Shrimp Rolls with Rice Paper

Shrimp Rolls with Rice Paper

Shrimp rice rolls are a classic dim sum favorite, but making them from scratch at home can be quite time-consuming.  Traditional rice rolls require preparing and moving up to top steaming a rice batter, and getting the texture just right can take some practice.

This version is much simpler.  Instead of making the rice batter, I use rice paper to create the rolls.  The result surprised me – the rice paper becomes soft and slightly chewy after steaming, while the shrimp stays juicy, tender, and flavorful.  It is an easy way to enjoy the taste and texture of shrimp rice rolls without all the extra work.

For the best texture, I recommend using medium to large shrimp.  I especially like Three Ladies or Bamboo brand rice paper because it becomes soft and pleasantly chewy after steaming without falling apart.

The shrimp is the main source of protein in this dish, making these rolls light but satisfying.  Serve them with the savory dipping sauce below for a delicious appetizer, light meal, or dim sum-style dish.

The recipe makes six rolls, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients when serving a larger group.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the Shrimp Rolls:

• 6 medium or large shrimp, peeled and thawed
• 6 sheets of rice paper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cooking wine
• Salt, to taste
• White pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives or green onions

Dipping Sauce ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ⅓ cup water

Directions:

1. Marinating the shrimp:

Place the thawed shrimp in a bowl.  Add the sesame oil, cornstarch, cooking wine, salt, and white pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.

Cover and let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes.

The combination of cornstarch and sesame oil is commonly used in Asian cooking to help keep shrimp tender and juicy.  This technique is often referred to as velveting.

2. Preparing the rice paper:

Fill a large, shallow dish, pie plate, or wide bowl with warm water.

Dip one sheet of rice paper into the water for just a few seconds.  You do not need to completely soften it – sent before you lead the rice paper will continue to soften as you work with it.

Place the softened rice paper on a clean plate or work surface.

3. Rolling the shrimp:

Fold the softened rice paper into a layer large enough to wrap the shrimp.

Place one marinated shrimp in the center and add a small amount of chopped chives or green onion.

Fold the sides of the rice paper over the shrimp, then roll it up gently but firmly, similar to making a spring roll.

Lightly spray or brush a heatproof plate with cooking oil and place the shrimp roll on the plate.  Leave a little space between each roll so they do not stick together.

4. Steaming the shrimp rolls:

Prepare a steamer and bring the water to a gentle boil.

Place the plate of shrimp rolls into the steamer.  Cover and steam for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked and turns pink and opaque.

Be careful not to oversteam, as the rice paper can become too soft and sticky.

5. Making the dipping sauce:

While the shrimp rolls are steaming, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.  Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.  You can add a little more chili sauce for heat, vinegar for tanginess, or sugar for sweetness.

6. Serving:

Transfer the steamed shrimp rolls to a serving plate. Sprinkle with additional chopped chives or green onions, if desired.

Pour some of the warm dipping sauce over the rolls or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

These shrimp rolls are best served warm, while the rice paper is still soft and pleasantly chewy.

Don’t Listen to Words—Watch the Actions

Don’t Listen to Words – Watch the Actions

Have you ever found yourself drawn to someone and quickly trusted them simply because they spoke beautifully, said all the right things, and constantly showered you with compliments?

Some people are very good at telling others exactly what they want to hear.  They may make beautiful promises, express affection through flattering words, and make you feel special and deeply appreciated.

But words can create emotions in a moment.  Actions reveal much more about who a person truly is.

There is an old saying that reminds us not to judge a person by appearances or simply by the beautiful things they say, but to observe how they behave. Words can be carefully chosen and arranged.  The way a person treats others – especially during difficult circumstances – often reveals things that are much harder to hide.

Why Do Actions Matter More Than Words?

Words cost very little.  Almost anyone can say, “I love you,” “I will help you,” “I will change,” or “I will always be there for you.”

But turning those words into reality requires time, effort, patience, and sometimes personal sacrifice.

That is why we should pay attention when someone's words and actions do not match.

A person may say that they love you deeply, but when their own interests are involved, they may become extremely calculating.  They may say that they value you, yet repeatedly dismiss your feelings and needs. They may promise to change, but continue repeating the same behavior over and over again.

What matters, then, is not a single promise, but a pattern of behavior repeated over time.

One isolated action may simply be a mistake.  But repeated behavior can tell us much more about a person's character, habits, priorities, and values.

If you want to understand someone, observe how they treat people who have nothing to offer them in return. Watch how they treat people who are less powerful than they are.  Pay attention to how they react when they are rejected, when they face difficulties, when they become angry, or when their own interests are threatened.

Most importantly, notice what they do when no one is watching and no one is there to praise them.

Those are often the moments when people have the least reason to perform for others.

From a Psychological Perspective

Psychology helps us understand why behavior often gives us more information than words.

People can consciously control what they say, how they present themselves, and the image they want others to see.  We can describe ourselves as patient, kind, generous, honest, or responsible.

But when we experience stress, disappointment, conflict, or frustration, our natural reactions may reveal deeper habits and patterns.

In simple terms, we can think of human behavior as having two layers.

The conscious layer consists of what we want others to see: our words, explanations, promises, and the image we create of ourselves.

The behavioral layer is reflected in how we actually respond and make choices in everyday life: how we treat other people, how we handle money, whether we keep our promises, how we deal with conflict, and how we behave under pressure.

This does not mean that words are always dishonest or that actions always reveal someone's complete character.  A person may sincerely mean what they say but fail to act accordingly because of weakness, lack of skills, fear, or difficult circumstances.

For this reason, what matters most is not one particular statement or one isolated action, but the consistency between a person's words and actions over time.

Behavioral Consistency

Human beings tend to develop recurring patterns of behavior.

Breaking a promise once may simply be a mistake.  But if someone repeatedly breaks promises, repeatedly blames others, and continually finds excuses to justify their behavior, that becomes a pattern worth paying attention to.

In other words:

One action gives us information.
A pattern of actions reveals a tendency.

And over time, those patterns can tell us much more than words alone.

When Words and Actions Contradict Each Other

Some people talk extensively about the values they believe in, yet their behavior consistently goes in the opposite direction.

They speak about kindness but frequently hurt others. They talk about honesty but hide the truth when doing so benefits them.  They say money is not important, yet in almost every relationship, material interests seem to come first.

This does not necessarily mean that such a person is deliberately trying to deceive others.

Sometimes people talk about the person they want to become, while their actions reveal the person they are actually being.

That is why, rather than listening only to what someone says about themselves, we should observe how they actually live.

From a Philosophical Perspective

Philosophy has long asked a profound question:

Are we defined by what we say, what we think, or what we actually do?

Existentialism

In existential philosophy, particularly in the thought of Jean-Paul Sartre, action plays an important role in shaping who we become.

A person is not defined only by what they claim they want to become, but also by the choices they make and the actions they take.

Someone may say, “I want to become a good and compassionate person.”

But kindness becomes meaningful only when it is expressed through the choices we make and the way we live each day.

Our values are not fully defined by what we say we believe.  They become visible through what we repeatedly choose to do.

From an Ethical Perspective

Ethics is not only about intention.  It is also about the consequences of our actions.

A kind word may make someone feel good, but a kind action may actually help them through a difficult situation.

An apology may soothe someone's emotions, but a genuine change in behavior shows whether that apology truly means something.

Therefore, moral responsibility is not simply about what we think or what we say.  It is also about what we do and the consequences our actions create for ourselves and others.

Through the Lens of Confucian Thought

In Confucian thought, self-cultivation and consistency between words and actions are important qualities.

A person of virtue does not need to constantly tell others how good they are.  Their character is revealed through the way they live and the way they treat other people.

In other words, virtue is not found in how we describe ourselves.  It is found in how we live.

From a Buddhist Perspective: Both Words and Actions Create Karma

From a Buddhist perspective, we should not think that only physical actions create karma.

Body, speech, and mind can all create karma.

A thought that we repeatedly nurture can lead to speech.  Speech can lead to action.  Actions repeated over time can become habits and create corresponding consequences.

That is why our words matter too.

A harsh word can cause someone emotional pain.  A lie can destroy trust.  A compassionate word can help someone through a difficult period in life.

What is particularly important, however, is that our words and actions are often connected.

The state of our mind gradually expresses itself through our speech and behavior.  At the same time, what we repeatedly say and do also shapes and reinforces our own state of mind.

This is part of karma's deeper meaning.  Karma is not simply an external action and its consequence.  It is also the ongoing process through which we cultivate tendencies within ourselves.

What we repeatedly think, say, and do gradually becomes part of who we are.

So, How Should We Look at Another Person?

Do not rush to judge someone based on one sentence, one moment of anger, or one mistake.

Observe them in different circumstances.

Watch how they treat people who are vulnerable or less powerful than themselves.

Watch how they react when they do not get what they want.

See whether they keep their promises when no one is reminding them.

Notice how they treat people when they no longer need anything from them.

And most importantly, ask yourself:

Are their actions consistent with their words?

People can change.

Someone who has made mistakes can recognize them, take responsibility, and genuinely change. Therefore, we should not permanently define someone by their past.

Instead, look at the direction they are moving in and the patterns of behavior they are demonstrating in the present.

Words Can Create an Impression, but Actions Build Trust

Words are not meaningless.

Words can tell us what a person wants to say, how they want others to understand them, and sometimes even who they hope to become.

But actions tell us much more about how they actually live.

So when you want to understand someone, do not listen only to what they say.  Observe what they do – especially the behaviors they repeat over a long period of time and in situations where they have nothing to prove to anyone.

Words can create an impression, but actions build trust.

Promises can give us hope, but consistency gives us a reason to believe.

A person is defined not only by what they say about themselves, but also by the choices they make every day.

Therefore, in our relationships, instead of becoming too captivated by beautiful words, learn to observe calmly.

Do not trust someone simply because they say they love you.  Watch how they treat you when you are vulnerable.

Do not believe someone simply because they say they will change.  Watch how they actually change.

Do not judge someone only by what they say when everything is going well.  Pay attention to who they become when life becomes difficult.

In the end, time is one of the best tests of character.

Words can be spoken in a few minutes, but actions require time to prove themselves.

And sometimes, the clearest answer about a person is not found in what they say at all – but in what they consistently do.

Shrimp Rockets (Tôm Hỏa Tiễn)

A beloved street snack across Thailand and a favorite in Chinese dim sum houses, Shrimp Rockets are crisp, golden, and irresistibly fun to eat.  If you love finger foods that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss, Shrimp Rockets are about to become your new obsession. Wrapped, rolled, and fried to a perfect crunch, these little “rockets” are the kind of snack that disappears the moment they hit the table.  This simplified version uses just a handful of ingredients, making it easy to recreate at home.  With marinated shrimp wrapped in wonton sheets and fried to a shattering crunch, they’re perfect as party appetizers or a family treat.

 

Shrimp Rockets:

Prep time 20 mins. + 1 hr. marinating

Cooking time 10 mins.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

20 wonton wrappers

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp minced lemongrass

2 tbsp chopped green onions

To taste ingredients:

salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce

1 tbsp lime juice

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

As needed ingredients:

Oil for frying

Directions:

1. Seasoning the shrimp:  Combine garlic, lemongrass, green onions, salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice in a bowl.  Add thawed, dried shrimp and mix well.  Marinate for 1 hour.

. Preparing wrappers:  Place one shrimp on a wonton wrapper.  Roll tightly from the body toward the tail, shaping the tip into a pointed ‘rocket’ head.  Seal the edge with a dab of beaten egg.

. Coating: Dip each wrapped shrimp into beaten egg, then roll in panko until fully coated.

4. Frying: Heat oil to 160–170°C (320–340°F).  Fry shrimp until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.

. Serving: Enjoy with chili mayo or sweet-and-sour fish sauce, plus fresh herbs or vegetables to balance the richness.

Is Money Everything?

Is Money Everything?

In life, few people can honestly say money doesn't matter.  From a young age, we learn how to earn money, save it, and use it to build the life we want. Money touches almost every part of our lives – food, housing, education, healthcare, transportation, family, and even the dreams we hope to fulfill.

There is an old saying, “Money can buy almost anything.”  Although it may sound exaggerated, it reflects something about human nature.  When we have money, we have more choices.  We can live more comfortably, take better care of our families, and help others.

But eventually, an important question arises:

How much money is enough?  And when we have a great deal of money, are we truly happier?

Money Is Important, But It Is Not Everything

First, we have to acknowledge that money plays an important role in our lives.  Without enough money, everyday life can become extremely difficult.  We need money to pay for housing, transportation, health insurance, our children's education, food, and countless other necessities.

Money cannot directly buy good health, but it can give us access to doctors, medication, and better medical treatment.  Money cannot buy more time in our lives, but it can sometimes save us time by letting us pay others to handle tasks we don't necessarily have to do ourselves.

Money can also give us opportunities – to receive an education, travel, care for our parents, support our children, or help people who are struggling. Without people who have the financial means to give, many charities, community programs, and humanitarian efforts would not exist.

So it would be unrealistic to say that money is not important.

The more important question is: How important should money be, and what place should it have in our lives?

Money should be a means to live, not the sole purpose of living.

When Money Becomes the Measure of Happiness

When we are young, many of us believe that having more money will automatically make us happier. We work harder, try to earn more, dream of a larger house, a better car, and a growing bank account.

At first, every increase in income can feel exciting. Buying the home we dreamed of, getting the car we wanted, or watching our savings and investments grow can give us a strong sense of accomplishment.

But something interesting happens: the happiness often does not last very long.

Once we have one house, we may want a bigger one.  Once we have a good car, we may want a more luxurious one.  Once we have a certain amount of money, we begin thinking about how to make even more.

Human beings can easily fall into an endless cycle:

We have something, and then we want more.  We achieve something, and then we immediately set our sights on the next achievement.

Money can provide comfort, but it cannot guarantee peace of mind.

A wealthy person may live in a beautiful home, enjoy wonderful meals, and travel around the world.  Yet none of those things guarantees freedom from loneliness, anxiety, or suffering.

Some people spend their entire lives making money, only to realize that they no longer have time for their parents.

Some become so consumed by success that they miss their children's childhood.

Some accumulate great wealth but sacrifice their health along the way.

Some own substantial assets but live every day afraid of losing them.

Some achieve financial success while their marriages quietly fall apart.

Eventually, we may discover that the things we considered small and unimportant when we were young become some of the most precious things in life as we grow older:

A family meal.

A conversation with our parents.

An afternoon spent with our children.

A sincere friend.

A peaceful night's sleep.

A healthy body.

These things have no fixed price in the marketplace, yet their value to a human life can be immeasurable.

The Price of Chasing Money

Money itself is neither good nor bad.  It is the way we earn and use money that gives it meaning.

A compassionate and honest person with money can use it to support a family, help the poor, contribute to the community, and create positive change.

But when greed takes over, money can tempt people to sacrifice their dignity and moral principles.

Some people lie for money.

Some betray others for money.

Some allow money to destroy relationships with family members.

Some sacrifice friendships.

Some become willing to do things that go against their conscience simply because the financial reward is attractive.

At that point, we need to ask ourselves:

If we become wealthy but lose ourselves in the process, can we really call that success?

Money can make life more comfortable.  But if we allow money to control our minds, we may eventually find ourselves becoming servants to the very thing we spent our lives trying to acquire.

What Does Buddhism Teach Us About Money?

One of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism is impermanence – anicca.  Nothing in life remains exactly the same forever.

Our health changes.

Our youth changes.

Our relationships change.

Our careers change.

And our financial circumstances change as well.

Money is not exempt from the law of impermanence.

We can see this clearly in the stock market.  One day, the value of our investments rises and we feel excited.  The next day, the market falls and anxiety takes over.

The more we attach our emotional well-being to our wealth, the more easily we become controlled by circumstances outside ourselves.

This is one of the deeper lessons of impermanence.

Buddhism does not teach us that we must reject money or material possessions.  Rather, it teaches us not to become attached to them.

You can have money, but do not let money possess your mind.

You can own property and investments, but do not mistake them for the measure of your worth.

You can be financially successful, but do not use money as the only measure of whether your life has been successful.

Knowing What Is Enough Does Not Mean Giving Up

One common misunderstanding about the idea of knowing what is enough is this:

If we learn to be content, does that mean we should stop trying to earn money?

No.

Knowing what is enough does not mean refusing to grow.

You can work hard.  You can build a business.  You can invest.  You can create financial security and strive for a better life.

But within that effort, you also need to recognize how much is truly enough for you.

If earning more money requires you to sacrifice your health, pause and reconsider.

If earning more money leaves no time for your family, reconsider.

If earning more money leaves you constantly anxious, fearful, and restless, reconsider.

And if making more money requires you to hurt others or betray your own moral principles, the price you pay may be far greater than the money you earn.

Knowing what is enough does not mean being satisfied with poverty.  It means recognizing when you have enough to live a meaningful life.

As We Grow Older, We Understand the Value of Time

When we are young, we often believe we have plenty of time.

We think that if we are too busy to spend time with our parents today, we can do it tomorrow.  If we cannot spend time with our children today, there will always be another opportunity.  If we work hard now, we can rest later.

But time does not wait for us.

Children grow up.

Parents grow old.

Our bodies change with the years.

And the people who once stood beside us may eventually leave this world.

One day, no matter how much money we have accumulated, we may discover that money cannot buy back an afternoon that has passed, a childhood we missed, an embrace from someone we loved, or the years of our own youth.

Only then do we fully understand that time is one of the greatest forms of wealth we will ever possess.

Money Can Amplify What Is Already in the Heart

Money is simply a tool.

In the hands of a compassionate person, money can become a means of helping many people.

In the hands of a greedy person, it can make greed even greater.

Money does not necessarily change who we are.  In many ways, it amplifies what is already within us.

If our hearts are compassionate, money can become a powerful vehicle for generosity and kindness.

If our minds are dominated by greed, anger, and ignorance – the three poisons described in Buddhism – money can become a source of conflict, jealousy, fear, and suffering.

That is why material wealth has never been the same thing as richness of the soul.

How Much Money Is Enough?

There is no single answer that applies to everyone.

Young people may need money to build their future.

Families need money to raise children and create stability.

Older adults may need financial security so they can live their later years with peace of mind.

So perhaps “enough” is not really a number.

Enough is a state of mind.

Enough to live safely without losing our peace.

Enough to take care of ourselves and our families.

Enough to prepare for life's uncertainties.

Enough to help others when we are able.

And most importantly, enough that we still have time to live, love, experience life, and nurture our inner well-being.

Where Should Money Stand in Our Lives?

Perhaps the answer isn't that money doesn't matter.

The answer is:

Money matters, but it is not everything.

Earn money through your abilities and through honest means.

Use it wisely.  Set aside something for the future, something for your family, something for yourself, and, when possible, something to help others.

But do not sacrifice your health for money.

Do not sacrifice your family for money.

Do not sacrifice your self-respect for money.

And do not sacrifice the peaceful years of your life simply because you believe you must always have more.

Because when we look back on our lives, what gives us the deepest sense of fulfillment may not be how much money we accumulated, but how we lived with the money we had.

Money can buy a house, but it cannot buy a loving home.

Money can buy a bed, but it cannot guarantee peaceful sleep.

Money can pay for medical care, but it cannot make the human body immortal.

Money can buy a trip, but it cannot buy the memories created with the people we love.

Money can make life more comfortable, but meaning makes life worth living.

So earn money – but don't let money control you.

Own property – but do not allow your possessions to possess your heart.

Work toward a financially secure life – but also learn the wisdom of knowing when you have enough.

Because a meaningful life is not necessarily the life of the person who has the most money.

It is the life in which our material needs are met, our minds are at peace, our family relationships are filled with love, and when we look back, we do not feel that we have forgotten the things that mattered most.

Baked Cassava and Mung Bean Cake

Baked Cassava and Mung Bean Cake is a classic Vietnamese dessert and one of my favorite childhood treats.  It has a wonderfully chewy, slightly crisp exterior and a soft, rich center with the fragrant flavor of cassava and mung beans.  The best part is that you don't need a long list of ingredients to make it at home.

If you live outside Vietnam, frozen cassava makes this recipe especially convenient.  You don't need to buy fresh cassava, peel it, or spend time grating it.  Simply thaw the frozen cassava, and you're ready to go.  This makes the recipe a great choice for busy home cooks who still want to enjoy a taste of traditional Vietnamese baking.  Traditional versions can be quite rich, often using generous amounts of coconut milk, sugar, and butter.  In this version, I keep it lighter by using less coconut milk and a moderate amount of sugar, but no butter.  If you love the rich coconut flavor, you can add butter and more coconut milk to the batter without changing the basic method.

I also use tapioca starch instead of cornstarch. Tapioca starch helps give the cake its characteristic chewy texture while keeping the flavor and texture close to the traditional version.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. frozen cassava, thawed
• 1/2 cup peeled split mung beans
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch
• Coconut oil, for greasing the baking pan
• Optional: 1/4–1/2 cup coconut milk for a richer coconut flavor

Directions:

·      Preparing the cassava:

Thaw the frozen cassava completely.  Drain off any excess liquid.  If the cassava pieces are large, cut them into smaller pieces so they will mix more easily with the other ingredients.

2. Cooking the mung beans:

Rinse the mung beans and soak them in water for about 2 hours.

Drain the beans and place them in a small pot.  Add enough fresh water to cover them.  Bring to a boil, then cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the beans are completely tender. Drain any remaining water.  While the beans are still hot, mash them with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth.  A little texture is perfectly fine.

3. Making the batter:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs.  Add the mashed mung beans, thawed cassava, sugar, tapioca starch, and vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until combined and the batter is evenly blended.  If using coconut milk, stir it in now about 1/2 cup.

4. Baking the cake:

Lightly grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round baking pan with coconut oil.  Pour the cassava mixture into the pan and spread it evenly.

Bake at 350°F for about 40–50 minutes, depending on your pan's depth and size.  The cake should be golden brown on top and firm in the center.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center.  It should come out mostly clean, with no wet batter attached.

For a deeper golden and slightly crispier top, you can place the cake under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.  Watch it carefully because it can brown quickly.

5. Cooling and serving:

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.  The texture becomes chewier and easier to cut as it cools.

Slice into small wedges or squares and serve warm or at room temperature.  The outside should be lightly crisp and golden, while the inside remains soft, chewy, and pleasantly rich.

Tip: For a more traditional, richer version, add a moderate amount of coconut milk to the batter.  You can also adjust the sugar to your taste, especially if you prefer a less-sweet Vietnamese dessert.

Vegetarian Sour Soup with White Radish

Vegetarian Sour Soup with White Radish

There are many delicious ways to make vegetarian sour soup, but this version has become one of my favorites.  The combination of sweet-and-sour pineapple, tender white radish, tomatoes, cabbage, and okra creates a light, refreshing broth that is both comforting and satisfying.

White radish, known as “winter ginseng” in East Asian traditions, has long been valued as a nutritious vegetable.  Its mild sweetness and crisp texture make it especially delicious in soup.  For a more complete vegetarian meal, you can add tofu or eggs for extra protein.

This soup is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or served with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles.  It is especially delicious when served hot, with a little fresh chili for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the soup:

• 1 cup pineapple, pureed
• 1 cup white radish, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cabbage, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 2 eggs
• 5 cups cold water

Seasoning ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• A little sugar, to balance the sourness
• Mushroom seasoning powder, to taste

Ingredients for sautéing and garnish:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons white onion, finely diced
• Fresh chili peppers, sliced, optional
• Green onions, chopped
• Cilantro or sawtooth coriander, chopped

To serve with:

• Steamed white rice or cooked vermicelli noodles

Directions:

1. Sautéing the aromatics:
Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion.  Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. Cooking the eggs:
Crack the eggs into the pot and gently fry them for a minute or two.  You don't need to cook them completely at this stage.

3. Building the sour base:
Add the chopped tomatoes and pureed pineapple.  Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their color and the pineapple becomes fragrant.

4. Adding the radish:
Stir in the white radish and cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.

5. Adding the water:
Pour in the 5 cups inserted of cold water. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

6. Adding the vegetables:
Add the cabbage and okra.  Season with salt, pepper, a little sugar, and mushroom seasoning powder.  Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

7. Cooking to your preferred texture:
Simmer just until the radish is tender and the cabbage and okra reach the texture you prefer.  I like to keep the vegetables slightly crisp so they retain their fresh flavor and texture.

8. Finishing and serving:
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sawtooth coriander. Add a few slices of fresh chili if you enjoy a little heat.

Serve hot with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles for a simple, flavorful vegetarian meal.

A Reflection on an Ancient Saying: “Don’t Worry Too Much About Anyone, Even Those You Love”

A Reflection on an Ancient Saying: “Don’t Worry Too Much About Anyone, Even Those You Love”

After living through more than half of our lives, many of us gradually come to understand something that seems simple at first: loving someone does not mean that we have to worry about them for the rest of our lives.

There is an old saying: “Don’t worry too much about anyone, even those closest to you.”  At first, this may sound cold or even selfish.  We might ask ourselves, If we should not worry even about our own family, then are we becoming too self-centered?

In truth, this saying is not telling us to become indifferent, selfish, or uncaring toward the people we love.  Rather, it reminds us to understand the difference between love and attachment, helping and carrying someone else’s burden, responsibility and excessive worry.

From childhood, most of us are taught to care for our families and contribute to society.  We are expected to take care of our parents as they grow older, help our brothers and sisters when they are in difficulty, and share what we can with people around us when they are in need.  These are beautiful values that are worth preserving.

I have lived that way myself.  Whenever something happened in my family, I was often the one who immediately stepped forward to take responsibility, even though I had older brothers and sisters who could have helped.  Whenever I saw people suffering because of a natural disaster, I was also quick to contribute without thinking twice.

I used to believe that if I had the ability to help someone, I should simply help.

But as the years have passed, I have come to realize that even kindness needs to be guided by awareness and wisdom.

Sometimes we help people not because they truly need our help, but because we cannot bear to watch them struggle.  Sometimes we worry so much about another person's suffering that we unknowingly make their pain part of our own life.

This is also something I have heard many Buddhist teachers and Zen masters explain.  At first, I found it difficult to understand.  Why should love and helping others require us to know when to stop?

The answer is that excessive worry can create an invisible thread between us and the person we love. One end is tied to them, and the other end is tied to us.

When they are unhappy, we become unhappy.  When they fail, we suffer.  When they make what we believe is the wrong choice, we lose sleep.  When they encounter difficulties, we feel that it is our responsibility to solve their problems.

At first, we believe this is love.  But without awareness, love can gradually turn into attachment.

Every person has a life of their own and must walk their own path.  There are lessons that no one else can learn for us.  There are mistakes that we sometimes have to make ourselves before we truly understand and grow.

No matter how deeply we love someone, we cannot live their life for them.

This becomes especially clear in the relationship between parents and their adult children.

As children grow up, they develop their own thoughts, choices, values, and ways of living.  Parents can offer advice, share their experiences, and explain what they believe is right.  But ultimately, their children must take responsibility for their own lives.

When children do not listen, parents often become anxious.  When they make choices that seem to lead them in the wrong direction, parents suffer.  When they stumble, parents may become angry and think, “Why didn't you listen to me?”

Worry can easily turn into anger, and anger can create distance.

In the end, something that began with love can become the very thing that causes both sides to hurt each other.

Sometimes the best thing parents can do is not prevent their children from falling but give them enough freedom to learn how to stand up again.

The same principle applies when helping other family members.

If we always step in to solve their problems, we may unintentionally take away their opportunity to learn responsibility and become stronger.  Someone who constantly has others solve their problems may eventually become dependent on that help instead of learning to overcome difficulties on their own.

Therefore, helping someone does not always mean doing something for them.

Sometimes the greatest help we can offer is simply to reach out a hand when they truly need it – and then allow them to continue walking on their own.

There is another lesson we need to learn as we grow older: do not help others with the expectation that they will be grateful.

If we help someone and then expect them to remember what we did, repay us, or live according to our expectations, our kindness can quietly become an unspoken transaction.

When the other person does not respond as we hoped, we become disappointed, hurt, or even feel betrayed.

We may find ourselves thinking:

“After everything I have done for them, how could they treat me this way?”

But if we help from the beginning with a sincere heart – with no demand for gratitude and no expectation of repayment – then our kindness becomes much lighter.

Help when you genuinely want to help, within your ability, and do not turn your kindness into an emotional debt.

Living too much for others can also make us vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Some people, intentionally or unintentionally, may become accustomed to receiving help and eventually begin to see it as our responsibility to keep helping them.

When that happens, our kindness no longer helps them grow.  Instead, it may allow them to continue avoiding responsibility for their own lives.

That is why kindness needs wisdom.

Knowing when to say “no” does not make us selfish. Setting healthy boundaries does not mean that we no longer love others.  And taking care of ourselves does not mean that we only care about ourselves.

We have the right to help others without sacrificing our own peace of mind.

As we pass the halfway point of life, perhaps we need to learn how to live with greater balance.

We can continue to love our families, care for those close to us, help people who are struggling, and contribute to our communities.  But at the same time, we must also learn to take care of our own lives.

After all, there are many things in life that are beyond our control.

We cannot decide how another person will live, what choices they will make, or whether they will succeed or fail.  What we can do is offer our love, give advice when it is needed, and provide whatever support we are genuinely able to give.

Then we must let them walk their own path.

That, too, is a form of mature love.

From a Buddhist perspective, each person must ultimately take responsibility for their own karma and their own choices.  We can create wholesome causes and conditions through kindness and compassion, but we cannot live out another person's karma for them.

Therefore, loving others also requires awareness:

Love without clinging.
Help without controlling.
Give without demanding.
Care without losing yourself.

Perhaps when we are young, we believe that the more we love someone, the more we must worry about them.

But as we grow older, we may begin to understand that true love does not always mean keeping someone within our reach.  Sometimes, true love means releasing our excessive worry and allowing them to live their own life.

In the end, the saying “Don’t worry too much about anyone, even those you love” is not a lesson in selfishness or indifference.  It is a reminder to maintain healthy boundaries within love.

Love your family, but do not live their lives for them.

Help others, but do not carry their entire lives on your shoulders.

Give freely, but do not turn your giving into an obligation.

And love others while still protecting your own inner peace.

Because ultimately, a happy life is not one in which we solve every problem for everyone we love.  It is a life in which we learn to recognize what belongs to us and what belongs to others – and then have the wisdom and peace to allow each person to walk their own path.