Sesame oil

Another Eastern recipe, where rice graciously embraces all sorts of bright ingredients: oyster mushrooms, ginger with garlic, red onion and soy sauce, sesame oil and chili. This rice is good on its own and as a side dish for chicken , so it is an ideal meal that can be cooked in a house where there are both fasting people and those who eat everything.

Korean-style pancake salad is an amazing blend of Russian tradition and Eastern spiciness. Its history roots in the search for new flavor combinations when delicate pancakes met spicy ingredients of Korean cuisine. Thin strips of pancakes resemble noodles, while beef tongue adds richness. Pickles add crunchiness, and napa cabbage brings freshness. Cilantro reveals aroma, and Korean-style carrots add sharpness. The dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar creates a harmony of flavors – sweetness, sourness, and a hint of spiciness. This salad can be served as a standalone dish or an original appetizer. It is perfect for those who appreciate bold combinations and unusual textures.

Buckwheat noodles with turkey and peanuts in an Asian style embody the harmony of flavors in Pan-Asian cuisine. Its roots trace back to the traditions of Eastern countries where buckwheat noodles are valued for their nutritional properties. Tender turkey fillet, crunchy sweet pepper, and spicy chili create a balance between sweetness and heat, while grapefruit adds an unexpected freshness. Ingredients sautéed in sesame oil reveal a deep aroma complemented by the rich flavor of soy sauce. Crunchy fried peanuts add textural layers, while cilantro and green onions finish the composition with fresh notes. This dish not only delights the palate but also nourishes the body, offering a healthy and hearty dinner perfect for those who appreciate exotic yet balanced combinations.

The recipe is taken from the book "Holiday salads and appetizers. Very simple.

Zucchini noodles are a light and aromatic dish from Pan-Asian cuisine that offers freshness and harmony of flavors. The thin strands of tender zucchini resemble real noodles and pair well with crunchy vegetables, fried tofu, and a spicy marinade made from soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Cashews add a pleasant texture while corn contributes sweet notes. The dill aroma of cilantro and the freshness of lime complete the composition, turning this dish into a true culinary masterpiece. An ideal choice for lovers of healthy and vibrant food, zucchini noodles are easily digestible and perfect for a light dinner or lunch. With the combination of vegetables and protein from tofu, it is nutritious and balanced. Try this recipe to enjoy Eastern sophistication and originality!

Beef heart with mushrooms in a wok is an exquisite dish of Pan-Asian cuisine that combines the rich flavor of offal with the aromatic tenderness of mushrooms. The beef heart, marinated in sea salt, becomes tender, while frying in sesame oil reveals its depth. Shiitake adds woody notes, and enoki brings lightness and airiness. Soy sauce and beef broth unite the ingredients into a harmonious ensemble, creating a rich umami flavor. This dish embodies the philosophy of Asian gastronomy — a balance of textures, aromas, and flavors. Serving with cilantro and sesame adds freshness and a light nutty note. It can be enjoyed as a standalone hot dish or paired with rice or noodles, immersing oneself in the rich world of Eastern flavors.

Tofu salad is a harmonious blend of crunchy vegetables and tender pieces of fried tofu from Pan-Asian cuisine. This dish features the freshness of iceberg lettuce, sweet carrots, and aromatic leeks complemented by a zesty dressing made from soy and oyster sauces with rice vinegar and sesame oil. Toasted sesame adds a nutty flavor while cilantro refreshes the composition. The salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner and pairs well with rice or noodles. It delights with a balanced taste—a combination of sweet, salty, sour, and umami. Easy to prepare, it also surprises with its variety of textures: the crunchy greens contrast with the tender golden tofu. This dish is ideal for lovers of Eastern gastronomy and will pleasantly surprise even the most discerning gourmets.

Tofu with spicy chicken sauce is a refined dish of Pan-Asian cuisine that combines the tenderness of soy with rich spicy notes. Inspired by the traditions of Chinese and Japanese gastronomy, it embodies a harmony of flavors. Tender slices of tofu absorb the aromatic sauce infused with deep umami—a blend of light and dark soy sauce, oyster accents, and spicy tobanjan adds richness to the dish. Ginger and garlic add heat, while sweet pepper and celery provide freshness and textural contrast. Steaming completes the creation of a perfect consistency, making each serving silky smooth. Sesame oil and cilantro finish the composition, leaving a spicy aftertaste. This dish pairs perfectly with rice and can be part of a festive dinner or a cozy home treat.

The prototype of this recipe was the Bulgarian tarator - either a drink or a soup made from grated cucumbers. In hot weather, this cucumber liquid is seasoned with sour milk and mixed with ice. We slightly added density to the soup and enhanced the emerald hue by adding fresh spinach to the cucumbers. And for satiety, we threw cubes of fried tofu into the plate: our body needs protein in any weather, but in the summer heat, soy curd is easier to digest than meat. If you season the soup with soy yogurt instead of regular yogurt, the recipe will become vegan.

Fried quinoa with duck is an unusual combination of textures and flavors, merging the softness of quinoa with the rich aroma of duck meat. This dish recalls the gastronomic traditions of Asia, where quick stir-frying in a wok is used to enhance the brightness of ingredients. Duck marinated in a spice mix gains spiciness and depth of flavor, while fresh vegetables add juiciness and a crunchy texture. Sesame oil provides the final touch, filling the dish with subtle nutty notes. Serving with lime and cilantro completes the composition with a refreshing aroma and light acidity. This recipe is perfect for lovers of rich and layered flavors, creating a sense of cozy yet exotic dining.

Korean vegetable pancakes, or pajeon, are crispy fritters filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, traditionally served with a flavorful sauce. Their history is rooted in Korean cuisine, where they are known as a popular street food and home dining dish. The taste of pajeon is rich and diverse: the sweetness of apple combines with the mild spiciness of green onion and the freshness of carrot, while the golden crust makes each bite deliciously crispy. This recipe allows you to enjoy a harmony of textures and flavors, especially when paired with spicy sesame soy sauce. Pajeon can be served as an appetizer or main dish, perfectly complementing meals with other Korean delicacies.

Anatoly Derenchuk, chef of the Fish Culture restaurants, shared the recipe with us.

Sergey Shiyanov, chef of the Peruvian bar Alpaca, shared the recipe with us.

Vietnamese-style summer salad with chicken is a bright and refreshing dish that harmoniously combines fresh vegetables, spicy herbs, and tender chicken fillet. It embodies the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine known for its lightness and balance of flavors. The dressing made from fish sauce, lime, sesame oil, and rice vinegar gives the salad a rich, slightly spicy and sweet note. Crunchy Chinese cabbage, juicy cucumbers, and sweet peppers create textural variety while roasted peanuts add a nutty touch. This salad is perfect as a standalone dish on a hot day or as a side to Asian appetizers. It not only delights the palate but also brings a sense of freshness and lightness—a true summer hit on your table.

Firecracker-style marinated tofu is a bold blend of spicy and sweet flavors from the depths of American fusion cuisine. This recipe is inspired by Asian pickling traditions but gives them a dynamic twist with sriracha, sesame oil, and lime juice. The dish's flavor is rich and savory, with a hint of caramel sweetness from brown sugar and the tanginess of ketchup. The fried tofu remains tender inside while developing a crispy exterior infused with marinade aromas. Vegetables add freshness and texture, while toasted sesame and green onions finish the dish with a pleasant nutty note. Served with rice, it becomes a complete meal perfect for lovers of spicy and vibrant cuisine.