Ep 9. The American Dish with a Chinese Twist

Easy Chinese season 2 episode 9, titled "The American Dish with a Chinese Twist," brings viewers on a culinary journey that fuses traditional American dishes with Chinese flavors and techniques. Host and cooking expert, Ching-He Huang, demonstrates how to create several dishes that celebrate the melding of East and West.

The episode begins with Ching-He heading to a local farmer's market to source fresh, seasonal ingredients that will be used in her recipes. She then invites her friend, Chef Lee Wei Tan, to join her in the kitchen to create a fusion menu that combines classic American dishes with a Chinese twist.

First up on the menu is a savory and crunchy Sesame Fried Chicken Burger. Ching-He demonstrates how to prepare a juicy chicken patty coated in a crispy sesame crust. She then layers it onto a soft, steamed bun, topped with pickled cucumber and a tangy hoisin sauce. Chef Lee Wei Tan adds a Chinese flair to the traditional American burger by incorporating ingredients like five spice powder and Shaoxing rice wine in the recipe.

Next, the duo creates a refreshing and colorful Summer Peach and Nectarine Salad. Ching-He shows viewers how to make a simple vinaigrette dressing using honey, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. She then tosses freshly sliced peaches and nectarines with mixed greens, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese for a crisp and light dish. Chef Lee Wei Tan infuses Chinese flavors by incorporating sesame seeds and ginger into the vinaigrette for a delightful twist.

For the main course, Ching-He combines the beloved American dish, Mac and Cheese, with the savory flavors of Chinese cuisine. Her Spicy Sichuan Pepper Beef Mac and Cheese is a fusion masterpiece and takes this classic dish to another level. Ching-He expertly prepares a rich and creamy cheese sauce on the stovetop while Chef Lee Wei Tan cooks up a spicy beef stir fry. The two combine the two dishes together and the result is a full-flavored, ooey-gooey mac and cheese with a spicy kick.

Finally, Ching-He prepares a sweet and tangy dessert that is the perfect end to any meal. Her Mango and Coconut Rice Pudding is a playful take on the classic American dessert, rice pudding. Ching-He combines coconut milk and vanilla bean with cooked rice for a creamy base. She then adds fresh, diced mango, lime zest, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for a bright and tropical twist. Chef Lee Wei Tan adds a Chinese touch with the addition of candied ginger and a drizzle of honey.

Throughout the episode, Ching-He and Chef Lee Wei Tan share their passion for blending different cuisines together and exploring new flavors. They also offer valuable tips on how to prepare dishes ahead of time and how to substitute ingredients to make the dishes vegetarian or vegan.

"The American Dish with a Chinese Twist" is a mouth-watering episode that showcases the limitless potential of cooking and the creativity that can be unleashed when two different cultures come together. Viewers will be inspired to experiment in their own kitchens and create their own unique fusion dishes.