A chef-recommended dish is a recipe that illustrates a professional cook’s culinary skills. Ideally, it is unique enough to allow an informed gastronome to name the chef at a blind tasting.
From a simple beef stew to an elegant white chocolate souffle, this list includes acclaimed recipes from chefs who started with one 밀키트 restaurant and now have food empires that span several continents.
Lamb Shank Steak
Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks braised in a rich, Bourguignon inspired red wine gravy is a family favourite dinner ordered at restaurants and pubs all over Australia year round. You can choose to cook it in the oven, on the stove top, slow cooker or Instant pot (pressure cooker).
The secret to this delicious one-pot lamb recipe is a luxurious depth of flavor created by slow cooking the meat and vegetables in red wine and beef broth. The slight sweetness of the wine and acidity of the broth combine to create a rich, addictive sauce that you’ll want to slurp.
The shank, from the lower section of the leg, is a tough cut that requires long periods of slow cooking to help tenderize it. Compared to more tender cuts like the loin, sirloin and rib, the shank is also much more budget-friendly. The meat is succulent and melts off the bone when cooked slowly. Pair it with a side of roasted tomatoes and arugula for a healthy and hearty meal.
Taiwanese Beef Soup
A classic Taiwanese dish, this savory noodle soup with stewed beef is the comfort food of an entire nation. Chef Hung explains that the dish was invented by refugees from northern China who settled in Taiwan during the mid-20th century, and it quickly spread across the island. Today, there are more than 10,000 beef noodle soup shops in Taiwan, from high-end chain restaurants to humble night market stalls. The broth, known as qing dun niu rou mian or red-braised beef noodles, is transparent with a flowery twang thanks to Sichuan peppercorn and white peppercorn.
The browned cubes of beef shank are slow-braised in the piquant broth, along with ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and scallions. Thin wheat noodles and blanched bok choy are served on top of each bowl. While this hearty dish traditionally takes several hours to make, you can shortcut the process with a pressure cooker. Using this recipe, you can achieve full-on flavor in just three hours.
Chinese Food
Chinese culture has revolutionized the world in areas such as ceramics, architecture, music, martial arts, literature, visual art, philosophy, and religion. However, when it comes to food, there are some dishes that stray into inauthentic territory. For instance, the popular American dish General Tso’s chicken is actually a sweet, deep-fried chicken that you wouldn’t find in China.
Thankfully, many of the top chefs in America are spotlighting authentic Chinese cuisine. From quick starters like Louis Tikaram’s Cantonese-style barbecued scallops and Tony Tan’s savory Chiu chow raw fish salad, to heftier mains such as Victor Liong’s master stock-braised meats and tofu and Kylie Kwong’s comforting prawn wonton soup, these restaurant-quality recipes will take you to the heart of Chinese cuisine.
A hot bowl of soup is a classic way to start a Chinese meal, from the simple egg drop to the more complex wonton soup. You can also try dumplings, which are usually filled with pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables and then either boiled, steamed, or fried.
Western Food
In western dishes, meat is often the focus. The best way to balance these flavours is by using vegetables, which are a staple in many eastern cultures. This is a great idea for catering businesses because it allows you to cater to more dietary restrictions such as vegetarianism and veganism.
Plating and cooking methods are also different between Western and Asian food. Sauteing involves swirling a liquid, such as wine or stock, in the pan to dissolve browned bits stuck on the bottom. This technique is used in classic recipes like boeuf bourguignon and carbonara.
Other common Western techniques include baking and deep-frying. Baking involves oven-cooking vegetables, doughs, and batters. This is used in dishes like lasagna and baked salmon. Grilling involves exposing food to radiant heat, such as inihaw na panga and inasal. It is an effective way to add texture and flavour. This is a popular method for cooking chicken wings, fish, and vegetables.