Squid Ink Linguine with Crab

Squid Ink Linguine with Dungeness Crab
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Garlic Butter, Lemon, Parmesan, Parsley

Using squid ink pasta instead of traditional pasta elevates this crab dish both in flavor and presentation. The pasta brings a subtle briny, umami-rich note that echoes the natural sweetness of Dungeness crab without overpowering it. It creates a deeper, more cohesive seafood profile — like a quiet reminder of the ocean in every bite. Paired with garlic butter and a touch of lemon zest, the squid ink adds complexity while letting the crab remain the star.

Visually, the contrast between the inky black pasta and the delicate coral-hued crab meat is striking. It transforms a simple plate of pasta into something elegant and memorable — perfect for a special dinner or a bold twist on a classic.

Squid Ink Linguine with Crab Recipe

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Steamed Sea Bass, Lemony Veggie Coins, Sushi Rice

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This dish is a breath of fresh air. The steamed Chilean sea bass here offers a unique, delicate texture and flavor compared to my pan-seared versions. When steamed, the fish remains incredibly moist and tender, as the gentle cooking method preserves its subtle clean flavors and soft flakes.

Paired with a lovely medley of thinly sliced radish, yellow squash, and cucumber in a light lemony dressing, this dish is a bright refreshing springtime star, and it will continue to shine all the way through summer. ☀️

Steamed Sea Bass with Lemony Veggie Coins Recipe

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Salmon Crudo, Caviar, Truffle Ponzu

Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Crudo
Daurenki Caviar, White Truffle Ponzu
Cucumber, Creme Fraiche, Radish Sprouts

Thinly sliced raw sockeye salmon served with truffle oil ponzu creates a perfect fusion of earthy and citrusy flavors. The robust, savory taste of the salmon is enhanced by the aromatic, umami-packed ponzu sauce.

Crisp refreshing cucumber accentuated with little dollops of crème fraîche complement the briny, nuanced flavors of the caviar, serving as a perfect base. Radish sprouts add a contrasting peppery bite.

The combination is elegant, light, refreshing, and sublime!

This Royal Daurenki Caviar is known as the “caviar lover’s caviar,” according to Petrossian. It has a complex flavor and unique blend of brine and fruity notes. It’s an exquisite study in contrasts, with a burst of juicy brine, followed by a nuanced flavor profile of dried fruit and toasted grains on the tongue, with savory butter lingering on the finish.

Salmon Crudo, Caviar, Truffle Ponzu

Salmon Crudo with Caviar and Truffle Ponzu Recipe

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Martin Yan’s Hot and Sour Sauce with Mini Wontons

Martin Yan's Hot and Sour Sauce with Wontons

Martin Yan’s Hot and Sour Sauce
With Mini Chicken Wontons

Martin Yan is a celebrated chef, cookbook author, and television host. He is best known for his popular cooking show “Yan Can Cook,” which debuted in 1982. His energetic personality, impressive knife skills, and iconic catchphrase, “If Yan can cook, so can you!” have made him a beloved figure in culinary television. In fact, he has hosted over 3,500 episodes of cooking shows aired worldwide. His charismatic teaching style has inspired generations to cook Chinese and Asian cuisine at home.

In addition to Quick Mussels over Angel Hair and Quick Wonton Soup, for another time-saving tasty recipe, here I pair the Chef’s Hot and Sour Sauce with frozen Mini Chicken Cilantro Wontons from Costco. The wontons are simply boiled for a few minutes according to package instructions.

Regarding the garnish, it is worth noting that Dendrobium orchids are beautiful, edible, and non-toxic. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is mostly neutral. However, while a single orchid brings a colorful pop to the presentation, it is used more for its visual appeal than for taste and is not meant to be eaten.

Martin Yan’s Hot and Sour Sauce Recipe

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Food & Wine No. 1 Recipe from 2024

Red Lentil Akoho Sy Voanio (Malagasy Coconut Lentils)

Food & Wine No. 1 Recipe From 2024
Red Lentil Akoho Sy Voanio
(Malagasy Coconut Lentils)

Back in May, I prepared this traditional Madagascan recipe after seeing it in the magazine. Originally a vegetarian entrée, I added some beautiful seared dayboat scallops to make a more substantial meal.

This dish reflects the influence of Indian, African, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions on Madagascar’s cuisine.

Ultra-comforting with a bold flavor from warm earthy turmeric and umami-rich cooked tomatoes, it was a big hit, so I am definitely not surprised that it took the No. 1 spot for Food & Wine’s recipe of the year.

The natural sweetness of the scallops, the rich creaminess of the coconut lentils, and the nutty chewiness of the brown basmati rice come together to create a colorful dish that is both sophisticated and wholesome. Each component complements the others, resulting in a harmonious and delightful meal that is impressive and satisfying.

Food & Wine wrote:

“In this vegetarian version of a popular Malagasy recipe, lentils are cooked with tomatoes and aromatics in a combination of coconut milk and water to create a currylike dish that’s satisfying and rich. The texture is similar to a thick soup with bits of tender lentils studded throughout. The sautéed onions and garlic give this dish a cozy savoriness, while the mix of ground cayenne and black pepper adds a subtle heat on the back end. A hint of lemon zest and juice adds just the right amount of acidic brightness, rounding out every bite.”

Food & Wine No. 1 Recipe from 2024