Bites - Bites & Bevvies

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023

5 Top Pizzas You Can Easily Make For A Weeknight Meal

Today, pizza is likely the most beloved of all dishes in the United States. And, how could you not love it, it is endlessly versatile and can pretty much be eaten for any meal of the day. That said, ordering pizza, especially from a local shop has gotten pretty expensive with the average pie with a couple toppings going for at least $20.

Like most homes, we love eating pizza, and quite a few years ago we set out to make pizza at home that is as good as the majority of the pizza shops. As it turned, many local grocery stores carry pre-made, high-quality dough, so making pizza at home really just required a few tools and an imagination. While we started making classic thin crust pizzas, we have recently expanded our horizons and started making a number of regional favorite pies. In this post, we run down 5 of the top pizza styles in the US, each of which are unique and delicious, plus they’re easy to make in your own kitchen.

5 Great Regional Pizzas

1) Chicago Tavern Style Pizza

This style of pizza is distinctive for its thin crispy crust and square cut. It is easy to make at home since it requires just a few simple ingredients, like dough, pizza sauce, cornmeal, cheese and any other toppings you want to add. The crust is light and crispy and the toppings are typically quite minimal. With a piping hot oven (500 degrees) and a pre-heated pizza stone the Tavern style pizza should be done in no more than 12-15 minutes.

2) Chicago Deep Dish Style Pizza

The Deep dish style of pizza can come in a variety of subtle variations, but is most known for its thick crust, which is traditionally filled with cheese, tomato sauce, and other ingredients. The variance between different pies is largely in the crust as some are made with cornmeal, others are lighter and flakey similar-ish to a pie crust and yet others have thicker buttery crusts. Our preference is the cornmeal crust style pies. Making a deep dish pie is super easy to make at home since the dough is simply prepared and then pressed into a greased dish, cheese and toppings are laid down and then the sauce is spread across the top. Depending on the number of toppings and overall thickness, you should have your deep dish pie cooked and ready in roughly 40 minutes.

3) St Louis Style Pizza

A St. Louis style of pizza is distinguished by its crunchy, cracker-like crust. It is often more of a snack to go along with drinks rather than a full-fledged meal given how light the pizza is. Outside of the thickness of the St. Louis pizza, what really makes this pie unique is that it uses Provel cheese, which adds a lovely richness similar in flavor to a gouda cheese. Pop the pizza on a piping hot pizza stone in the oven and you’ll have this delicious pizza ready to inhale in just minutes.

4) Detroit Style Pizza

Detroit style of pizza has quickly become a favorite in our house and it largely known for its thick and rectangular crust. Detroit pizza is probably most akin to the classic pan pizza we all ate as a book club pizza when we were kids, but what really sets this pie apart is its crust. Detroit pizza crusts are made with Wisconsin Brick Cheese which make this pie so delicious. This pizza is also really easy to make in a pie dish or cast-iron pan. You should be able to pop this pie in the oven for 25 minutes and have a really great meal the whole family will love.

5) New York Style Pizza

Ah, the NY style pizza, the most well known and arguably the most well loved in the entire country. This classic style of pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and tangy tomato sauce. Any great NY pizza should be solid enough to be held in one hand without it floppy over, and yet also easily foldable. This one of the easiest to make, and with a few great ingredients and a piping hot pizza stone you’ll have a great NY pizza ready to eat in just 10 minutes or so.

No matter which style of pizza you choose, it is sure to be a delicious, enjoyable and awesome meal. So, what are you waiting for, grab a couple pre-made doughs, some pizza sauce and your favorite toppings and get to making your own pies. Once you start making your own pizzas, we have no doubt they will become a staple on the weeknight menu.

Need some supplies to get started? The most important items that you’ll need and may not already have are a pizza peel and a pizza stone. We bought this 2-1 pizza peel and stone combo and highly recommend both not only for the durability, but also the low price.

February 8, 2023

7 Tasty Chicken Recipes You Can Make In Under 30 Minutes

We all know the struggle of deciding what to make for dinner during the week. Between work, family, and friends, our weeknights can be busy and chaotic. That’s why it’s so important to have easy weeknight meals that are both delicious and quick. Here are seven easy weeknight meals made with chicken that can be made in under 30 minutes and make your weeknights a breeze.

7 Tasty Chicken Recipes

1) Garlic Noodles With Chicken

This dish is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that takes just 30 minutes to make. All you need is some garlic, butter, chicken, and noodles. Simply sauté the garlic and butter to create a delicious sauce and then add your cooked noodles and chicken. It’s a simple dish that is full of flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.

2) Chicken Fried Steak

While chicken fried steak is most typically diner fare, it has the classic flavors and ease of execution that make for a great weeknight meal. This classic comfort food is sure to be a hit. All you really need is thin cut of some steak, flour, milk, and oil. Simply dip the steak in the wet ingredients and then dredge in the flour. Fry the steak in the oil and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

3) Chicken Noodle Soup

Who doesn’t love a great chicken noodle soup? This is an absolutely perfect meal for these cold and dark winter nights. All you need is chicken, vegetable broth, and noodles. Simply simmer the broth and chicken for 20 minutes and then add your noodles. Obviously chicken noodle soup is a crowd pleaser for all ages, and although it’s not terribly fancy, you can be sure there will be full bellies.

4) Nashville Fried Chicken

If you like it spicy, look no further than the taste-bite popping Nashville Fried Chicken. This Southern-style fried chicken is sure to be a hit with anyone that loves a tasty and hot dish. All you need is chicken, a few spices, and oil. Honestly, there isn’t much more to it than simply mixing the spices together to create a delicious coating and then frying the chicken in the oil. This extra crispy and super flavorful dish can be done and on the table is about 30 minutes.

5) One Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are such a great weeknight meal because they don’t take too long to make, they are nearly universally loved, and you can be sure everyone will be full. All you need is chicken, broth, and dumplings. Simply add the chicken and broth to a pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Then, add the dumplings and let the soup cook for another 10 minutes. This hearty and comforting meal will be ready to eat in next to no time at all.

6) Panang Curry With Chicken

This delicious Thai dish is sure to be a hit and is a great introduction to Thai curries for those with less adventurous tastes. All you need is chicken, curry paste, and coconut milk. Simply sauté the curry paste and add the chicken and coconut milk. Let it simmer for 20 minutes and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s ready in no time. The other nice thing about panang is you can add as much or as little spice as you’d like depending on your audience.

7) Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that can be whipped up super quickly, but given the depth of flavor it will come across like you spent hours prepping. All you need is chicken, capers, butter, and lemon juice. Simply sauté the chicken in the butter and then add the capers and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 10 minutes and you’ve got a super tasty meal for dinner and likely leftovers for a great lunch tomorrow.

These seven easy weeknight meals are sure to make your weeknights a little easier. Not only are they delicious and quick, but they’re sure to please the whole family. So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, try one of these easy weeknight meals and you’ll be sure to have a quick and totally satisfying meal in no time at all.

February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

Make This Simple Ramen Recipe In No Time

Who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of ramen soup? We certainly do. On a wet chilly winter night there is truly nothing more satisfying than a great big bowl of ramen. We’re not alone, today ramen is one of the most beloved and widely consumed dishes around the entire world. It has a super fascinating history, beginning in China and evolving into the dish we know and love today.

The origins of ramen can be traced back to the 15th century, when a Chinese noodle dish called lamian made its way to Japan. Over time, Japanese cooks began to modify the dish, adding their own local ingredients, such as pork, vegetables, and soy sauce, which helped form what we know as ramen today. This new noodle dish was called shina soba, and it is the precursor to modern ramen.

As the story goes, the first dish that closely resembled ramen was created in 1884, but the first actual ramen shop was opened in 1910 in the Asakua part of Tokyo, Japan. Ramen was almost an instant hit, and soon there were ramen shops popping up all over the country. By the 1970s, ramen had become a national obsession, and it soon spread to other countries. Today, ramen is a beloved dish in many cultures around the world and ramen shops can be found in about every city throughout the world.

Now that you know the fascinating history behind ramen, let’s talk about how to make a delicious ramen at home. Here is a great recipe for a classic ramen dish:

Ramen Ingredients:

-1 package of ramen noodles. Dry noodles are the most accessible and easiest, but if you have an international grocery store near you, we highly recommend getting a package of fresh egg noodles.
-2 cups of chicken broth. A shelf stable box works just fine, but we like to make fresh stock when we buy a whole rotisserie chicken from the store.
-1 tablespoon of soy sauce
-1 teaspoon of sesame oil
-1/2 cup of chopped green onions
-1/4 cup of chopped mushrooms (optional)
-1/4 cup of chopped bok choy
-1/4 cup of shredded carrots
-1/4 cup of frozen corn (optional)
-Meat (optional) – which kind of meat is totally up to you, but pork is the most common. However, we’ve also made delicious homemade ramen using leftover chicken or steak.
-Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the ramen noodles. Cook the noodles for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, and meat (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the ramen in bowls and enjoy!

If you want to make your ramen extra spicy, you can add some chili sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also add other ingredients, such as shrimp, tofu, or egg which will only add to the depth of the flavor. Be sure to get creative and make it your own!

There you have it, an easy way to make a great homemade ramen. The next time it is cold and wet outside, be sure to give this easy recipe a try. Also, if you’re looking for other heartwarming soups to make this winter be sure to check out our tasty soup recipes.

February 6, 2023February 6, 2023

21 Spices Every Aspiring Home Chef Needs In Their Pantry

If you are ready to up your game in the kitchen, the quickest way to do it is with a robust spice cabinet. In this post, we’re going to rundown the 21 spices every home chef needs in their pantry.

More often than not, when a dish misses the mark it is due to a lack of seasoning. While it is certainly possible to ruin a dish by using too much spice, it is far more common for food to come out bland due to under seasoning. As someone who grew up in a midwestern home where seasoning was sparingly added to food, I have personally seen far too many roasts miss the mark due to a lack of salt (among other seasonings). The most important seasoning for any kitchen is without a doubt salt, which in an of itself will take you really far, but we wanted highlight 21 great spices all aspiring home cooks should have in their pantries. These spices can turn a mundane meal into a flavorful culinary experience. With the right combination of spices, your dishes can take on exotic and delicious flavors.

Here are 21 spices that every kitchen needs:

Allspice: Allspice is a warm and fragrant spice used to add complexity and depth to a variety of dishes. Commonly used in Caribbean and Middle Eastern cuisine, allspice is great for adding a smoky flavor to meats and stews. Allspice is a favorite in our home for most meats we cook on the smoker or grill.
Cumin: Cumin is an earthy and nutty spice that adds warmth and depth to any dish. It is commonly used in Mexican and Indian cuisine to enhance the flavor of curries, stews, and chili. Cumin really provides that classic mexican flavor to a dish, but is also a key to any great tasting chili.
Cardamom: Cardamom is a sweet and aromatic spice used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is commonly used in Scandinavian cooking to flavor pastries and other desserts. While cardamon is most commonly used in a variety of desserts, we love going heavy on the cardamon for any of the Indian dishes we make at home.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and sweet spice used to add flavor to baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. It is also used in many traditional medicinal practices around the world. Try adding a little cinnamon the next time you make chili, it adds a nice sweetness.
Cloves: Cloves are a pungent spice used to add warmth and complexity to dishes. It is typically found in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking to add flavor to curries, stews, and marinades. Cloves are essential to any great curry, but we also add some cloves to our 12 hour marinades for the meats we cook on our smoker.
Coriander: Coriander is a citrusy and slightly sweet spice used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine to enhance the flavor of curries and stews.
Curry Powder: Curry powder is a blend of spices used to add flavor to Indian dishes. Most curry powder blends will contain a combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and other spices. We tend to go through a lot of curry powder in our kitchen as our kids love vegetable korma and butter chicken.
Chili Powder: Chili powder is a blend of spices used to add heat to dishes. Most chili powders will contain a combination of chili peppers, garlic, cumin, and other spices. Chili powder is such an easy way to add a bit of spice to any meal and it gets a ton of use in our house.
Ginger: Ginger is a warm and spicy root used to add flavor to dishes. You will find ginger used heavily many Asian and Indian dishes to enhance the flavor of curries, stews, and marinades. However, ginger is a staple in our home as we will use it in everything from blistered green beans to basic egg noodle dishes.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a savory spice used to add flavor to dishes. While garlic is central to Italian cooking to enhance the flavor of pasta sauces, stews, and marinades, it is also a staple across many Asian Cuisines.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm and sweet spice used to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in European and Middle Eastern cuisine to enhance the flavor of baked goods, stews, and desserts.
Paprika: Paprika is a smoky spice used to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in Spanish and Hungarian cuisine to enhance the flavor of stews, marinades, and soups. Paprika is another heavily used spice that adds depth to many of our dishes, and pro-tip if you want to enhance your dishes even further, see if you can find a smoked paprika :).
Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes are a hot and spicy spice used to add heat to dishes. While red pepper flakes are staple in most Italian cooking to enhance the flavor of pasta sauces, stews, and marinades, it is also a great way to add spice to Asian dishes.
Saffron: Saffron is a fragrant and slightly sweet spice used to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Spanish cuisine to enhance the flavor of curries, stews, and marinades. While good saffron tends to be quite expensive, it is good to have it on hand, as it can really add a unique flavor to your dishes.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a warm and earthy spice used to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisine to enhance the flavor of curries, stews, and marinades. In addition to it’s delicious flavor, Turmeric has long been considered to have significant health benefits, and is often used as a dietary supplement.
Mustard Powder: Mustard powder is a pungent spice used to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in French and German cuisine to enhance the flavor of sauces, stews, and marinades. Mustard powder is often a part of our dry marinades particularly when we are making pulled pork.
Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are an aromatic spice used to add flavor to dishes. Bay leaves are very typical in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, and marinades. But, bay leaves are also great for american staples like chicken noodle soup and chili.
Oregano: Oregano is an earthy and slightly sweet spice used to add flavor to dishes. Oregano can most commonly be found Italian and Greek cuisine to enhance the flavor of sauces, stews, and marinades.
Rosemary: Rosemary is an aromatic and slightly sweet spice used to add flavor to dishes. Rosemary is a typical flavor found in Thanksgiving dishes and is typically in Mediterranean cuisine to enhance the flavor of roasts, stews, and marinades. We have a little rosemary bush in our yard, so rosemary is regularly apart of the potatoes and chicken dishes we make.
Thyme: Thyme is an aromatic and slightly sweet spice used to add flavor to dishes. Thyme is another common Thanksgiving spice, but is also regularly found in Mediterranean and French cuisine to enhance the flavor of sauces, stews, and marinades.
Sea Salt: Sea salt is a savory and slightly salty spice used to add flavor to dishes. As we mentioned at the top, of all the spices on this list, sea salt is the most important. Ensuring that your food is properly salted will keep it from being bland and bring out the full flavor of any meat.

Alright, there you have it! We are certain that if you add these 21 spices to your pantry you will be well on your way to making better, more flavorful dishes. Remember to start slow with any spice, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out :). If you’re ready to jump head first into creating a top notch spice cabinet in one go, you can grab something like this iSpice starter set. This set has 48 different high quality spices, so in addition to the 21 we’ve outlined, you also get another 27 great herbs and spices and make your cabinet truly stocked.

Now that your pantry is all stocked, you’re ready to get cooking! Check out some of our latest recipes and get to work.

January 30, 2023February 2, 2023

Try Out This Southern Staple, A Hot Brown Sandwich

louisville kentucky home of the hot brown sandwich

Nothing says Kentucky quite like the classic Hot Brown sandwich. This open-faced sandwich is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, and it has a long, interesting history. Check out this post and learn about the Kentucky favorite Hot Brown Sandwich. This open faced sandwich has some similarities to an eggs benedict with its delicious hollandaise sauce, and is definitely something you’ll want to try out. Before we jump into the recipe, let’s run down a little history of the sandwich.

The Hot Brown was first served in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It was created by Chef Fred K. Schmidt as an alternative to the traditional ham and eggs. The sandwich consists of a thick slice of Texas toast covered with turkey and bacon, and smothered in a rich, creamy Mornay sauce. The sandwich is then topped with tomatoes and baked in an oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

To make this classic Hot Brown sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:

2 slices of thick-cut Texas toast
6 ounces of sliced turkey
2 slices of bacon, cooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 slices of tomato

You will also need the following kitchen tools:

Sauté pan
Whisk
Spoon
Butter knife

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Toast the Texas toast in the oven until golden.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a paste forms.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Place the toast on a baking sheet. Top with the turkey and bacon.
Pour the Mornay sauce over the toast and spread evenly.
Top with the tomato slices.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve hot.

To garnish your Hot Brown, we would suggest you sprinkle it with a little extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. And if you’re looking a side to go with it, you can’t go wrong with some crispy french fries, a little salad, or even a cup of soup. Enjoy!

Need other sandwich ideas? Check out these great sandwich recipes.

January 30, 2023

Roast Beef Poboy Sandwich, AKA Debris Recipe

Debris sandwiches, also known as Poboy sandwiches, are a beloved classic from the heart of Louisiana. This hearty sandwich is packed full of flavor and is a favorite among locals. The origin of the debris sandwich dates back to the 1920s in New Orleans when a small restaurant called “Central Grocery” began serving up their signature version of this classic. The sandwich was meant to be an inexpensive option that would provide a lot of sustenance and flavor.

Today, debris sandwiches are a popular item on menus throughout the South and beyond. If you’re looking to whip up a delicious debris sandwich, here’s what you’ll need:

Debris Sandwich Ingredients:

French Bread Loaf
Roast Beef (sliced thin)
1 Onion (sliced thin)
1 Bell Pepper (sliced thin)
1 Celery Stalk (sliced thin)
1/2 cup Beef Stock
Mayonnaise
Salt and Pepper

Kitchen Tools:

Baking Sheet
Knife
Cutting Board

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place the roast beef slices on the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until beef is cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables by slicing them into thin strips.
Once the roast beef is done, remove from oven and let cool.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef stock.
Add the onions, bell peppers, and celery to the skillet and cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the roast beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
To assemble the sandwich, cut a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread.
Layer the roast beef and vegetables on the bottom half of the bread and season with salt and pepper.
Top with the other half of the bread and press down firmly.
Slice the sandwich into individual pieces and serve.

For a delicious twist, you can also add cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes to the sandwich. For a tasty garnish, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top.

Debris sandwiches are delicious on their own and also pair well with sides such as potato salad, cole slaw, or french fries. Enjoy!

If you need other great sandwich ideas, check out these sandwich recipes.

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023

11 Amazing Asian Food Recipes You Should Make

We love asian food here at Bites and Bevvies. From spring rolls to curries to noddles or rice, we simply can’t get enough. With the proper spice pantry you can make so many amazing flavorful dishes. Here are eleven of our favorite Asian inspired dishes to make at home. Bon Appetit!

Coconut Rice with Grilled Shrimp

Coconut Rice With Veggies And Grilled Shrimp

Coconut rice dishes are popular around the world and are incredibly versatile. Try this delicious Coconut Rice with Grilled Shrimp dish which combines creamy coconut rice, sweet grilled shrimp, and savory vegetables for an unforgettable meal.

Delightful Panang Curry With Chicken

Panang curry is a mild, sweet Thai curry dish with a thick, creamy texture. Originating in Central Thailand, it’s made with coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves, and palm sugar, and cooked with a variety of meats and vegetables. The heat of the chilies can be adjusted to individual taste. This panang curry recipe is relatively simple to make.

Tasty Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Making a great spring roll at home is easy, requiring simple ingredients and a few kitchen tools. The recipe involves heating a pan and adding vegetables, cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then wrapping the mixture up in a spring roll wrapper and cooking until golden brown and crispy. Checkout this great recipe for a lovely veggie spring roll.

Easy Weeknight Garlic Noodles With Chicken

Garlic Noodles is a classic Chinese-American dish that has become popular in Asian restaurants all over the world. It is a simple yet flavorful noodle dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. It originated in the Chinatowns of San Francisco and Los Angeles in the 1970s, and has evolved over time. These Garlic Noodles are an easy and delicious meal that can easily be customized to suit your tastes.

Homemade Chicken Biryani

Making this delicious Chicken Biryani at home is very easy and requires only a few ingredients. Simply layer the ingredients in the pot, and cook over a low flame for several hours for a fragrant and flavorful dish. This recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Simple Pad Thai Recipe

Pad Thai is a popular dish that originated in Thailand in the 1930s. It is a stir-fried dish made with noodles, fish sauce, tamarind paste, peanut butter, sugar, and lime juice. It is usually garnished with ground peanuts, lime wedges, and cilantro. Making a great Pad Thai at home is an easy task and requires just a few ingredients. Check out this easy pad thai recipe.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is a popular dish that has been around since the 1950s. It is made by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil then deep frying it in a light batter. The secret to making a great KFC lies in the marinade and the balance of ingredients in the flour mixture. This KFC recipe is certain to one up any regular fried chicken.

Mie Goreng, An Easy Indonesian Noodle Dish

Mie Goreng, meaning “fried noodles” in Indonesian, is a popular dish that is served in many Southeast Asian countries. It originated from Chinese-Indonesian cuisine but has since become a popular dish in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is made up of fried noodles cooked with vegetables, spices and sauces. It is usually served with a fried egg on top and garnished with fried shallots, peanuts, and a lime wedge. Making this Mie Goreng at home only takes about 30 minutes and it’s sure to be a hit.

Crispy Lumpias

Lumpia is a Filipino dish believed to have been inspired by the Chinese dumpling jiaozi, and has been around since the 15th century. It is a thin wrapper filled with a variety of ingredients such as ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and spices, and is usually served as an appetizer. Making these lumpias at home is super easy and fun.

Easy Pork Fried Rice

Pork Fried Rice is a popular dish with centuries of history, originating in China during the Han Dynasty. It is a simple yet flavorful dish made with white rice, pork, onions, garlic, and eggs that is cooked together in a hot wok. To make this dish at home, you will need a wok or large frying pan, white rice, pork, onions, garlic, eggs, green onions, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Optional additions such as red pepper flakes or chili powder and egg noodles can be added for flavor and texture. This Pork Fried Rice recipe is sure to be loved by family and friends, no matter what extras you add.

Make This Butter Chicken Recipe ASAP

Butter chicken is an Indian dish that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a mild dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy sauce of butter, tomato, and spices. It is a popular dish in Indian restaurants around the world, and is easy to make at home. This recipe calls for chicken, vegetable oil, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, diced tomatoes, and a variety of spices. Optional add-ons include cayenne pepper for a spicy twist, and other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan option. You can’t go wrong with this one.

There you have it! Each of these eleven asian dishes is absolutely delicious. Did you give one a try? Let us know how it turned out!

January 26, 2023

7 Great Chef’s Knives Under $100

A chef’s knife is arguably the most important tool in any kitchen. It is the go-to knife for many cooking tasks, from slicing and dicing veggies to chopping and mincing herbs. A great chef’s knife is well-balanced, made of high-quality materials, and has a comfortable grip. So if you’re in the market for an affordable chef’s knife, here are seven great options that won’t break the bank!

Awesome Chef’s Knives Under $100

Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – This Swiss-made knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and features a razor-sharp edge that’s easy to maintain. The slip-resistant Fibrox handle is ergonomic and comfortable, making it a pleasure to use. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe! Price: $34.95
Wusthof Gourmet 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – This classic German-made knife is a workhorse in any kitchen. It features a full-tang design and is made of high-carbon stainless steel, so it will stay sharp for a long time. Plus, the triple-riveted handle is comfortable and easy to grip. Price: $99.95
Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – This chef’s knife is precision forged from a single piece of high-carbon, German stainless steel. It features a taper-ground edge that’s easy to sharpen and maintain, and the ergonomic Santoprene handle is comfortable to use. Price: $44
J.A. Henckels International 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – This German-made knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and features a full bolster and ergonomic handle. The blade is razor-sharp, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Price: $40
Global G-2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – This Japanese-made knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and features a razor-sharp edge that’s easy to sharpen and maintain. The handle is made of stainless steel and is ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort. Price: $95
Shun Cutlery Sora Chef’s Knife 8” – This Japanese-made chef’s knife features a high carbon stainless steel blade and a comfortable thremoplastic rubber handle. It’s incredibly sharp and incredibly durable. Price: $99.95
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife – This German-made knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and features a full bolster and an ergonomic handle. The blade is razor-sharp and stays sharp for a long time. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Price: $99.95

Overall, these seven chef’s knives are great options for any kitchen, and all of them come in under $100. They all feature high-quality materials, comfortable handles, and razor-sharp edges, so you can’t really go wrong. So, take your pick and get chopping!

Need some other kitchen tool recommendations? Check out this post featuring three tools sure to up your cooking game.

January 26, 2023January 26, 2023

3 Awesome Tools To Up Your Cooking Game

If you’re looking to up your cooking game, there are three kitchen tools that you should consider adding to your arsenal: an immersion blender, an infrared thermometer, and a Sous Vide precision cooker. Each of these tools can help you cook like a professional chef and make your meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.

Immersion Blender

An immersion blender is a great tool for pureeing soups, sauces, and smoothies. It’s easy to use and doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, making it a great addition to any kitchen. An immersion blender typically costs around $30-$50, and can be used for a variety of tasks, from blending sauces to crushing ice for a delicious frozen drink.

While it’s one of the more expensive options on the market, we’d highly recommend the Vitamix Immersion Blender, Stainless Steel, 18 inches. This immersion blender has 5 different speed settings, an easy twist off locking system and super powerful motor, which will blend up frozen berries in no time at all.

Infrared Thermometer

An infrared thermometer is perfect for ensuring your food is cooked to the perfect temperature. This device uses infrared technology to measure the internal temperature of food, enabling you to check for doneness without ever having to cut into the food. An infrared thermometer typically costs around $20-$50 and is essential for cooks who want to make sure their food is cooked to perfection every time.

If you’re in the market for a highly accurate thermometer, we’d recommend the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080 as it’s consistently provided temp accuracy and can read temps way above anything you’ll need (over 1100 degrees). Best of all this model will only set you back about $25.

Sous Vide Precision Cooker

A Sous Vide precision cooker is a great tool for cooking meats, vegetables, and other foods to perfection. This device enables you to cook food in a water bath at a precise temperature, ensuring even cooking and keeping the food moist and flavorful. A Sous Vide precision cooker can cost anywhere from $100-$500, depending on the model, but it’s well worth the investment if you’re looking to take your cooking to the next level.

Our recommendation is the Anova Culinary AN500-US00 Sous Vide Precision Cooker as it’s wi-fi enabled, puts off 1000 watts and comes in at about $129.

Each of these kitchen tools can help you cook like a professional chef and make your meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to puree soups, check the temperature of your food, or cook sous vide style, these three tools are sure to help you up your cooking game!

Also be sure to check out our post about 7 more common kitchen tools all home cooks should have in their kitchens.

January 24, 2023January 24, 2023

We Love This Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish that has become popular around the world. It is a spicy, flavorful dish that is made with a combination of spices, herbs, and scotch bonnet peppers. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1600s, when African slaves brought their own seasoning and cooking methods to Jamaica. The slaves used a combination of spices, herbs, and peppers to create the flavorful jerk seasoning that is now used to make Jamaican Jerk Chicken.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a popular dish for both casual and formal dining, and is often served as a main course or in sandwiches. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make this classic dish at home, try out this Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwich recipe.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning
¼ cup of olive oil
4 hamburger buns
2 tablespoons of butter
1 red onion, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
½ cup of shredded lettuce
¼ cup of mayonnaise
Salt and pepper, to taste

Kitchen Tools:

Baking sheet
Foil
Medium bowl
Large skillet
Spatula

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
Place the chicken breasts in a medium bowl and season with the jerk seasoning, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated.
Place the chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. While baking the oven is super easy, you can also cook the chicken in a pan or use the grill to get extra char.
While the chicken is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft.
Toast the hamburger buns in the skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Assemble the sandwiches by spreading the mayonnaise on the buns. Top each bun with a chicken breast, onion, tomato, and lettuce.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Garnish Ideas:

Sliced avocado
Sliced jalapenos
Pickled red onions
Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)
Hot sauce

We hope you enjoy this Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwich as much as we do. Any things you changed to the recipe? Let us know in the comments.

How about some other great sandwich recipes? Find other easy sandwiches to make for a great lunch.