Asian
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Continue ReadingThe only sweetened coffee drink I enjoy is Vietnamese Iced Coffee, it’s extra strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk – creating the perfect balance of bitter and sweet, the flavor reminds me of coffee gelato ☕ Traditionally it’s made with a Vietnamese phin coffee press (recipe here), but this short cut version using Trader Joe’s Instant…
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Continue ReadingNingyo-Yaki are small cakes in the shape of dolls filled with anko (sweet red bean paste) – they’re a popular treat at one of my favorite places in the world, Asakusa Tokyo. Typically, they are made with cast iron molds over a gas grill in various shapes such as cats, birds, lucky gods, and even Hello Kitty –…
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Continue ReadingThis is the quickest and easiest method to make Anko (Japanese Sweet Red Bean Paste – Koshian). Using an Instant Pot to pressure cook the adzuki beans only takes 40 minutes, compared to the 2 hours it takes on the stovetop. Homemade anko is so much more delicious than store-bought – perfectly smooth in texture…
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Continue ReadingThis Lilikoi Mochi recipe is inspired by the Lilikoi Mochi you can get from Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo, Hawaii (274 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720) they are famous in Hawaii for having a unique selection of mochi and manju – be sure to check them out the next time you’re in Hilo. Lilikoi (Passion…
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Continue ReadingI make poke bowls once a week and usually use sushi-grade salmon or tuna, but I’ve started to make it with extra firm tofu as well and I was in shock at how popular this dish has become in my household. The cool thing is, you can grab everything you need from Trader Joe’s! My…
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Continue ReadingI love matcha + mochi so these Matcha Mochi Waffles are the perfect treat! The waffles are bouncy, chewy & the matcha flavor is very prominent. I topped it with vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of matcha powder, blackberries & candied strawberries (recipe here). Sencha Organic Matcha is my current favorite matcha powder, it’s sourced…
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Continue ReadingThis is a quick and simple meal that my family loves! It’s a Yoshinoya-style Japanese Beef Bowl (Gyudon) – extra thin shaved beef steak is simmered in a delicious sauce and served over rice. Trader Joe’s carries packages of shaved beef steak, Asian markets will usually have beef for shabu shabu or you can ask…
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Continue ReadingRoyal Capital Seafood in Garden Grove, CA is a Hong Kong-style Chinese Restaurant with a very extensive, seafood-centric menu. I’ve tried many of their dishes over the years, but the one dish I kept coming back for was their House Special Shrimp, the shrimp is deep fried, then coated in a flavorful, delicious soy garlic-butter…
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Continue ReadingThis Trader Joe’s Tempura Rice Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make meal using Trader Joe’s Shrimp Tempura & Vegetable Bird’s Nest (aka Kakiage Tempura). You can find both of these in the freezer isle & they come with tempura dipping sauce. I used a Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Oven to heat them up &…
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Continue ReadingDelicious and quick meal, Wonton Noodle Soup – ready in about 10 minutes with a few items from Trader Joe’s.
Hi everyone! I’m Van, the creator and recipe developer for FOOD is a Four Letter Word. Follow this page for wonderful eclectic recipes ranging from Asian cuisine, Trader Joe’s & Instant Pot recipes to baking inspiration. I hope you find something that you enjoy making on here. Follow my Facebook & Instagram below to get updates when I post a new recipe.
-Van
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