$300 could get me a PlayStation4, a pair of Nike Air Jordans, or the latest iPod. Despite the allure of consumerism, I ended up trading $300 for a red cart, a second-hand bike, rosemary, ketchup, spices, and a small grill.
Family Dish
Xa Xiu noodles - A Special Dish for Family Celebrations
One of my favorite dishes to prepare at family gatherings and anniversaries is Xa Xiu noodles. This traditional Vietnamese dish, made with egg noodles, tender char siu pork, and quail eggs, embodies a world of nostalgic flavors. More than just food, preparing meals is a way of showing my love, honoring family connections, and cherishing our traditions.
Feature Dish - Steak
The Art of Steaks
My journey with steak started humbly - a bit comically even. My early attempts were, let’s say, less than perfect. As Mom described, they were burnt, under-seasoned, and rubbery.
Tenaciously, I threw myself into mastering the art of cooking steak.
After countless attempts, testing every little detail: the pan temperature, the timing, the seasoning, basting it with butter and fresh herbs, I finally nailed it: a perfectly seared, medium-rare, dry-aged ribeye, basted in rosemary-thyme butter that was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
The dish became a symbol of my dedication and growth as a cook, and the commitment I bring to my culinary creations.
After mastering steak, I felt ready to take on an even more challenging ingredient - a rack of lamb.
Cooking lamb requires a higher level of precision and care, from the seasoning to the sear to ensuring it’s cooked to the perfect level of doneness.
But Alex Hormozi once said, “The greater the payoff, the greater the hardship.” Despite the added complexity, achieving that delicate, tender meat with a crispy herb-crusted exterior was incredibly rewarding to me.
Seafood Sensations
Pan-Seared Salmon, with mushrooms and asparagus spears
Simple but delicious, this dish is all about bringing out the natural flavors. Starting with a salmon fillet, I seared it just right to get a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Then, I pile on some mushrooms sautéed in garlic—those mushrooms soak up all the flavor and add a nice, rich taste to the dish. I love adding asparagus for that little crunch a pop of green, and a few crispy bread strips for some extra texture. It’s a warm, hearty plate that feels like a hug in every bite.
Herb-Crusted Salmon, with Rice, Sunny Egg, and Sautéed Veggies
This dish is my idea of a feel-good, satisfying meal. Here, I’ve taken a fillet of salmon, crusted it with herbs, and seared it until crispy, pairing it with a simple sunny-side-up egg on rice for a bit of comfort. The sautéed veggies—peas, mushrooms, and herbs—bring some freshness and texture. A slice of orange and a lemon wedge brighten up the whole dish, adding a little zest and freshness to balance everything out. It’s a colorful, balanced plate that’s as tasty as it looks!
Crispy Skin Salmon, with asparagus and garlic chips
This dish is the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The salmon’s skin is seared to golden perfection, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky flesh beneath. Paired with freshly roasted asparagus spears and topped with crisp garlic chips, this dish is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication.
Italian food
Italian cuisine has always held a special place in my heart. The simplicity, yet depth of flavor in Italian cooking is like an endless canvas of possibilities that never fails to excite me. From rich, hearty sauces to delicate pasta dishes, Italy has a cuisine that celebrates fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and bold flavors—a combination that keeps me coming back for more, eager to experiment and refine.
Spaghetti Bolognese The Classic
Spaghetti Bolognese is one of those dishes that I find myself returning to time and time again. There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of al dente spaghetti topped with a rich, savory Bolognese sauce. I make mine with tender minced meat, slowly simmered in a tomato-based sauce and hints of garlic, onion, and herbs. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a symphony of richness and family warmth. It’s a simple, yet powerful dish that always leaves an impression.
Spaghetti Con ill to tonno
Another Italian favorite of mine is Spaghetti con il Tonno. Such a beauty of simplicity. Al dente spaghetti is tossed with tender tuna flakes, sautéed garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The result is light yet satisfying, a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Spaghetti con il Tonno reminds me of the versatility of Italian cuisine—how just a handful of quality ingredients can create something memorable.
Seafood Carbonara
Seafood Carbonara has become one of my go-to dishes when I want to serve something special. It’s a rich, ocean-inspired spin on classic carbonara. Instead of the usual pancetta, I like to use fresh seafood—plump shrimp, sweet crab, or, if I feel indulgent enough, a touch of lobster. The creamy, egg-based sauce, blended with Parmigiano Reggiano, coats the pasta perfectly, while the seafood brings in a burst of briny flavor that takes the whole dish up a notch. It’s a comforting yet elevated fusion of textures and tastes, capturing the versatility and elegance of Italian cuisine.