Simply Almond Tofu (杏仁豆腐)

by Mike Hsu // 10/22/2017 // 33 Comments

My experience of almond tofu (also known as almond jello or almond jelly) is basically the ‘free’ dessert that Chinese restaurants give you at the end of the meal. It’s better than the free soup at the beginning of the... Continue reading →

Raindrop Cake – Mizu Shingen Mochi (水信玄餅)

by Mike Hsu // 05/29/2017 // No Comments

I have never heard of the raindrop cake until recently even though I worked in Japan in the late 1990’s. Turns out it was originally known as Shingen Mochi (信玄餅) which is made of rice cake with kinako (roasted soy... Continue reading →

Coffee Jelly Dessert

by Mike Hsu // 11/28/2016 // 4 Comments

The first time I’ve ever had coffee jelly was when I was working in Japan right out of college. I never really drink coffee on a regular basis. And when I do drink coffee, it’s usually iced coffee with lots... Continue reading →

Mizu Yokan (水ようかん / 水羊羹)

by Mike Hsu // 10/08/2016 // 2 Comments

Today, we will be making mizu yokan (水ようかん) which is a lighter version of the traditional neri yokan by adding more water and is great for warmer days. This recipe concludes my series on red bean but also kicks off... Continue reading →

Red Bean Soup (紅豆湯)

by Mike Hsu // 08/26/2016 // 2 Comments

Red beans are a good source of protein and in Asia, bean are preferred to be sweetened instead of salty. The simplest yet most satisfying dessert after a meal would be the red bean soup. In the hot summer months,... Continue reading →

Red Bean Slush (紅豆冰沙)

by Mike Hsu // 08/12/2016 // No Comments

On a scorching hot summer day, nothing cools you down more than an ice cold glass of red bean slush ((紅豆冰沙) also known as a red bean smoothie. It’s sweet but not overpowering with a rich flavor of red beans... Continue reading →

Tomato Salad with Shrimp

by Mike Hsu // 07/21/2016 // No Comments

I’m not a fan of salad. Growing up in Taiwan, we never eat raw vegetables, especially not leafy vegetables. So every time we go to Souplantation (or Sweet Tomatoes), I would just fill up on carbs, chili, and clam chowder.... Continue reading →

Shrimp Roll in Lettuce Wrap

by Mike Hsu // 07/04/2016 // No Comments

The Lobster Roll which originated from the New England states contains chopped lobster and some fresh vegetables and herbs mixed in a light mayonnaise dressing and served on a hot dog bun. The Shrimp Roll in Lettuce Wrap recipe is... Continue reading →

Japanese Style Tuna Salad (ツナサラダ)

by Mike Hsu // 06/06/2016 // 1 Comment

Tuna salad is the last thing I would order when visiting a sandwich shop. My go-to sandwiches include club, BLT, roast beef, corned beef, pastrami, basically anything with meat. Even chicken salad or egg salad would all rank before tuna... Continue reading →

Drunken Chicken (醉雞)

by Mike Hsu // 02/28/2016 // No Comments

Drunken chicken is an excellent appetizer because it’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and have a very unique yet mild flavor. What I love about this dish is that you can make some in advance because the dish is... Continue reading →

Deli Roast Beef

by Mike Hsu // 12/13/2015 // 112 Comments

[updated 2022] The main difference between deli roast beef vs regular roast beef is that the deli-style roast beef is thinly sliced and usually used on a sandwich while the roast beef is thick cut and served on a plate... Continue reading →

Korean Pickled Radish (치킨무)

by Mike Hsu // 11/15/2015 // 51 Comments

Korean pickled radish is one of my favorite type of pickles. Not only is it delicious with the salty, sweet, and sour flavor, it also has an awesome crunch. This is a perfect compliment to any spicy dish, especially the... Continue reading →

Sichuan Spicy Beef Tendons (涼拌牛筋)

by Mike Hsu // 09/20/2015 // 2 Comments

Thanks to El Niño, we are experiencing continuous hot and humid weather in Southern California but not much rain yet. As the summer heat wears on, here is another refreshing cold appetizer that has a spicy kick. The best thing... Continue reading →

Braised Beef Shank Appetizer (滷牛腱)

by Mike Hsu // 09/07/2015 // 3 Comments

Growing up in Taiwan, one of my favorite snacks is this thinly sliced braised beef shank. Coming home from school, I just grab a few slices from the fridge and much on them as I do my homework. (Ok, not... Continue reading →

Sichuan Celery Salad (涼拌芹菜)

by Mike Hsu // 08/23/2015 // No Comments

Even though a lot of Sichuan food is numbingly spicy, there are a handful of dishes that helps combat the spiciness. Introducing the Sichuan Celery Salad. The salad is not referring to a garden salad or a caesar salad but... Continue reading →

It's My Dish

served cold