America's Test Kitchen Season 13 Episode 16 Asian Takeout Favorites

In season 13 episode 16 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "Asian Takeout Favorites," the hosts set out to recreate popular dishes from Asian restaurants in a homemade, healthier, and more affordable way. The episode kicks off with host Bridget Lancaster demonstrating how to make sweet and sour chicken from scratch. Instead of using pre-made sauce and deep-frying the chicken, they make their own sauce using pineapple juice, vinegar, and honey. The chicken is also baked in the oven instead of being fried to cut down on calories.

Next up is host Julia Collin Davison who tackles a classic Korean dish - bibimbap. Bibimbap typically consists of rice, seasoned vegetables, meat, and an egg on top. However, Julia takes a healthier approach by using brown rice and adding in more veggies like shiitake mushrooms and kale. She also cooks the meat in a healthier way by searing it quickly in a hot pan instead of deep-frying it.

Host Dan Souza takes on the challenge of making crispy orange beef, a Chinese takeout favorite. To achieve the classic crispy texture of the beef without deep-frying it, Dan coats the beef in cornstarch and then browns it in a hot pan. He also makes his own orange sauce using fresh orange juice, zest, and a few other ingredients.

Rachel Wu, an expert on Asian cuisine, joins the hosts to share a lesson on the history of Asian takeout in America. She explores the evolution of dishes like chop suey and chow mein and explains how they differ from their traditional counterparts in China.

Lastly, host Jack Bishop creates a healthier version of pad Thai, a beloved Thai dish. Instead of using rice noodles, Jack opts for zucchini noodles to lighten up the dish. He also adds in more veggies like bell peppers and carrots and uses a homemade sauce made of peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide helpful tips and techniques for making these dishes at home. They emphasize the importance of using fresh herbs and spices and using a light hand when it comes to oil and sauces. They also provide alternatives to deep-frying and encourage viewers to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create their own unique dishes. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a whole new arsenal of healthy and delicious Asian takeout favorites to make in their own kitchens.