Poke: Fish salad Poke places have been popping up everywhere around me. I'm not sure if it's a health trend that's spreading or what. Since I do like sashimi at times, fresh tuna salad seemed like a great idea. What I love about poke is the Asian flavor infused in it; I'm all about the marinade. Feel free to make your own at home with this recipe. Fun fact: Fishermen in Hawaii would use their catch to make poke and eat it as a snack. … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Milkfish
April 8, 2016 Leave a Comment
Milkfish: herringlike fish Every time I see this on the menu, I think it must be a yummy fish with smooth (milk-like) consistency. Unfortunately, this variety happens to have a lot of bones. I prefer meatier fish, but since there’s a huge milkfish industry in Taiwan, I often get this when I go back. Fun fact: Milkfish is commonly found in the ocean waters near Southeast Asia. … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday First: Freshwater Eel
February 26, 2016 5 Comments
Ate some freshwater eel in Taiwan. Freshwater eel: elongated fish that live in shallow waters I admit it, I've had eel before. Usually, though, they're the giant kind. This time around I tried out these little guys. Really, though, they taste like typical seafood to me, fish-like but with a thicker consistency. What's really neat about this dish, though, is the story we heard right before we left for Taiwan. My father-in-law talked about how he'd catch these eels with his bare hands. … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Fish Cakes
November 20, 2015 2 Comments
Fish cakes: fried, thin versions of fish filling There are so many kinds of fish cakes in Chinese cuisine. (Maybe because the words for fish and abundance sound awfully alike.) Some are brightly colored and swim around in noodles and broth. Others, chunkier and meatball-like, adorn vegetables--and also go well in stuffed tofu. Once in a while, though, I like mine spiced and fried up. This version gives you a chewier texture and makes for great snacks. (Don't forget to be liberal with the … [Read more...]
Lucky Goldfish
March 23, 2015 3 Comments
"May you have abundance year after year." --Chinese New Year saying My daughter brought home home this art project from her Chinese school the other week: In Chinese writing, the characters meaning "fish" and "abundance" sound alike. It's lucky to have the fish motif displayed all around your home or business because it signifies wealth. During lunar new year celebrations, people often feast on whole fish (and if you eat it all during a meal, you get bonus points) for good luck for the … [Read more...]
Puzzle Pieces & the Formosan Salmon
May 26, 2014 Leave a Comment
"Ants can move even a mighty mountain." -Chinese proverb I'm not a big fan of puzzles. I have a hard time visualizing connections, and a scattered image overwhelms me. In high school, I had to help put together a puzzle of our mascot (and there was no computer wizardry back then) for our yearbook cover image. I think I managed to contribute a few pieces over the course of three days. As an adult, I realize I can complete puzzles, but it takes concentrated effort. I need to work bit by bit, much … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Sashimi
January 17, 2014 2 Comments
Sashimi: raw fish, served with soy sauce and wasabi This dish was an acquired taste for me. I mean, I was the girl who didn't know what a California roll was until my freshman year in college. After that experience, my next challenge was raw fish, introduced to me by my Taiwanese-American husband (then college sweetheart). I've now come to appreciate the fresh, smooth texture of sashimi. When you think of Taiwan, you don't necessarily think of sashimi. But since they're an island and … [Read more...]
