Issue 025: Panda Express WHO?

Hey Q-Crew!

Nobody expertly blends sweet, savory, and umami flavors like East Asian cuisine, which is why it’s some of my favorites! These are defintely not traditional recipes but they take staple ingredients like rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and shaoxing wine, and create dishes you can’t get enough of. We’re making General Tso Oxtail and Sweet Chili Shrimp Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sandwiches!

This month’s theme is Sweet & Sticky! Who doesn’t like to indulge their sweet tooth every once in a while? We deserve a little treat. But just because we want something sweet doesn’t mean we have to stick to just desserts. We’re exploring appetizers, mains, AND desserts this month to satisfy our craving!

General Tso Oxtail

Prep time: 10 minutes (+2-4 hours marinating)

Cook time: 3 hours

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs oxtail
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 1/2 cup water (during cooking)
• 2 tbsp white Sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup shaoxing wine
• Green onion for garnish
• 1 tbsp sesame oil for finish

Step 2: Pour over the oxtail and marinate for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Pour the marinade liquid over the oxtail, the shaoxing wine, and 1/2 cup of water, bring to a simmer, and cover to braise

Step 6: Once the oxtail is fork tender, it is ready. The braising liquid should have reduced and thickened enough to coat a spoon, but if not, add a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp of cornstarch + 2 tbsp of water) and simmer until thickened.

Step 8: Serve over white rice with a sesame seed and scallion garnish! (To get the curly scallion, thinly slice a piece of scallion lengthwise and soak it in a bowl of ice water. It will curl up after a few minutes!)

Sweet Chili Shrimp Cheddar Bay Biscuit Sandwiches

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• Shrimp:
  • 2 lb shrimp
  • 2 cup buttermilk
  • 3 tbsp hot sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp paprika
• Sweet chili sauce:
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes
  • Cornstarch slurry (3 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp cold water)
  • 2 tsp oil
• Biscuit Bread:
  • 2 box Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix
  • 1 1/4 cup cold water
  • 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Step 2: In a small pot over medium-high heat, sautee the shallot and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the rice vinegar, red chili flakes, paprika, and salt.

Step 6: Turn the heat to low, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and let thicken for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Mix the biscuit mix and shredded cheddar.

Step 10: Melt half a stick of butter in a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 12: Bake at 400° for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife stuck into the center comes out clean.

Step 14: When the biscuit bread is ready, remove from the oven and brush on the garlic herb butter while hot.

Step 16: Completely coat each piece of shrimp with flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 18: Remove when the shrimp are floating and golden brown.

Step 20: Assemble sandwich and enjoy!

Now on Ko-fi

Bonus Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe is still in development because it’s my birthday week and I haven’t had the chance to be in the kitchen as much, BUT look out for it on the Ko-Fi next week! An easy tasty weeknight dinner that just needs an airfryer and a small sauce pan.

For The (Food) Lovers E-Cookbook!

This PDF mobile cookbook is designed to be easily viewed on your phone so that you have all the recipes on hand exactly when you need them!