Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 6 Episode 10 Pan-Asian Perfection

In the season 6 finale of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, Melissa takes viewers on a culinary journey across Asia. The episode, titled "Pan-Asian Perfection," features five dishes inspired by the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Asian cuisine.

First up is a vegetable stir-fry with tofu and quinoa. Melissa shows viewers how to prepare an easy and flavorful stir-fry using a mix of veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, along with protein-rich tofu and nutty quinoa. Her secret ingredient for adding a punch of umami flavor? A splash of soy sauce and a tablespoon of miso paste.

Next, Melissa shares her recipe for chicken and broccoli stir-fry. She swaps out the typical chicken breast for quicker-cooking chicken thighs, and uses a mix of fresh garlic and ginger to give the dish a fragrant, savory flavor. The broccoli is blanched beforehand to ensure a crispy texture, and the whole dish comes together in just 15 minutes.

For a fun twist on traditional tacos, Melissa makes Korean beef tacos with quick-pickled vegetables. She uses flank steak and her own marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to create a flavorful filling. The quick-pickled veggies add a tangy crunch to the tacos, and Melissa likes to serve them with some sautéed spinach for a boost of greens.

For a heartier main dish, Melissa makes a Thai coconut curry with shrimp and vegetables. The base of the curry is made with creamy coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh lime juice, and is packed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and snow peas. The peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and add a protein boost to the dish. Melissa reminds viewers to taste and adjust for seasoning as they go - adding a little more salt, lime juice, or sugar as needed to balance the flavors.

Finally, Melissa wraps up the episode with a sweet and spicy dessert: mango and chili frozen yogurt. She blends together frozen mango chunks, plain Greek yogurt, honey, and a pinch of chili flakes to create a creamy, refreshing treat. The chili adds a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the mango, and the whole dessert is light and refreshing - perfect for capping off a delicious Asian-inspired meal.

Throughout the episode, Melissa offers plenty of tips and tricks for making Asian-inspired dishes at home. From using a microplane to easily grate garlic and ginger, to layering flavors with herbs and spices, there's something for every level of home cook to learn. With these simple and affordable recipes, anyone can enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right in their own kitchen.