·         Fold in the sides and roll tightly.  Repeat with remaining ingredients.

4.    Steaming the Rolls:

·         Set up a steamer and bring water to a boil.

·         Place the shrimp rolls on a plate and steam for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.

5.    Making the Dipping Sauce:

·         Combine oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, soy sauce, water, and sugar in a small pot.

·         Heat and adjust seasoning to taste (dim sum-style sauces are typically mild and slightly sweet).

6.    Serving:

·         Enjoy your homemade dim sum shrimp rolls with the warm dipping sauce!

Bon appétit!

Basic Mochi Dough Recipe

Mochi is made from glutinous rice flour and cornstarch, though some variations use rice or tapioca flour.  This simple recipe makes a versatile mochi dough that can be filled with your favorite ingredients, such as sweet red bean paste, mung bean, or even ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp roasted soy flour, cornstarch, or sweet rice flour (for dusting)

Directions:

1.    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, and water.  Mix well until smooth.

2.    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes.

3.    Remove from the microwave and stir thoroughly.

4.    Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 2 minutes.

5.    Stir the dough until smooth.

6.    Transfer the dough onto a clean countertop lightly dusted with roasted flour.

7.    Knead the dough until smooth and no longer sticky.

 

Your mochi dough is now ready to be shaped and filled as desired!

Baked Mung Bean Cake Recipe

Baked mung bean cake is absolutely delightful! And indeed a wonderful treat, especially with its unique combination of ingredients.  Baked mung bean cake is a simple, delicious treat you can easily make at home.  Its rich, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of tea, making it especially comforting on cold days.  This nutritious cake features  mung beans, coconut milk, and Arrow root starch, offering both great taste and health benefits.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shelled green beans (mung beans)

3 eggs

1 cup coconut milk

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup arrowroot flour

Pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp softened butter

Directions:

Preparing the Beans:

Soak the green beans overnight and rinse them well.

Boil the beans in water until soft.  Add pandan leaves for extra aroma if available.

Blending the Ingredients:

In a blender, combine the cooked beans, eggs, coconut milk, vanilla extract, sugar, Aroow root starch, and a pinch of salt.  Blend until smooth and creamy.

Preparing the Cake Mold:

Grease an 8x8-inch cake mold with butter on the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.

Pour the blended mixture into the mold.

Dot the surface with remaining butter pieces for added richness.

Baking the Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving:

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.  Enjoy with a warm cup of tea!

Tips:

For a sweeter, richer taste, increase the sugar or use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.  If you cannot find the Arrow root starch, tapioca starch can be used

Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Almond Parmesan Cheese Crackers

Almond flour is a rich source of nutrients.  It provides a broad range of benefits, such as being high in protein and fiber, gluten-free, and good for heart health.  Almond flour is easy to use in baking and very friendly for the keto diet. You can use almond flour to make cakes, cookies, and crackers.  I like to share an easy recipe for almond crackers to make at home with few ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

One egg

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 to 2 tbsp water

1 tbsp heavy cream for brushing on top

Seasonings:

2 tsp combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika

Directions:

Combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, egg, baking powder, and seasoning in a bowl.  Use your hands to mix the dough well until it forms a ball.

Use a rolling mat if you have or cut out two parchment papers and place them on a countertop.  Place dough onto the mat, cover the dough with parchment paper, and use the rolling pin to roll the dough out to as thin as possible, about 1/4 inch thick.

Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into as many pieces as possible and in the size you like.  Brush the dough with heavy cream.

Transfer onto the baking pan and bake in a preheated oven set to 300 degrees.  Bake for 30 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown.

Tip:

You can add seasonings to your taste.  To prevent overbaking, pay attention to the crackers toward the end of the baking time.

Simple Homemade Biscuits

Biscuits are soft, fluffy bread often enjoyed at breakfast alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, or cheese.  Homemade biscuits are far superior to store-bought ones in both flavor and texture.  This versatile dough can even be sweetened to create scones, perfect for an afternoon tea spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Dough:

·         In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt.

·         Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

2.    Shaping the Dough:

·         Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it.

·         Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together.

·         Roll out the dough to about 10 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick.

3.    Cutting the Biscuits:

·         Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds of dough.

·         Place the biscuits on a baking sheet so they touch slightly (this helps them rise evenly).

4.    Baking:

·         Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

·         Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips for Making Scones:

• Mix 1/2 cup of sugar into the dough to transform this recipe into scones.
• Add dried fruits, chocolate chips, frozen fruits or other flavorings of your choice.
• Before baking, sprinkle brown sugar on top for added sweetness and a crunchy finish.

Enjoy your warm, homemade biscuits or scones with butter, jam, or your favorite breakfast spreads!

 

Simple Basic Cake

Desserts save many dinners, meaning that regardless of how good or bad your meal is, a piece of cake can lift your spirits.  As a baker, I often seek easy recipes at home.  If you frequently visit my blog, you know what it means to be a lazy baker.  I enjoy making cakes but prefer simple recipes.  Today, I want to share a quick and easy cake recipe you can whip up quickly.  This basic cake serves as a canvas for your ideas, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it more often for your family and guests.

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 3 tsp baking powder

- A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

- 2 eggs

- 3/4 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup oil

- 1/3 cup milk

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the wet ingredients. Use a hand mixer to blend them until well combined, about 5 minutes.

2. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix quickly until thoroughly combined.

3. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into the pan.

4. Bake the cake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip:

For a twist on this cake, I added 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts to the batter. Enjoy! 

Am I Truly Living?

Some of us feel that our lives lack meaning, that they are not worth living.  We suffer because we lack direction.  No matter how wealthy or powerful we may be, if our mind is chaotic and we lack clarity in our path, we become the most miserable people in the world.  However, if we have a meaningful direction in life—one that reflects our compassion—we will know how to alleviate suffering for ourselves and those around us.

When we have the opportunity to receive the teachings, gain practice experience, and understand that during difficult times the teachings can save us from despair, we can move toward peace and liberation.  The teachings help us access the shore of tranquility and freedom.  By returning to our innate mindfulness and having faith in ourselves, peace and happiness naturally arise, making us truly content.

We often think happiness comes from having a lot of money, a beautiful spouse, fame, power, high social status, or satisfying our sexual desires.  Many of us chase after sensual pleasures, only to realize that the more we become entangled in craving wealth, fame, power, sensuality, fine foods, and indulgent sleep, the more we suffer.

We mistakenly believe that these five sensual pleasures are essential for happiness, but now we’ve awakened to the truth that genuine happiness arises from letting go and reclaiming inner freedom.  Therefore, the Buddha advised us to frequently reflect on the true nature of these pleasures and learn to generate wholesome joy and happiness to nurture ourselves.

"Breathing in, I feel joy." This is not an empty promise but a result of contemplating the nature of our happiness and touching the wholesome, joyful elements of everyday life.

Joy through Letting Go

Joy arises when we practice letting go—joy born of letting go. Then there is joy born of concentration, meaning happiness comes from the ability to focus and abide in concentration.  We have learned the benefits of concentration.  For example, whether we feel great joy while eating an orange depends on our mindfulness and concentration.  When we eat mindfully, fully present, the joy and happiness we experience are immense.

The conditions for happiness are always within and around us, but because our mind is not present or concentrated, we fail to recognize them.

A Story of Mindful Walking

There was a young meditation practitioner living in Paris who loved walking meditation.  However, living in a busy city where everyone seemed to be running frantically, she was swept up in the rush.  One day, she took the elevator with an elderly woman who walked slowly and unhurriedly.  Observing the woman, the young practitioner reflected:
"Am I truly living?  Why am I always running like this?  I feel like I’m living as though I were dead."
The elderly woman replied, "That’s true.  But you’re young; your legs are strong, and you can run.  I’m old and can’t run like you anymore.  If I ran, I’d fall forward."

Having healthy legs to walk and run is a condition for happiness. Many wish to run but cannot. Instead of complaining, shouldn’t we feel grateful?  Mindfulness generates insight, and that insight brings happiness:
"Breathing in, I know my legs are strong, capable of running and walking.  Breathing out, I smile with happiness."  Mindfulness and concentration are the foundation of happiness.

The Gift of Aging

Older people have their own advantages.  If they are aware of the conditions for happiness present within and around them in the moment, they will be deeply content.  Witnessing the fleeting nature of life brings maturity and the ability to savor every moment, appreciating the positive elements within themselves. They no longer rush like the young.  They sit quietly, living deeply in every moment.

When young, we are like a rushing waterfall, pouring from the heights to the depths.  In old age, we become a serene river, gently flowing and reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the riverbed below.  The youthful, roaring stream cannot reflect in the same way.  If the elderly can recognize the positive aspects of their lives, they can also touch true happiness.

Living with Mindfulness

We need to cultivate mindfulness to recognize the elements of life present in the current moment, and concentration helps us live deeply with these elements.  Concentration is the ability to stay focused on an object of meditation without distraction. Concentration generates joy and peace, sustaining happiness for a long time.

If we manage the 24 hours of our day skillfully, we will find that one day of life is abundant.  Concentration allows us to feel that a day is endless.  On the other hand, if we live in distraction—our body here but our mind elsewhere—we lose ourselves and the essence of life.  A day spent in forgetfulness is a wasted day.  But for those who live mindfully and with concentration, every moment becomes a treasure of life.

Buddha’s Legacy

The Buddha left us not abstract, theoretical doctrines but a legacy of his lived experience.  Every step of the Buddha radiated peace, stability, and freedom.  His compassion not only embraced people and beings of his time but continues to touch us in our era as well.

Excerpt from the book “Breath, Nourishment, and Healing” by Thich Nhat Hanh.

You Tiau Fried Dough Sticks Recipe

 You Tiau, also known as Chinese fried dough sticks, is a popular snack or breakfast item. This simplified recipe uses baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast, making it quick and easy while maintaining a delicious, airy texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp softened butter
• ½ cup cold water + 2 tbsp extra if needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, egg, and butter. Gradually pour in the water while mixing.
   • Knead the dough using an egg beater with dough hooks or by hand until it comes together. Rest the dough for 10 minutes.
2. Knead and Rest:
   • After the initial rest, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 4–5 hours. The dough can refrigerate overnight
3. Shape the Dough:
   • Roll out the rested dough into a long strip using a rolling pin. Flatten it into a rectangular shape about 3 inches wide and 1/16 inch thick.
   • Cut the rectangle into 1/3-inch-wide strips. Stack two strips on each other and press down the center lengthwise with a damp chopstick to seal them together.
4. Fry the Dough Sticks:
   • Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and float to the surface.
   • Gently stretch a strip of dough by holding both ends, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry one strip at a time.
   • Use chopsticks to turn the dough stick continuously until both sides are golden brown and puffed up.
   • Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all strips are fried.

Tips:

• Serve warm with soy milk, congee, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• For extra crispiness, ensure the oil temperature stays consistent during frying.

Enjoy your homemade You Tiau!