Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore, Sesame Ponzu

Grilled Albacore with Sesame Ponzu
Cucumber, Fresh Herbs, Serrano Chile

Albacore offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s much more delicate than other tunas. Grilling enhances its natural savoriness while letting its clean taste shine. The loin is firm yet tender, and just 60 seconds per side is enough to create a beautifully seared crust while leaving the center silky and moist.

A simple four-ingredient sesame ponzu brings umami, citrus, and depth. And even when grilled for only two minutes, the fish still picks up a bold smokiness that adds real character.

Cilantro, mint, and chives keep it vibrant and fresh, serrano chile brings the heat, while crisp cucumber adds texture and a refreshing coolness.

Grilled Albacore Recipe

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Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce
Spiced Saffron Basmati with Lentils and Golden Raisins

This quick lamb shank dinner joins my Lamb Shanks with Smoky Cassoulet Beans, Kalamata Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes, and another for Lamb Shanks over Boursin Cheese Polenta. The lamb shanks are slow braised in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pomegranate juice and figs. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. It comes 2 shanks to a package and can be found in the refrigerated section at Costco under the “A La Carte” brand.

The dish Braised Lamb Shank with Pomegranate Fig Sauce and Spiced Saffron Basmati is not a traditional recipe from one specific culture, but is strongly inspired by Persian and broader Middle Eastern flavors.

Sumac — a deep red, lemony spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine adds another layer of intrigue. The lamb is very savory and rich, the rice is fragrant and slightly sweet, together they welcome a dusting of sumac to balance and enliven the dish.

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Lamb Shank Dinner

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Banh Mi Hot Dog, Viet Mayo

Banh Mi Hot Dog, Viet Mayo

Banh Mi Hot Dog, Viet Mayo

A Banh Mi Hot Dog is a bold, fusion-style twist that brings together the smoky comfort of an American hot dog with the vibrant, punchy flavors of a Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich.

A broiled hot dog is nestled in a toasted brioche bun topped with quick-pickled carrots, onion, radish, and jalapeño plus fresh cucumber slices and cilantro. It’s served with a Vietnamese-style mayo on the side for dunking or drizzling. The mayonnaise is spiked with sriracha, lime juice, garlic, and fish sauce—bringing that creamy, spicy, umami-rich finish.

Banh Mi Hot Dog, Viet Mayo Recipe

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Smoked Ahi Carpaccio

Smoked Ahi Carpaccio

Smoked Ahi Carpaccio

This is a beautifully balanced and refreshing dish! Smoked ahi carpaccio has a rich, savory flavor, and the combination of tamari, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili oil contribute layers of umami, acidity, nuttiness, and heat.

Thinly sliced raw vegetables provide a crisp contrast to the silky ahi, bringing layers of color and crunch, while a few leaves of arugula add a fresh peppery bite.

Smoked Ahi Carpaccio

Smoked Ahi Carpaccio Recipe

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Salmon Noodle Soup

Salmon Noodle Soup

Salmon Noodle Soup

The combination of chewy noodles, fresh toppings, and savory sockeye salmon makes Salmon Noodle Soup extra satisfying and flavorful. Adding tofu enhances the dish by boosting protein while keeping it light and silky.

The miso-based dashi broth creates a soup that is both dynamic and complex. Butter in the broth gives the soup a rich, luxurious texture while sansho pepper adds a unique citrusy, tingly heat that pairs beautifully with the umami-rich broth, salmon, and tofu.

Salmon Noodle Soup

Salmon Noodle Soup Recipe

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