Cá Nướng Cuốn (Vietnamese Roasted Fish Rolls)

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Those who are familiar with Vietnamese cuisine understand that it’s all about freshness and different flavors coming together perfectly. Cá nướng cuốn is no exception to the rule. Cá nướng means ‘fish grilled or roasted’ and cuốn means ‘roll.’ Using a fish, such as Bluefish, that has a lot of flavorful, white meat with a minimal amount of bones is very important; however, what makes this dish so fresh and bursting with flavor is the combination of herbs and vegetables in the roll. Fresh mint, Thai basil, cilantro, lettuce and cucumber are the usual suspects in any Vietnamese roll. The fish sauce, though, takes everything to a whole new level!20140408_175524

Vietnamese people love to socialize and have a good time over a meal. Hence, dishes like this are typically eaten for lunch or dinner in a group setting. Growing up, I watched my grandma, mom, aunts and uncles make this dish many times for our family gatherings. Using their original recipe, I made a few adjustments based on available ingredients and my own preference. I hope you enjoy this dish with your loved ones too :).  Continue reading

Mango Sago Recipe

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I LOVE a good mango sago. Michael and I tried our very first version of this ‘oh-so-yummy’ dessert in 2006 while visiting friends in Hong Kong. They were selling this stuff everywhere! We were addicted ever since. Sadly, it’s not as readily available in New York City, unless you go to Chinatown or Flushing. A few Chinese dessert places have been popping up elsewhere around Manhattan, but nothing like a Dunkin Donuts on every corner.

I decided to make my own version of mango sago yesterday because mangoes were on sale in Chinatown. 3 for $1. It doesn’t get any better than that folks. I think my version comes pretty darn close to that sold in stores – nice coconut flavor, natural sweetness from the mangoes and overall so refreshing. If you like mango sago, definitely give my recipe a try! It is so quick and easy to make. :) Continue reading