Steamed Banana Cake (Bánh Chuối Hấp)

Steamed Banana Cake (Bánh Chuối Hấp)

Steamed banana cake is a beloved Vietnamese street snack and one of my favorite childhood treats.  I still remember buying these little cakes after school and sharing them with my friends.  Their soft, chewy texture and sweet banana flavor always made them feel extra special.

There are many ways to make this traditional cake, but today I'd like to share a recipe that has recently gained popularity on social media.  I especially love it because it's simple, makes a small batch, and is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas – ideal if you're cooking for one or two people.

Ingredients:

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 drop yellow food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Peel the bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl.  Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.

2. Add the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and yellow food coloring (if using).  Stir well and let the mixture rest for 15 minutes.  This allows the sugar to dissolve and the bananas to become even more fragrant.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and tapioca starch until smooth and free of lumps.

4. Pour the coconut milk mixture into the mashed bananas and stir until everything is well combined.

5. Bring water to a boil in a steamer.  Line the steaming tray with banana leaves and lightly brush them with oil to prevent sticking.

6. Spoon portions of the batter onto the banana leaves, leaving a little space between each cake.

7. Steam for about 10 minutes, or until the cakes become translucent and are cooked through.

8. Repeat with the remaining batter.  If you have extra banana leaves, replacing them between batches will add a fresh, natural aroma.

Optional Coconut Sauce:

For an extra rich and creamy finish, drizzle the cakes with warm coconut sauce before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

Whisk all the ingredients together in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce comes to a gentle boil and thickens.  Spoon the warm sauce over the steamed banana cakes just before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

These steamed banana cakes are delicious when served warm or at room temperature.  If you enjoy a little extra texture, sprinkle them with toasted sesame seeds or crushed roasted peanuts before serving.

Vegetarian Ragu

This hearty Vegetarian Ragu uses potatoes, carrots, king oyster mushrooms, and edamame to create a satisfying meat-free alternative to the classic dish.  Fried tofu can also be added for extra protein and texture.

Traditional ragu is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, aromatic vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, herbs like bay leaves, thyme, and oregano, and enriched with tomato paste and a touch of nutmeg.  To simplify preparation, this recipe uses ready-made ragu seasoning powder, which is commonly available in Asian grocery stores.

The finished dish is enriched with coconut milk for a creamy, flavorful broth.  If serving with bread, you may thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.  If serving with rice or noodles, this step is optional.  Using plenty of onions and carrots adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

2 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 king oyster mushrooms, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup of edamame or sweet peas

1 tomato, chopped

1 onion, cut into wedges

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon Korean chili powder (gochugaru), divided

4 cups of vegetable broth or water

2 cups coconut milk or coconut cream

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons ragu seasoning powder

1 tsp salt, or to taste

1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste

¼ teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro and green onions

For Serving:

Steamed rice

Rice noodles

Crusty bread

Directions:

Prepare all the vegetables.  Peel and cut the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Slice the king oyster mushrooms into chunks and set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the chopped tomato and cook until softened and releasing its juices, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Stir in the ragu seasoning powder, ketchup, and 1 teaspoon of Korean chili powder.  Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to develop the flavors.

Add the potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and vegetable broth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are nearly tender.

Stir in the edamame, coconut milk, salt, soy sauce, garlic powder, and cilantro.  Return to a gentle boil.

Add the onion wedges and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onions are slightly tender but still retain some texture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

If serving with bread, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons or water and stir it into the pot.  Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve hot with crusty bread, steamed rice, or rice noodles.

This comforting Vegetarian Ragu is rich, creamy, and full of vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Quick Pho Ga)

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Quick Pho Ga)

In Vietnam, this soup is commonly known as Pho Ga (Chicken Pho).  Traditional Pho Ga can take several hours to prepare, but this simplified version delivers the same comforting flavors in much less time.  The fresh herbs and garnishes are essential for achieving the authentic taste, so don't skip them.  Most of the ingredients can be found in the Asian or international aisle of many grocery stores.

Ingredients:

Soup ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 shallots, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup sliced fresh ginger
• 2-star anise pods
• 1 cinnamon stick

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

Noodles:

• 8 ounces rice noodles (fresh or dried)

Garnishes:

• ½ cup fresh bean sprouts
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime wedges
• Sliced Thai chilies
• Hoisin sauce (optional)

Directions:

1.                        In a medium pot, combine the water, chicken broth, chicken thighs, shallots, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2.                        Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.  Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

3.                        Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.  Strain the broth to remove the solids, then return the clear broth to the pot.

4.                        Stir in the fish sauce, salt, sugar, and chicken bouillon powder.  Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

5.                        Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

6.                        If using dried rice noodles, cook them according to the package directions.  Drain well.

7.                        Divide the noodles evenly between two serving bowls.  Top with the shredded chicken.

8.                        Ladle about 2 cups of hot broth into each bowl.

9.                        Garnish with bean sprouts, green onions, basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, and sliced Thai chilies.  Serve with hoisin sauce on the side, if desired.

Enjoy your quick and flavorful homemade Pho Ga!

Pumpkin and Potato Soup

This creamy Pumpkin Squash and Potato Soup combines the natural sweetness of Japanese pumpkin squash with the comforting texture of potatoes, creating a hearty bowl that is perfect for chilly winter days.

Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in many Vietnamese and East Asian dishes because it is affordable, nutritious, and widely available.  By combining pumpkin with potatoes, this recipe brings together traditional Asian ingredients and Western-style comfort food in a simple fusion dish that appeals to modern tastes.  It's rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.  Best of all, you can make it quickly in your Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

2 cups Japanese pumpkin squash, peeled and cubed

1 large potato, peeled and chopped

1 cup white onion, diced

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)

Garnishes:

Fresh chopped chives, cilantro, or green onions

Shredded cheese of your choice

Crusty bread for serving

Directions:

Turn on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the butter and olive oil.

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the pumpkin squash and potato.  Cook for another 4 – 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to lightly brown for added flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 10 minutes.

Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk.

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.  Adjust the consistency with additional broth if desired.

Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and soy sauce to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and your favorite cheese.  Enjoy with warm crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Tips:

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Add cooked bacon, roasted pumpkin seeds, or croutons for extra texture and flavor.

Avocado Banana Ice Cream

Nothing says summer quite like a scoop of ice cream.  While traditional ice cream can be high in sugar and calories, this homemade Avocado Banana Ice Cream offers a delicious and nutritious alternative.  Made with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen, this creamy frozen treat features a naturally refreshing green color and rich flavor that will help you stay cool on hot summer days.

 Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

1 ripe banana

1/4 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup roasted pistachios, chopped

Honey or sugar, to taste (optional)

Directions:

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and peel the skin.  Scoop the flesh into a blender.

Peel the banana and add it to the blender along with the coconut milk.

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the avocado-banana mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.

Pour the mixture into a shallow glass dish or freezer-safe container.

Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top.

Cover tightly and freeze for about 4 hours, or until firm.

Serving Tips:

 Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the best texture.   If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add honey or sugar to the blended mixture according to your taste before freezing.

Enjoy this creamy, refreshing treat as a healthier way to satisfy your ice cream cravings all summer long!

Basic Meat Marinade Sauce

Basic Meat Marinade Sauce

Grilled meat is a beloved dish found everywhere, from upscale restaurants to the bustling street food stalls of East Asia.  The secret behind great grilled meat lies in the marinade.  While every family has its own recipe passed down through generations, the goal is always the same: tender, flavorful meat that stays juicy and never dries out on the grill.

My family once owned a restaurant, and one of our most popular recipes was my mother's grilled meat marinade.  She had a remarkable talent for balancing flavors, creating meats that were both rich and aromatic.  Since my mother passed away and I am no longer running the restaurant, I would like to share this recipe on my blog as a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has supported me over the years.

This recipe makes a somewhat large batch of marinade, but it stores well in the refrigerator and can be used over time whenever you need it.

 

Ingredients:

1 (12 oz.) can fresh coconut water

1/4 cup rose liqueur

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup corn syrup

1 tablespoon five-spice powder

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder

1/2 cup light soy sauce

1/4 cup fish sauce

1/4 cup dark soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons Sriracha seasoning or chili seasoning

Fresh Seasonings (Add When Marinating)

Shallots, finely minced

Garlic, finely minced

Freshly ground black pepper

A small amount of baking soda

Lemongrass, finely chopped

Directions:

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

Stir or shake well until the sugar and seasonings are fully dissolved.

Store the marinade in the refrigerator until needed.

When ready to marinate meat, add the fresh seasonings – shallots, garlic, black pepper, baking soda, and lemongrass – to the desired amount of marinade.

Mix thoroughly with the meat and marinate before grilling.

Notes:

Fresh seasonings are added only during marinating to help extend the shelf life of the prepared sauce.

This marinade works well with pork, chicken, beef, and other grilled meats.

Adjust the amount of chili seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.

Enjoy, and I hope this family recipe brings as much flavor and joy to your table as it did to mine.

6

Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber, roasted chickpeas are one of the easiest healthy snacks you can make at home.  They're perfect for satisfying midday hunger, adding crunch to salads, or enjoying as a guilt-free alternative to chips.

One of the best things about roasted chickpeas is how versatile they are.  You can keep them savory with cumin and paprika, make them spicy with cayenne pepper, or try sweet variations with cinnamon and sugar.  Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor.

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz. / 425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Seasonings:

1 tbsp oil

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp onion powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the chickpeas.  Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.  Removing excess moisture helps them become crispier.

Seasoning:

Place the chickpeas in a bowl.  Add the oil, salt, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.  Toss until evenly coated.

Roasting:

Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.  Roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Cooling and Serving:

Let the chickpeas cool for 5–10 minutes; they will become even crispier as they cool.

Storing:

 

Store completely cooled chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.  If they lose some crunch, simply reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.

 

Flavor Variations:

Sweet Cinnamon:

Cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt

Spicy Mexican:

 Cumin chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne

Italian Herb:

Olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and salt

Sesame-Tahini:

Tahini powder (or a light tahini coating), sesame seeds, and garlic powder

Enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle them over soups, or use them to add crunch to your favorite salads.