Shortcuts to Asian Cooking and more!

Sukura Japanese Steakhouse

I have eaten at both locations (Tyson's Corner and more recently Fairfax (Fair Lakes area) I believe the Tyson's corner location is better than the Fairfax location. 1. The chef was not very good. He forgot to cook the vegetables and we ended up getting them very last. The fried rice was not as flavorful as I have had at other Japanese steakhouses in the past. I think over all quality was not there for the prices they charge. I ordered the filet Mignon and shrimp. The meat was tough and not worth the price I paid for it. I will probably not go back anytime soon.

Arigato Japanese Cuisine Fairfax, Va

I have gone to eat here 3 times and the food has been pretty good and consistent. They offer a variety of sushi, tempura and teriyaki dishes.

Every time I have gone I order their Beef teriyaki, "bento box. It has been great everytime. The owner is very friendly and personable. The prices are a little bit above average but, its worth it to me since I only frequent this place once in awhile.

If you live nearby Fairfax, its worth a stop in and try.

Lumpia (Eggroll) recipe of the week

This recipe is a favorite of my family and friends, when there is a party or gathering I am always requested to  bring these.

1 package of lumpia skins (if you can not find this at your local grocery store you can always replace this with spring roll wrappers. The key is to use thin wrappers) Each package contains about 30 wrappers/skins.


1/2 pound of ground beef or ground chicken
1 1/2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
garlic salt and black pepper to taste
water for rolling
Canola oil for frying

Brown the meat until thoroughly cooked. Drain off any fat.
Add mixed vegetables
Add garlic salt and black pepper to taste
Mix until fully incorporated.

Let mixture cool to room temperature before rolling.

Rolling method: 

It may take a few tries to get the rolling of the Lumpia down right but, its worth the effort.

Take one sheet of wrapper and place about 2 tablespoons of filling at the bottom but, leaving enough room to roll over the filling.

Take bottom edge and place over filling. Bring each side of wrapper toward the center creating a neat roll. Keep rolling until you get the the top of the wrapper and seal with water to close. Repeat until all the wrappers and or stuffing mixture is used up.

Remember not to over stuff the rolls otherwise you will have breakage in the rolls while frying.

Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

PS: I would also like to add that the Lumpia can be frozen before frying if you want to eat them at a later time, just defrost at room temperature and then fry.

Enjoy!!

New China Restaurant

New China

11213-C Lee Highway 

Fairfax, VA 22030 

I tried this place about a week ago and to my surprise it was very good. You never know with certain Chinese restaurants how the food is going to taste. But, I recommend this place. The food was fresh and tasted very authentic. 

We did a carry out and only had to wait 15 minutes. They also cater and delivery within the area. 

A must try! 

Here are some books I recommend!

Recipe of the Week

I will be posting recipes on a weekly basis, if you have a recipe to share please feel free to leave it in the comment section and I will do my best to get it posted on one of the weekly postings. It does not have to be Asian related but, a recipe you would like to share with others that you created.

Thank you
Terri

Chicken Meatballs

I am about to rant and rave about Chicken Meatballs I recently purchased at Costco. I was in a hurry shopping, I really do not enjoy fighting the crowds at any grocery store so I quickly get what I need and get out. Anyway this particular day I went shopping with my son at Costco to pick up a few items, if you have never shopped at Costco they sell things in bulk for pretty good prices. I tried a sample of Chicken Meatballs that were being given out for customers to try. It was absolutely delicious. The brand is Aidells not sure if I am spelling it right, it was Teriyaki and Pineapple chicken meatballs. It was fantastic, I had to buy some on my way out. You can serve is as an appetizer for parties and other gatherings , you can also serve it with pasta. Go out there and get some, you will be happily surprised.

Formerly Matuba now called Maruko Japanese Cuisine

Located in Arlington Virginia. A small but, quaint Japanese restaurant. I highly recommend it. The sushi is fresh and is excellent in my opinion.

Their lunch menu offers all you can eat salad bar as long as you order an entree. They also offer bento boxes during their lunch time. For those of you who do not know what "bento boxes" are, your food is separated in different compartments. You normally get rice, tempura, cucumber salad, chicken teriyaki and california rolls. Very cute in presentation and very filling.

I would recommend it to anyone and everyone that enjoys Japanese food without all the hoopla.

"Pad Thai" Restaurant Fairfax, VA

I highly recommend this place. It is small but, the chef knows how to cook! If you love Thai  food or willing to try it , it is a great place to eat. Their "Pad Thai" dish which consist of rice noodles shrimp or chicken is absolutely delicious. A must try on the menu.

Woodlands (Indian Vege Cuisine) Fairfax, VA

I just ate there the other day during their lunch brunch special.  Their Brunch is Monday thru Friday and have all kinds of amazing Vegetarian Dishes, you will NOT miss the meat whatsoever. They give you pretty good variety to choose from and also includes a Dosai which is a thin rice crepe inside is potato and pea filling. Absolutely delicious!

Hunan Herndon (Chinese Cuisine)

A great little place to eat! Never crowded but , the food is absolutely amazing! My favorite dish is their Peking Duck. If you are in and around the Northern VA area you must stop in and have a bite there. You will always get a seat and be welcomed by their friendly staff.

Tips to save money on your grocery bill

I discovered this place with my sister-in-law recently in Centreville, VA called Grand Village. It is an Asian Grocery Store that mainly carries Asian food but, also carries alot of mainstream items. The store opened recently and is amoung a chain of Asian grocery stores in Fairfax, VA that all start with the name "Grand" well anyway I discovered that they have the cheapest and most affordable produce.

For example:
One whole fresh pineapple cost .99cents each.
1 box of 8 count of Mangos cost: $3.99
4 bunches of spring onions or green onions cost $1.00
5 limes for $1.00

I could go on and on with the low prices but, there are just too many to name.
Most people do not know that certain Asian Grocery stores carry the same items as the regular big standard chains do but, their prices are much lower than you would expect on certain items. Its worth checking out. I know most of you that read this may not live where I live but, with a little research in your area I am sure you discover and Asian Grocery store nearby go in and check it out. You will be amazed with your find.

Hello Everyone

It has been about a week since I posted anything on this blog.

I have been very busy with random things.

I went to Metro Cooking show in Washington DC this past weekend.  Where they have tons of exhibitors giving out samples and promoting their products. It was fun. They even had celebrity chefs such as Giada, Paul Deen, Guy and many more.

I was lucky to be able to catch Giada's and Paula's shows. Both were very good.
I even ran into Giada in the ladies room. She was so nice exactly how she is on TV.

If you have a chance to ever attend one of these events I would highly recommend to check it out.

I believe the URL is http://www.metrocooking.com/ they hold this event in several locations in the US. There might be one near you.

Products I Recommend

Please take a look over to your right of my page, I have listed some products that have been helpful to me while cooking an Asian meal.

Also please take a look at my book "Shortcuts To Asian Cooking" it has tons of recipes for making an Asian meal.

Safeway Spring Rolls

You will probably not believe this but, I just purchased a bag of Chicken Spring Rolls from Safeway in their frozen food section the other day. I normally make my own but, they are absolutely delicious and all you have to do is heat it in the oven. What could be easier ?

It is Safeways own brand. You can normally find this product in the frozen snack isle at Safeway.

Great for last minute guest, parties , snack etc. It also comes with sauce for dipping!

Please leave me a comment if you any of you have tried it.

Thanks!!
Terri

Ashburn, Virginia

Nagoya's Japanese Steakhouse

This place has the best food. Its set up like Benihana's steak house but, the food in my opinion is far better.

A great place to take your family and friends. They stir fry the meal right in front of you on this huge grill and everyone sits around the grill. In my opinion I think they have the best fried rice around.

Lotte In Chantily, Virginia

Here is a hard to find place with great Asian food. It is actually a grocery store that sells all  types of Asian foods and products, it also carries some mainstream items but, if you go near the back of the store, you will be surprised to find a food court serving up all types of Asian foods such as, Korean bbq, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese soups and dishes. This place has it all a one stop shop.

The prices are reasonable and you get alot for the money. With the meal or appetizer you purchase you also get free miso soup, water and tea. It is a great place to stop in and have a casual lunch with your family and or friends. Afterward you can do a little shopping and when I say "afterward" you know the old saying never go into a grocery store hungry :)