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What Kind of Soy Sauce Do You Use?

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:15:33 -0700

Last time I went out for sushi, I debated over whether to use regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce. Reduced-sodium soy sauce is the condiment of choice for those who are watching sodium intake, as too much sodium can result in high blood pressure. Regular soy sauce, while definitely saltier, has more flavor, in my opinion. Ultimately, I opted for regular, but this prompted me to wonder what most people tend to use in their kitchens.

What Kind of Soy Sauce Do You Use?

I prefer to eat and cook with regular soy sauce.

I opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce when dining and cooking.

Either is fine with me — it doesn't matter.

I don't cook or eat with soy sauce.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Lo Mein

partysugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:45:48 -0700

Use the Olympics to teach your kids about the cuisines of other cultures. In this case, explain how the games are taking place in Beijing, and that lo mein is a typical Chinese noodle dish with stir-fried add-ins.

This variation incorporates regular pasta with soy and hoisin sauces. Although the recipe calls for mushrooms and carrots, choose the vegetables that meet your family's needs. To learn how to make this colorful, kid-friendly recipe,

Perfect For Summer: Sesame Soy Cucumber Salad

YumSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Lately I've been on a huge cucumber kick. They're light and refreshing — perfect for a hot summer day.

I grew up eating this salad at my mother's table, and it's still one of my favorite dishes to start off a light meal. The flavor profile is tart, the texture crunchy, the combination so simple, yet so satisfying.

The best part? The longer you let it sit, the better it tastes. After you've made it once, try altering the ingredients to see what works better for you — cider vinegar or white vinegar, more or less soy sauce, and so forth. My favorite cucumbers to use are the Japanese variety, because they're so crisp and firm. When they aren't available, I substitute Persian cucumbers. To check out my mom's easy recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Vegetable Stir-Fry

partysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:45:35 -0700

Chock full of crunchy vegetables and Asian flavors, this vegetarian stir-fry is hearty and delectable. The meal comes together in minutes, because the vegetables — bok choy, snow peas, radishes, and spinach — are flash cooked in a large sauté pan. Meaty, soy-glazed tofu and a fresh ginger vinaigrette add layers of delicious depth to the veggies. This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to substitute bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetable.

Chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef are nice alternatives to tofu. To get the versatile recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Hawaiian Skillet Chicken

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:45:50 -0700

Make midweek meals more exciting by using ingredients that take your family on a culinary vacation. Unlike other exotic recipes, this one utilizes familiar, everyday components like brown sugar and soy sauce. You'll travel to the tropical paradise of Hawaii with this simple chicken dinner. The chicken is seared and topped with a flavorful pineapple sauce. To find the recipe please

Fast & Easy Dinner: Caribbean Pork and Plantain Hash

partysugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:30:27 -0700

When you're stuck in a middle-of-the-work-week rut, a great way to spice things up is through food. While this exotic meal may sound difficult to make — the ingredients are a bit unusual — the cooking techniques are simple and ordinary. Plantains are sautéed with onions, bell pepper, and garlic before being tossed with chunks of pork tenderloin. The final dish is mouth watering, exciting, and complex. To look at the recipe — I discovered it on MyRecipes.com —

Monday's Leftovers: Thai-Style Steak Salad

partysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:12:41 -0700

Giving leftovers a whole new taste — with seasonings from another culture — is a great way to make last night's meal more appetizing. For example, turn leftover African inspired harissa crusted tri-tip into a Thai-style steak salad.

The sliced steak is tossed with a lime soy oil. Then, the steak is mixed with shaved carrots, romaine lettuce, and fresh mint for a scrumptious and filling salad. To take a look at the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Asian Pork and Baby Peas

partysugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:11:39 -0700

Pork tenderloin is a lovely, lean piece of meat and a nice alternative to chicken. In this recipe, it is flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and molasses. Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, while rice vinegar balances out the sweetness of the sauce. Peas pair nicely with the Asian inspired pork, but if you prefer broccoli or green beans, substitute those for the peas. For the recipe,

What Would You Make?

partysugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:04:50 -0800

Here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry for food. You have to cook up something scrumptious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/ spouse/child/friend, but the ingredients you have on hand are limited.

You have a couple of fresh salmon fillets, avocado, and soy sauce. Using these products, along with whatever you currently have on hand in your cupboard and refrigerator, what would you make?

To see what I would make,

Monday's Leftovers: Quail Salad

partysugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:28:31 -0800

Wondering what to do with leftover quail? Here's an idea: make a delicious soy citrus glaze, brush it on the quail for maximum flavor, and serve over a bed of greens and soba noodles. It's a wonderfully elegant use of the leftover game. Also, this meal comes together quickly so you won't have to spend lots of time slaving in the kitchen. To take a look at the recipe,