When I was growing up, my friends and I would make crazy suppers of Asian food – rice dishes, various salsas, egg rolls and prawns with a coconut chutney or sweet and sour sauce for dipping. It was much simpler than it is now, and you can replicate some of the great Asian dishes that your friends and family will be able to enjoy for many years to come. There are many different varieties and styles of Asian food that can be enjoyed, so it is important that you choose the right type of dish to make for your party. Here are a few tips:
Japanese Cuisine – This is possibly one of the most popular types of Asian food in the United States because it is so easy to replicate. The basic recipe for Japanese cuisine is quite simple: rice, seafood, vegetables, fish, ketchup and ginger. Japanese cuisine is all about subtle flavours, so if you’re looking for a good way to incorporate some subtle spices without overwhelming the pallet, try blending ginger and asparagus, or using a mix of avocado and lime to create an avocado based jusajime (jelly sandwich). One interesting aspect of Japanese cuisine is using ingredients from all parts of the world, including China and Korea, which accounts for the unique flavours that we so commonly associate with Korean and Chinese food. A good suggestion for a cool tasting treat is to make a flavoursome miso soup with vegetables as the base, then top it off with a cucumber salad for an unexpected yet delicious twist.
Korean and Chinese Food – For something that is closer to home, consider serving kimchi, tofu and vegetables as main dishes for your Asian food buffet. Korean ginseng is also used in certain dumplings, while Chinese cooking techniques are similar to those of Japanese, including the use of egg white to whisk away the lactic acid in the dough. Unlike a lot of American dining, which tends to be very heavy on meats and vegetables, Korean and Chinese cuisine tends to focus on softer dishes. The flavoursome and colourful wontons served in conjunction with soy sauce and hot mustard will leave your taste buds wanting more.