Chili Crab Pasta

I found this recipe on the net as I was craving for crab yesterday. It's just a simple combination of crab flakes, chili oil, chili flakes, parsley, and garlic. I was in a hurry to consume it I forgot to add parmesan cheese. It tasted all right without it anyway. I used a whole can (50ml) of minced crab for 1 serving and it cost me 249JPY (Tokyo prices are crazy!).

First Bento

This is my first official bento post. I know I posted one before but I put a lot more effort on this one and it looked so cute I didn't want to eat it! I only make bentos once a week but I look forward to it all the time. In this bento:

• Shrimp nuggets
• Broccoli, mushroom, shrimp stir fry (care of Orijin)
• Plain rice
• Mango cubes and kiwi slices

Shrimp Nuggets and Toumyou

I discovered these microwavable shrimp nuggets recently. It's such a no-brainer to prepare and I'm afraid I'm going to end up buying lots of these. You can get a pack of 6 at 200JPY. Really useful when you're saving up for a weekend vacation/night out. I was proud as I finally did the Toumyou right this time. The trick is to really saute them under a minute, then you'll end up with crunchy veggies. :)

Toumyou トウミョウ: A New Veggie Favorite

They are also known as snow pea sprouts I think. A pack costs 158JPY in a Tokyu grocery store. But I've found others selling it for 128. They're awesome with garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper. And they're ready after less than a minute of sauteing. Perfect for impatient souls.

Salmon and corn

A very quick dinner

Salmon and Toumyou

This is my second version of the recipe. For the first one, I used grated garlic and freshly chopped rosemary for the fish. I think I accidentally erased my picture of it. So this time I used tarragon, parsley and basil. Then I sprinkled a bit of fresh lemon juice and covered the fish with flour. I am now a fan of the toumyou vegetable.

Creamy Chicken and Leek

Tadah! This is one of my successful inventions. It was good for 3 servings. I just made whatever was left in the fridge into something edible. :)

You'll need: 1 leek, 1 big chicken breast, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup white wine, olive oil for frying, 1/2 cup cream of mushroom, salt, pepper, basil, and tarragon.

Cut the green part of one leek and throw it away. Half it lengthwise, fan out and wash thoroughly. Then cut into thin half rings and set aside. Cut some chicken breast into 1 inch cubes. Mince some garlic. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan and throw in the chicken. Saute until no longer pink (about 7 minutes). Take out the chicken and put in the leeks and garlic. Add 1/4 cup of white wine (I used cooking Japanese sake). Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Put back the chicken then add 1/2 cup of cream of mushroom. Stir for about a minute. Season with salt, lots of freshly ground pepper, basil, and tarragon. Partially cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with rice!

Spicy Bhurmese Chicken

According to my roommate this wasn’t spicy enough. I used only two small chili. My mouth burned after every bite. One can only imagine how hot Bhurmese dishes usually are. But it was good, nothing revolutionary though. It was like spicy chicken menudo sans the potatoes and carrots.

Ingredients

• chicken breast
• chopped tomatoes (same amount as the chicken)
• green chili (cut in half to make it mildly hot, chop to make it hot, and mince for extra hot)
• 1/3 tsp of fish preserve for every 100g of chicken

Bhurmese Fish Preserves. A bit like bagoong, but drier and finer (probably pound).

Calamares with garlic mayo dip

It wasn’t so bad. But I don’t think I’ll be making these again soon as the preparation time is too long (2 hours total). I had to clean the icky squids myself. I had a Swiss Roll for dessert.

Herbed chicken

Tomorrow’s bento (packed lunch).

Spam and Egg

Yesterday’s breakfast. Spam and scrambled egg.

The Workplace

This is my kitchen, where it all happens.

Braised Salmon and Leeks

Probably the healthiest dish I’ve made. Just added a few drops of olive oil. The fish was steamed on top of the leeks. I think this would make a great homemade date meal.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Salmon

Taken May 19, 2008. I swear that’s what this dish is called. I didn’t realize leeks are yummy. This one was quick and easy.

Pancit Palabok

Taken May 25, 2008. It wasn’t too orange because I didn’t have atsuete. I used red Indian curry powder instead and it ended up a little hot. I also didn’t have chicharon so I just used dried fish flakes.

Macaroons

Taken May 22, 2008. A few friends volunteered to do the quality assurance test and I hope they honestly liked it. :p

Sweet and sour fish

Taken May 13, 2008. The recipe recommended a whole fish but I was cooking for just one hence just two fillets.

Baked Tortang Talong

Taken April 21, 2008. I had to use 2 eggplants because the grocery store didn’t have long ones. I didn’t like it too much. Maybe I’ll use beef instead of pork next time.

Baked Macaroni

Taken April 3, 2008. Made in about 2 hours. I just discovered that the microwave could also be used as an oven. I’ve yet to let others taste this and confirm that it’s absolutely delicious.

Japanese curry

Taken February 4, 2008. Used S&B curry mix.

Chop Suey

Taken last September 25, 2007. Chop suey with Vietnamese fish sauce as a substitute for patis as I cannot find a Filipino store here in Hiyoshi.

Chicken Adobo

My first chicken adobo in Japan! Taken October 2, 2007. It tasted so good I decided to learn other things to cook. Ever since that day I found joy in my little kitchen here in Hiyoshi.