Sautéed Shrimp with Red Pepper, Carrot & Napa Slaw

• 3 Tbs. seasoned rice vinegar
• 5 tsp. granulated sugar
• 4 tsp. fish sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small head Napa cabbage (about 1-1/2 lb.), halved, cored, and sliced crosswise very thinly
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and very thinly sliced
• 4 scallions (white and green parts), trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1/3 cup chopped lightly salted peanuts
• 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil
• 2 lb. large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Tip:

Seasoned rice vinegar is rice vinegar with added sweeteners and salt. Don’t confuse it with plain rice vinegar or flavored varieties of seasoned rice vinegar. Look for a bottle that's labeled "original," "natural," or "plain seasoned." 

In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, and 1/8 tsp. salt; stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and scallions; toss well. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and mix well to combine. Toss in the peanuts. Let sit, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Put half the shrimp in the skillet and sauté until opaque throughout, about 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean bowl. Repeat with the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and the other half of the shrimp. Toss the shrimp into the slaw and serve.

Kimchi

Homemade kimchi paste provides the flavor base for this tangy, assertive condiment. Use leftover paste to make another batch of kimchi or add it to stews, soups, or sauces for a spicy kick.

For the kimchi paste

• 1 cup gochu garu (coarse Korean red pepper flakes)
• 3 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbs. kosher salt or sea salt
• 1 medium apple, unpeeled, cored and quartered
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled
• 6 to 8 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained
• 5 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 oz. (about 1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and thickly sliced

For the kimchi

• 1 (2-lb.) napa cabbage, trimmed, cut lengthwise into 8 sections, then crosswise into 2- to 3-inch rectangular pieces (about 15 cups)
• 2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt or sea salt
• 3/4 lb. daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 2 cups)
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 8 to 10 scallions, halved lengthwise and then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
• 5 medium cloves garlic, cut into matchsticks 2 oz. (about 2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks

Make the kimchi paste

In a medium bowl, combine the gochu garu with 1/2 cup water. Add the sugar and salt and mix well. Set aside.


In a food processor, purée the apple, onion, anchovies, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add the purée to the red pepper paste and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate the paste in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before using. It will keep for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.

Prepare the kimchi

Put a third of the cabbage in an extra-large bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tsp. of the salt. Top with another third of the cabbage and sprinkle with 2 tsp. salt. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and 2 tsp. salt. Put a piece of plastic wrap directly on the cabbage and then weigh down with four 1-lb. cans. Let the cabbage rest at room temperature for 3 hours.


Remove the cans, transfer the cabbage to a colander, rinse briefly, and let drain. Clean the bowl. Take handfuls of the cabbage, squeeze out any excess liquid, and put the squeezed cabbage in the bowl; set aside.


In a medium bowl, combine the daikon, the remaining 1 tsp. salt, and the sugar. Let rest for 15 minutes.


With your hands, rub the daikon strips until they’re soft and pliable. Drain the daikon in a colander. Wipe out the bowl. Gather the daikon into a ball and squeeze out any liquid; return to the bowl.


Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger to the daikon and toss to distribute. Add the daikon mixture to the cabbage and toss again.


Open a gallon-size-zip-top bag; set aside. Wearing disposable plastic gloves, use your hands to mix 3/4 cup of the kimchi paste with the cabbage mixture. Be sure the cabbage mixture is thoroughly coated with the kimchi paste; season to taste with salt.


Put the cabbage in the plastic bag. Remove and discard the gloves. Seal the bag three-quarters of the way.


Starting from the bottom of the bag, roll the bag forward to expel air. Try to prevent liquid from seeping out of the bag. When you have almost reached the top, seal the bag completely. Unroll the bag and put it on a baking sheet. Let the kimchi ferment at room temperature for 24 hours.


Transfer the kimchi and its liquid to a sterile wide-mouth 1.5-liter (or half-gallon) glass jar and refrigerate. (The kimchi should be stored in one jar, not divided into multiple jars.) It will be ready after 24 hours, though some may prefer the more fermented taste the kimchi acquires after 2 to 3 days. Kimchi will last in the refrigerator for at least 4 weeks.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables

A cool noodle salad topped with soy-glazed stir-fried vegetables makes a light, refreshing meal. You can also substitute more unusual vegetables, like Chinese long beans or jícama. Keep in mind that though this dish is meatless, the nuoc cham dressing contains fish sauce; substitute soy sauce for a truly vegetarian version.

For the noodles:

• 8 oz. dried rice vermicelli

For the tofu and vegetables:

• 4 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 8 oz. firm tofu, drained and cut into rectangular strips about 1-inch wide
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 dried black mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 30 min., drained, stemmed, and thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (cut through their stems into thin slices), blanched in boiling water and drained
• 1-1/2 cups shredded green or Napa cabbage
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce; more or less to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

For the garnishes:

• 2 cups washed and shredded romaine, red, or green leaf lettuce
• 2 cups fresh, crisp bean sprouts
• 1-1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and julienned cucumber
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small whole mint leaves
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small basil or Thai basil leaves
• 2 Tbs. chopped roasted peanuts
• 12 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 recipe Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Cook the noodles:

Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.

Cook the tofu and vegetables:

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and stir-fry until nicely browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. When cool, cut them into bite-size strips. Set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over high heat. If the pan is smaller than 12 inches, cook the vegetables in two batches. Wait until the oil gets very hot, almost smoking (the vegetables should sizzle during the entire cooking time), and add the shallots, constantly stirring until they become fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Add the broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy, stir for 30 seconds, and add the red bell pepper. (If the pan gets too dry, sprinkle in 1 to 2 Tbs. water.)

Working quickly, create an open space in the middle of the pan by pushing the vegetables against the edges. Add the soy sauce to the open area. It should sizzle and caramelize slightly, creating a distinctive aroma. Stir the vegetables with the soy sauce a few times and remove from the heat. Toss the vegetables with the tofu.

Assemble the salads:

Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the tofu and vegetables on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.

Pork Lo Mein with Seared Scallions & Shiitakes

You can usually find Chinese noodles in the produce section of the supermarket.

• 3/4 lb. boneless pork country-style ribs, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
• 2-1/2 Tbs. soy sauce; more to taste
• 2 Tbs. dry sherry
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 9 oz. fresh Chinese noodles
• 5 Tbs. canola or peanut oil
• 6 oz. scallions (14 to 16 medium), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3-1/2 to 4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps thinly sliced (2 cups)
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups thinly sliced napa cabbage (about 6 oz.)
• 2 cups mung bean sprouts, rinsed
• 2 tsp. Asian sesame oil

In a medium bowl, toss the pork with 1 Tbs. of the soy sauce, 1 Tbs. of the sherry, the cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp. of the salt. Refrigerate for at least 15 min. and up to 1 hour.

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 Tbs. of the salt and cook the noodles, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 min. Drain in a colander and run under cold water until the noodles cool to about room temperature. Turn the noodles out onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels to dry.

Heat 1-1/2 Tbs. of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the noodles and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden and slightly crisp, about 6 min. Meanwhile, replace the damp paper towels on the baking sheet with dry ones. When golden, transfer the noodles to the dry towels.

Heat 1-1/2 Tbs. of the oil in the nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the pork and cook, tossing often, until browned and just cooked through, 2 to 3 min. Transfer to a plate or bowl. Pour the remaining 2 Tbs. oil into the skillet and then add the scallions, mushrooms, and 1/4 tsp. of the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3 to 4 min. Add the ginger, garlic, and pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the cabbage, bean sprouts, and the remaining  1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage just starts to soften, 1 to 2 min.

Add the noodles and pork to the pan and cook, stirring, until heated through, 1 to 2 min. Add the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. soy sauce, the remaining 1 Tbs. sherry, and the sesame oil and cook, tossing the ingredients, for 1 min. more. Serve immediately. Add more soy sauce to taste or pass the soy sauce at the table.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables

A cool noodle salad topped with soy-glazed stir-fried vegetables makes a light, refreshing meal. You can also substitute more unusual vegetables, like Chinese long beans or jícama. Keep in mind that though this dish is meatless, the nuoc cham dressing contains fish sauce; substitute soy sauce for a truly vegetarian version.

For the noodles:

• 8 oz. dried rice vermicelli

For the tofu and vegetables:

• 4 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 8 oz. firm tofu, drained and cut into rectangular strips about 1-inch wide
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 dried black mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 30 min., drained, stemmed, and thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (cut through their stems into thin slices), blanched in boiling water and drained
• 1-1/2 cups shredded green or Napa cabbage
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce; more or less to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

For the garnishes:

• 2 cups washed and shredded romaine, red, or green leaf lettuce
• 2 cups fresh, crisp bean sprouts
• 1-1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and julienned cucumber
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small whole mint leaves
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small basil or Thai basil leaves
• 2 Tbs. chopped roasted peanuts
• 12 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 recipe Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Cook the noodles:

Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.

Cook the tofu and vegetables:

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and stir-fry until nicely browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. When cool, cut them into bite-size strips. Set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over high heat. If the pan is smaller than 12 inches, cook the vegetables in two batches. Wait until the oil gets very hot, almost smoking (the vegetables should sizzle during the entire cooking time), and add the shallots, constantly stirring until they become fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Add the broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy, stir for 30 seconds, and add the red bell pepper. (If the pan gets too dry, sprinkle in 1 to 2 Tbs. water.)

Working quickly, create an open space in the middle of the pan by pushing the vegetables against the edges. Add the soy sauce to the open area. It should sizzle and caramelize slightly, creating a distinctive aroma. Stir the vegetables with the soy sauce a few times and remove from the heat. Toss the vegetables with the tofu.

Assemble the salads:

Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the tofu and vegetables on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.

Kimchi

Homemade kimchi paste provides the flavor base for this tangy, assertive condiment. Use leftover paste to make another batch of kimchi or add it to stews, soups, or sauces for a spicy kick.

For the kimchi paste

• 1 cup gochu garu (coarse Korean red pepper flakes)
• 3 Tbs. dark brown sugar
• 1 Tbs. kosher salt or sea salt
• 1 medium apple, unpeeled, cored and quartered
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled
• 6 to 8 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained
• 5 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 oz. (about 1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and thickly sliced

For the kimchi

• 1 (2-lb.) napa cabbage, trimmed, cut lengthwise into 8 sections, then crosswise into 2- to 3-inch rectangular pieces (about 15 cups)
• 2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt or sea salt
• 3/4 lb. daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 2 cups)
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 8 to 10 scallions, halved lengthwise and then cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
• 5 medium cloves garlic, cut into matchsticks 2 oz. (about 2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks

Make the kimchi paste

In a medium bowl, combine the gochu garu with 1/2 cup water. Add the sugar and salt and mix well. Set aside.


In a food processor, purée the apple, onion, anchovies, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add the purée to the red pepper paste and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate the paste in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before using. It will keep for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.

Prepare the kimchi

Put a third of the cabbage in an extra-large bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tsp. of the salt. Top with another third of the cabbage and sprinkle with 2 tsp. salt. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and 2 tsp. salt. Put a piece of plastic wrap directly on the cabbage and then weigh down with four 1-lb. cans. Let the cabbage rest at room temperature for 3 hours.


Remove the cans, transfer the cabbage to a colander, rinse briefly, and let drain. Clean the bowl. Take handfuls of the cabbage, squeeze out any excess liquid, and put the squeezed cabbage in the bowl; set aside.


In a medium bowl, combine the daikon, the remaining 1 tsp. salt, and the sugar. Let rest for 15 minutes.


With your hands, rub the daikon strips until they’re soft and pliable. Drain the daikon in a colander. Wipe out the bowl. Gather the daikon into a ball and squeeze out any liquid; return to the bowl.


Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger to the daikon and toss to distribute. Add the daikon mixture to the cabbage and toss again.


Open a gallon-size-zip-top bag; set aside. Wearing disposable plastic gloves, use your hands to mix 3/4 cup of the kimchi paste with the cabbage mixture. Be sure the cabbage mixture is thoroughly coated with the kimchi paste; season to taste with salt.


Put the cabbage in the plastic bag. Remove and discard the gloves. Seal the bag three-quarters of the way.


Starting from the bottom of the bag, roll the bag forward to expel air. Try to prevent liquid from seeping out of the bag. When you have almost reached the top, seal the bag completely. Unroll the bag and put it on a baking sheet. Let the kimchi ferment at room temperature for 24 hours.


Transfer the kimchi and its liquid to a sterile wide-mouth 1.5-liter (or half-gallon) glass jar and refrigerate. (The kimchi should be stored in one jar, not divided into multiple jars.) It will be ready after 24 hours, though some may prefer the more fermented taste the kimchi acquires after 2 to 3 days. Kimchi will last in the refrigerator for at least 4 weeks.

Sautéed Shrimp with Red Pepper, Carrot & Napa Slaw

• 3 Tbs. seasoned rice vinegar
• 5 tsp. granulated sugar
• 4 tsp. fish sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small head Napa cabbage (about 1-1/2 lb.), halved, cored, and sliced crosswise very thinly
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and very thinly sliced
• 4 scallions (white and green parts), trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1/3 cup chopped lightly salted peanuts
• 2 Tbs. toasted sesame oil
• 2 lb. large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Tip:

Seasoned rice vinegar is rice vinegar with added sweeteners and salt. Don’t confuse it with plain rice vinegar or flavored varieties of seasoned rice vinegar. Look for a bottle that's labeled "original," "natural," or "plain seasoned." 

In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, and 1/8 tsp. salt; stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and scallions; toss well. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and mix well to combine. Toss in the peanuts. Let sit, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Put half the shrimp in the skillet and sauté until opaque throughout, about 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean bowl. Repeat with the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and the other half of the shrimp. Toss the shrimp into the slaw and serve.