That canned variety is especially convenient for salads. Just drain and toss it with chilies, tomatoes, zucchini (or cucumber), and fresh coriander leaves.
That canned variety is especially convenient for salads. Just drain and toss it with chilies, tomatoes, zucchini (or cucumber), and fresh coriander leaves.
The traditional classic, a much-loved Malaysian food. Spicy, savory, tangy, and bursting with umami, this Salted Fish Sambal (Sambal Ikan Asin) with crispy fried salted fish is a dish that never goes out of style.
Between the Indonesian sambal ikan asin and the Malaysian version, the ingredients are almost the same. But it is the sambal that sets apart Indonesian food and Malaysian food (CHICKEN RENDANG/RENDANG AYAM) from the rest of Southeast Asian cuisine.
While spicy gravies and sauces are common across Southeast Asia, where vegetables, meat, and seafood are cooked, the sambal remains the heart and soul of both Malaysian and Indonesian kitchens.
Mention salmon, and what pops to mind is a Japanese recipe. Between teppanyaki salmon and teriyaki salmon, this recipe focuses on teriyaki salmon. Either a dry style or coated in a thick sauce using soy sauce as the base. It’s garnished with crispy sesame seeds and spring onions (also known as scallions or green onions) for a fresh, crisp, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor.
This recipe is a fusion between Indian-style salmon and Japanese-style salmon. Without the soy sauce base, it becomes grilled salmon, masala salmon or even Japanese grilled salmon. Japanese teriyaki salmon is an easy cooking technique relying on pantry staples (PUMPKIN SOUP).
Undeniably irresistible, homemade pumpkin soup is simple yet satisfying. Authentic, buttery, creamy, thick, and indulgent. The classic pumpkin soup, kept simple (CHICKEN SOUP INDIAN STYLE).
Call it a wellness food, great when you’re under the weather, or as a light yet fulfilling home meal. Using home-grown pumpkins from non-commercial gardeners makes this homemade pumpkin soup affordable and generally free from chemicals and pesticides.
The ultimate comfort food, chicken soup has been cherished for centuries. From Western-style versions to spiced Indian varieties (INDIAN LAMB SOUP), Indian chicken soup combines spices and herbs, making it both nourishing and flavorful. This recipe is inspired by that tradition and can even be considered a type of Chicken Rasam.
With spices and the fragrance of coriander leaves, it is apt for keeping the body warm during rainy days and comforting when feeling unwell. Generally, soups are made by simmering ingredients over low heat. This recipe takes it a step further by sautéing the spices and aromatics first, releasing extra depth of tastes.
Potatoes may be unusual in fried rice, but this recipe is all about them, maybe it could even be known as Potato Fried Rice.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of gardening - understanding climate, choosing the right equipment, and identifying soil types - it’s time to dive into seed sowing. But where do we begin? Where do we get the seeds? Good questions (THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO GROWING HERBS).
Getting the Seeds
Start with affordable store-bought seeds, or better yet, save seeds from your favorite vegetables while cooking. For instance, seeds from chilies, gourds and cucumbers, can be easily collected. Some leafy vegetable roots can also be replanted, though results may vary - I haven’t had success with this method, but it might work for you (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS).
Mashed potatoes can be made in various styles, though the core ingredient is always potato. They range from the simplest mashed potatoes to French mashed potatoes (pommes purée) and Italian mashed potatoes (purè di patate). Apart from these, the traditional Irish or British mashed potatoes, each showcases unique regional tastes and techniques.
Fresh,
zesty ginger fills fluffy, tender rice with its bright aroma. Lifting your food
senses easy rice-cooker ginger rice recipe. The scent of ginger while slicing
and cooking is like natural aromatherapy wafting through the kitchen.
Effortless wellness food: simple, homemade ginger rice (EGG FRIED RICE).
This is a two-ingredient recipe (excluding water and salt). Whether you use young ginger or old ginger, it’s a matter of preference. But what is the difference between the two?
Luncheon
meat stir-fry, also known as Spam stir-fry, is a mouthwatering Korean-inspired
dish. Crispy outside, tender inside, coated in a thick sticky, sweet, spicy and
mildly salty sauce, with a sprinkling of black sesame seeds and the aroma of
spring onions.
Truly irresistible Stir-fried luncheon meat. A pantry staple, luncheon meat (or Spam) is the go-to in-case ingredient always worth stocking up. Both are somewhat similar, but what still, what are the differences between luncheon meat and spam?
Known as Soto Ayam, it’s a beloved Malaysian noodle soup (SAYUR LODEH/COCONUT MILK STEW), though there is also an Indonesian Soto Ayam version.
Similar to Pulau Ketam (WHAT TO DO IN PULAU KETAM), Sekinchan is another gem that leaves those who visit it singing its praises. Sekinchan is often touted as a must-visit destination, and if you haven't experienced it, it's like missing out on a significant chapter of life. This, ladies and gentlemen, sparked my curiosity to uncover the allure of Sekinchan.
Whether as vegetarian cutlets or adapted versions, the same mashed potato mixture can be transformed into fish cutlet, lamb cutlet, or beef cutlet by adding minced fish, lamb, or beef.
Pork Ribs Soup, Pork Bone Tea, or Chinese Herbal Pork Soup are the different recipe names for Bak Kut Teh. A nourishing Chinese herbs soup, often cooked at home as a comforting meal (EGG FRIED RICE). Prepared with pork, chicken (known as Chic Kut Teh), or even as a Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh, the foundation always comes from the herbs.
At Chinese medical halls, you can buy pre-packed Chinese herbs or ask for a customised mix, recommended by the shopkeeper or TCM doctor (sinseh).
Also known as Asian Pigeonwings, Blue Vine, and Blue Butterfly Pea, and scientifically called Clitoria ternatea, the butterfly pea flower is a beautiful and versatile plant. While white varieties exist, the most common butterfly pea flowers have blue and purple hues. The blue variety is probably the most popular, but regardless of color, these flowers are easy to grow. In fact, they can be considered hardy herbs (HOW TO MAKE HERBED RICE) and, botanically, flowering vines.
They are also a pretty sight, providing natural mental health and mind therapy. After all, nature (THINGS TO DO IN KUALA KUBU BHARU) has long been said to be the best for mental health. Beyond their striking color therapy, butterfly pea flowers offer numerous health benefits and versatile uses.
In Indonesia and Malaysia, it is called Masak Lodeh or Sayur Lodeh, while in Malaysia it is also known as Masak Lemak. The white version, cooked without turmeric fresh turmeric, is called Sayur Lodeh Putih or Masak Lodeh Putih - white coconut milk stew.
In Malaysia, a similar dish is simply called Spicy Pumpkin. 100% plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan, it uses familiar Indian ingredients like garlic paste, ginger paste, and shallots. For fragrance, dried fenugreek leaves can be used as a handy substitute for curry leaves, giving this pumpkin masala a delicious aroma (VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).
Fish Head Curry. One of the most popular Malaysian foods. Whether made as Indian fish head curry, Malay style (NASI KERABU/HERBS RICE) kari kepala ikan, Nyonya fish curry, or even the version served in Chinese restaurants, it remains a beloved dish.
Malaysian fish head curry generally features spices, sometimes ground into a rempah or spice paste, but store-bought curry powder works just as well. Other ready-made spice powders can also be added.
There is nothing to say in terms of the ingredients, except rice, eggs (BITTER GOURD WITH EGGS), chopped garlic and some spring onions definitely will elevate the deliciousness further.
This recipe features Southeast Asian herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and fried turmeric. Variations exist depending on where it is made. Selangor, Kelantan, Melaka, or Penang, with each state adding its own mix of herbs,
As urban development continues across Malaysia, nature has faded from city landscapes, contributing to rising temperatures. Alongside the fast-paced lifestyle and daily routine pressures, more people are seeking quieter, greener places to unwind. This has brought attention to small towns, where simplicity offers a welcome pause from noise and crowds.
One such town is Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), located in Selangor at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range. Often referred to as the gateway to Fraser’s Hill (FRASER'S HILL SIGHTSEEING), KKB has become a recognized destination in Malaysia. Much of the town remains unchanged, preserving the feel of earlier days.
A no-fuss, quick Thai food, and with store bought tom yum paste, its truly a quick fried rice, ready within most to most 15 minutes, including for the versions like chicken fried rice, or seafood rice or just prawns.
Crispy on the outside, soft bite inside tofu. Vegan, made from soybeans, dairy-free: safe for lactose-intolerant individuals, vegetarian, and plant-based. Why tofu is one of the top superfoods. Even more powerful when cooked with two other superfood ingredients. Turmeric powder and curry leaves, for truly healthy cooking and healthy recipe (SOY SAUCE TOFU).
There’s nothing much required except these three superfoods, along with ghee, a keto ingredient, for what can also be recognized as grilled tofu. There are many styles of crispy tofu, yet simple tofu recipes are always the winners. Even with these basic ingredients and other kitchen staples, variations like turmeric tofu are possible (TOFU STIR FRY).
Asam Laksa is one of Malaysia’s most popular noodle dishes, known for its spicy and sour soup. Traditionally, it’s made with a fish-based broth using ikan kembung (mackerel) or sardines. This recipe, however, is a vegetarian, and even vegan version, made entirely from vegetables and herbs, without any meat, dairy, or animal products.
This meatless Asam Laksa delivers all the key tastes of the original: bold, spicy, sour, and fragrant - true to the classic Southeast Asian and Malaysian flavors (VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).
Whether as finger food, snack, starter or appetizer, nothing beats crispy on the outside and tender cooked to the right texture prawns. The Crispy Fried Prawns or Crispy Fried Shrimps. Once the prawns are out of the frying pan, to be eaten immediately to retain the crunchiness, dipped in chili sauce.
The Chinese Crispy Prawns, which is utterly delicious. Excellent choice for Asian-style prawn recipes, easy prawn recipes, or crispy seafood dishes (CHINESE STEAMED FISH).
Night creams, on the other hand, are richer and focus on repairing and nourishing your skin. They often contain ingredients like retinol and peptides to restore and rejuvenate your skin overnight, without SPF since sun protection is unnecessary during sleep.
A
classic Thai steamed fish, one of the most authentic ways fish is steamed in
Thai style. Also one of the unique traditional ways Thai steamed fish are made.
This homemade recipe features ingredients common in Thai cooking and Southeast
Asian cooking. These ingredients are easy to find, and simple substitutes can
be used if you are elsewhere in the world (STEAMED FISH THAI STYLE).
The recipe is straightforward. The fish is cleaned, degutted, and scored, with fresh ginger stuffed inside to remove any gamey smell. The Thai sauce is made and fried in oil to release its aroma before pouring it over the steamed barramundi.
Imagine sipping a homemade lemonade that is lightly sweet, refreshing, nourishing, and instantly wakes up the taste buds. This unique drink ...