I came up with this Shrimp Tom Yum Soup recipe last night, courtesy of quarantine 2020 lol. One of our favorite Thai restaurants has been closed and I have been dreaming of Tom Yum soup so I decided to try making my own. To my surprise, it turned out perfect from the very first attempt and tastes exactly like it does at the restaurant! Michael found this Tom Yum paste at an Asian grocery market (I’ve also seen it at International stores) and it makes this recipe so simple because you have all the great flavors of Tom Yum soup, without having to buy a bunch of ingredients that are difficult to find. I am so excited to share this super easy and fast recipe with you all!
Tom Yum Soup With Shrimp
sofiyababinov
This recipe is a courtesy of quarantine 2020 lol. Michael found this Tom Yum paste at an Asian grocery market and it makes this recipe so simple because you have all the great flavors of Tom Yum soup without having to buy a bunch of ingredients that are difficult to find.
1-3TBSTom Yum Pastefound in the Asian market, according to your spiciness preference
112oz.Can Organic Evaporated Milk
215oz.Cans Straw Mushrooms
1/2Limeto juice
2TBSCilantrooptional, for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, bring 8 cups filtered water to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, add 4 tsp of the vegetable flavor "Better Than Bouillon" paste. Then add 1-3 TBS of the Tom Yum paste, to taste, according to how spicy you prefer your soup.
Add the can of evaporated milk and lower the heat to a light boil (low-medium).
Add the 2 cans of straw mushrooms (drained and patted dry with a paper towel). Then add the 1 LB raw shrimp. Cook 10-15 minutes until the mushrooms and shrimp completely cook through.
Squeeze juice of 1/2 lime into the pot and mix thoroughly. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, with chopped cilantro garnished on top, optionally.
Notes
This soup tastes great the next day, just heat up the amount you need in a small pot.
I got the recipe for this Authentic Vietnamese Chicken Pho from my friend and next door neighbor, Trang. We were over their house for Pho one day and it was the best, most Authentic Vietnamese Pho I have ever eaten so I knew I had to get her recipe! This recipe is very simple to make although it does require a trip to your local Asian Market for some of the ingredients. I am so exited to share it with everyone that has been waiting for me to post it! This recipe can be made with beef if you would prefer Beef Pho, you would just use 6 LB beef (any kind, we use brisket and chuck) and a few beef bones (optional but adds so much savory beef flavor) to make Beef Pho and it takes more time to cook. We are definitely Pho lovers and went out to eat Pho frequently, so I was very happy when my hubby and son said that this Pho tastes better then any restaurant we’ve ever eaten it at. Homemade definitely tastes best and saves a lot of money too. I hope you all love it just as much as we do!
Easy Authentic Vietnamese Chicken Pho
Easy, simple recipe for Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho! We are definitely Pho lovers in my family and went out to eat Pho very frequently, so I was very happy when my hubby and son said that this Pho tastes better then any restaurant we've ever eaten it at. I hope you all love it as much as we did!
Special Pho Ingredients from the Asian Market (pictured below in the notes section)
1PackagePho Rice Noodlesthin or wide noodles both work
5Oz.Cot Pho Bo brand Beef Flavored Pho Soup Base
Hoisin Sauceoptional, to add flavor
Pho Soup Toppings/Garnish
4Limesquartered, to squeeze out lime juice
1BunchCilantrofinely chopped
2Jalapeño Peppersthinly sliced
Bean Sprouts
1BunchScallionsfinely chopped
Thai Basil
Hot Sauceoptional, to add flavor
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Peel the onions and cut them in halves. Peel the ginger and cut it into quarter sized, thin slices. Put foil on a baking sheet, spray the baking sheet with oil, and put onion and ginger on it.
Put the baking sheet with onion and ginger into the over on 350 Degrees and bake for 25-30 minutes until the onion is yellow/golden in color. This baking process is important for the onion to have a sweet taste!
Fill a big pot with 3/4 water. Bring the pot of water to a boil, this will not be your Pho soup yet! Add the chicken into the pot (no giblets). Let it boil for 3-5 minutes. (If using beef with beef bone instead of chicken, let it boil 5-7 minutes.) This process cleans the meat of any impurities. Take the chicken out of the pot, discard the water in the pot and clean the pot. I use another, bigger, 16 quart pot to make the Pho.
Boil a big pot of water, as much water as you need for your Pho Soup (I did 32 cups water in a 16 quart pot). Add the whole chicken into the pot. Then add 5 Oz. Pho seasoning paste. I use half a jar of the Pho seasoning paste and 1 filter packet of spices. The spices stay in the packet (it’s like a tea bag) when you throw it into the soup! (The seasoning paste comes with 2 packets of spices included in the jar.) Add Salt to taste, I add 2 tsp. Add Sugar to taste, I add 4 tsp. Add in the baked onion and ginger.
Let it cook on a light boil (low-medium heat) for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. I had a 6 LB chicken and I cooked it for 45 minutes. If you are using beef, it will take 3-4 hrs to cook until the meat is tender.
In the last 15 minutes of cook time, soak the Pho noodles in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes. Boil a separate pot of water for the Pho rice noodles. When the water comes to a boil, throw in the rice noodles and a TBS of oil (this is my trick for the rice noodles not to stick together) and cook until just tender. Then run cooked noodles under cold water, mixing them, in a strainer to stop the cooking process and so the rice noodles don’t stick together. Be careful not to overcook your rice noodles or they will be too soft and fall apart in your Pho soup!
When the chicken is cooked through and soft, take the whole chicken out and turn off the burner. Discard the spice filter packet. Some people discard the onion and ginger but I like to keep it in the pot (for flavor only, but don’t serve it). Although some people like the onion, thinly cut, added to their bowl of Pho. Cut the chicken up into small strips.
To serve, put rice noodles and cut chicken pieces into bowls. Pour the Pho broth over the noodles/chicken.
Serve with sauces and a plate of the toppings (limes cut into quarters, finely chopped scallions and cilantro, sliced jalapeno pepper, washed bean sprouts and Thai basil leaves).
Everyone can add toppings of choice to their Pho soup according to their preferences!
Notes
This it the jar of Cot Pho Bo brand Beef Flavored Pho Soup Base (even for chicken Pho I used this beef soup base, per my friend’s suggestion. It makes Pho more flavorful then the chicken soup base).This is the package of Rice Noodles that we use. You can use wide or thin rice noodles, just make sure the package say’s Pho rice noodles on it!
These super easy and fast Cheesy Chicken quesadillas have been a life saver for me during quarantine 2020. Everyone needs a fast, easy, budget friendly recipe for feeding their family on a time crunch. These literally take 5 to 10 minutes to prepare/cook and have on the table. My hubby came up with this recipe several years ago and I’m so excited to share it with you all!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
Easy Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas. This fast, easy, budget friendly recipe was definitely needed for when I need to feed my family on a time crunch. These literally take 5 to 10 minutes to prepare/cook and have on the table. My hubby came up with this recipe several years ago and I’m so excited to share it with you all!
2-3TBSCheddar Jack Cheese OR Mexican Blend Cheeseshredded
1Raw Flour Tortilla
3TBSSalsaoptional, on the side, to dip
2TBSSour Creamoptional, on the side, to dip
Instructions
Put raw tortilla in a pan and set it on low heat. Cook 1 side of the tortilla until it is just cooked through on that side but not yet golden. Flip it over to the other side to fill (step 2).
Add 1-2 TBS canned chicken breast to the tortilla, spreading it evenly with a fork.
Then add 2-3 TBS shredded Cheddar Jack or Mexican blend cheese on top of the chicken on the tortilla, spreading it evenly with a fork.
Fold the tortilla over to close, using a spatula. Cook for a few minutes and then flip to the other side and cook for an additional few minutes until the tortilla is slightly golden on both sides.
These taste best served immediately when the cheese is warm and melty inside. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping, optionally.
Keyword appetizers, easy, Mexican, under 15 minutes
These Chinese Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are absolutely delicious! They taste like the Authentic Chinese restaurant/takeout kind. It’s important to get all the right ingredients for this recipe which I will have pictured below and that can be found at an Asian or International store. Also note that this recipe is best if you let the chicken marinate overnight or for at least 6 hours. It literally makes a huge difference and tastes much better and more flavorful if marinated overnight! We had these for dinner 2 days ago and my boys requested them again for dinner tonight. These are great as an appetizer or as part of a homemade Chinese meal. I like to pair them with vegetable fried rice and some steamed veggies on the side.
Chinese Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
sofiyababinov
These Chinese Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are absolutely delicious! They taste like the Authentic Chinese restaurant/takeout kind. It’s important to get all the right ingredients for this recipe which I will have pictured below and that can be found at an Asian market or International store. Also note that this recipe is best if you let the chicken marinate overnight. It literally makes a huge difference and tastes much better and much more flavorful if marinated overnight!
4TBSBull Head BBQ SauceVegetarian one, there are a few different types
3TBSPineapple Juice
1/3CupGranulated Sugar
3/4tspCurry Powder
1/4tspSalt
1/4tspGarlic Powder
1/4tspChinese Five Spice Powder
1/4tspGround White Pepper
Oil for frying, preferably Peanut Oil
Instructions
Wash the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels. Cut into 2 to 3 inch pieces. Set aside in a big bowl.
Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a separate big bowl.
Pour the marinade mixture into the bowl of chicken. Mix the chicken well with the marinade mixture. Cover the bowl and let it stand and marinate in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for the chicken to be flavorful and very soft. The longer you let it marinate the better it will taste!
Let the bamboo skewers soak in water for at least 30 minutes, so they don’t burn while cooking in the oven/pan.
Pat the bamboo skewers dry with paper towels. Put the marinated chicken thigh pieces on the skewers.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking rack with foil, spray it with non stick spray or use a brush to spread some oil on the foil. Put the chicken skewers on the baking sheet and bake on 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then flip the skewers oven to the other side and bake an additional 20 minutes.
Heat a pan with peanut oil (or any oil would work, but peanut oil works especially well for this recipe) on medium-high heat and fry each chicken skewer for 1 minute on each side. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot! If you need to serve later, just keep them warm in the oven on the warm setting or low heat setting.
This Thai coconut shrimp soup has quickly become a new favorite soup in our family! You will be surprised at how super fast and easy it is to make, yet the taste is the quality of a Thai restaurant. You can add chicken instead of shrimp or no protein at all. You can have it with the rice or even with rice noodles, we’ve tried both and both ways are delicious!
Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup
This Thai coconut shrimp soup has quickly become a new favorite soup in our family! You will be surprised at how super fast and easy it is to make, yet the taste is the quality of a Thai restaurant. You can add chicken instead of shrimp or no protein at all. You can have it with the rice or even with rice noodles, we’ve tried both and both ways are delicious!
In a small saucepan or rice cooker, cook rice according to package instructions and set aside when done cooking. Meanwhile continue with next steps.
In a large pan, on medium heat, melt 2 TBS butter and add 1 LB shrimp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and cook until cooked through. Set aside.
In a Medium pot, on medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add in the diced onion, diced red bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and ginger and cook another minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the red curry paste and mix well. Then whisk in coconut milk and vegetable stock until well combined. Bring to a light boil.
Reduce heat to simmer and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened, then add the lime juice. Mix well.
To serve, put rice (or rice noodles) in a bowl, add shrimp, soup broth, and sprinkle with cilantro leaves (optional).
Notes
This soup reheats well. Keep cooked rice and cooked shrimp separate and add to soup broth when ready to reheat. Reheat in a small pot on low.
“Pollo Con Crema” is my absolute favorite Mexican chicken dish. I always order it when we go out for Mexican, so of course I had to recreate it at home and I am so glad I did! It tastes so much better homemade and is fast and easy to make. I pair it with Spanish rice (recipe on my blog) and highly recommend you make both together for the best Mexican dinner at home!
Mexican “Pollo Con Crema” Chicken
sofiyababinov
“Pollo Con Crema” is my absolute favorite Mexican chicken dish! I always order it when we go out for Mexican food, so of course I had to recreate it at home. It tastes so much better homemade and is fast and easy to make. I pair it with Spanish rice (recipe on my blog) for the best Mexican dinner!
2-3Chicken Breastsboneless, skinless, cut into thin strips
18oz.Pack White Mushroomsthickly sliced
1Large Sweet Onioncut into thin strips
2Green Bell Pepperscut into thin strips
116oz.Container Sour Cream
1.5CupsHeavy Cream
2TBS"Better Than Bouillon" Chicken Pasteor 1 TBS Chicken Bouillon cube
2TBSOlive Oilfor cooking the chicken
1tspPaprika
1/4-1/2tspCayenne Pepperdepending on how spicy you prefer it to be
Montreal Chicken Seasoningto taste, for cooking the chicken
Salt/Pepperto taste
Instructions
Do the prep work first. Wash and cut all the veggies (mushrooms thickly sliced, onion and bell peppers into thin strips) and cut chicken breasts (into thin strips).
Heat 2 TBS olive oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and season with salt/pepper and Montreal chicken seasoning, to taste.
Cook the chicken until it cooks all the way through and gets golden on the outside. Then add in the onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent and all vegetables are soft and cooked through well.
Add in 1.5 heavy cream and 2 TBS "Better Than Bouillon" chicken paste (or 1 chicken bouillon cube). Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in the sour cream, sprinkle in 1 tsp paprika and 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Turn burner off and mix well. The cream should be a creamy, slightly thick consistency. If it's not thick, give it 10-15 minutes to stand and it will thicken up!
Notes
If the sauce is not a thick consistency at the end, let it stand for 10-15 minutes and it will thicken up!Serve with my amazing Spanish rice, some warm tortillas, and Mexican beans or avocado on the side for the perfect Mexican dinner!
I made this Spanish rice and “Pollo Con Crema” (chicken in sour cream sauce dish, posted on my blog) for dinner and they both turned out amazing!!! My husband said it tastes better then the restaurant dishes and I completely agree with him! This Spanish rice is super easy to make and pairs well with any Mexican dish or even taco’s. I highly suggest making it with my “Pollo Con Crema” recipe.
Spanish Rice (Restaurant Style)
sofiyababinov
I made this Spanish rice and "Pollo Con Crema" (chicken in sour cream sauce dish, posted on my blog) for dinner and they both turned out amazing!!! My husband said it tastes better then the restaurant dishes and I completely agree with him! This Spanish rice is super easy to make and pairs well with any Mexican dish or even taco’s. I highly suggest making it with my “Pollo Con Crema” recipe.
4CupsChicken brothI used “Chicken Better Then Bouillon” paste with 4 cups water
12oz.SalsaMild
2Garlic Clovesminced
1tspSalt
Pepper to tastea dash
Cumin to tastea dash
Instructions
Make 4 cups of chicken bouillon and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium heat.
Add rice to the skillet and cook until it starts to crisp to a golden color. About 3-5 minutes, stirring continually so you don't burn it.
Add the chicken broth, salsa, garlic cloves, salt, pepper and cumin into the skillet with rice and mix gently to combine.
Stir rice and cover the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until rice is cooked through and there is no liquid left. I opened the skillet and gently mixed the rice with a spatula 2-3 times while it was cooking to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
Notes
Try this Spanish rice recipe with my “Pollo Con Crema” (chicken in a white sour cream sauce) recipe, also posted on my blog.
My hubby and I first tried this delicious soup at Dean & Deluca restaurant, which unfortunately closed here in Charlotte, so I knew I had to recreate it at home. To my delight, it tastes almost exactly like Dean & Deluca! This soup is creamy, comforting and just perfect for a chilly day like today and was a hit with my boys. Super easy to make and it’s a gluten free/low carb recipe. Delicious and nutritious!
Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Gouda Soup
A recreation of Dean & Deluca's Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Gouda Soup. This soup is creamy, comforting and just perfect for a chilly day. The best part is how easy it is to make and that it’s a gluten free/low carb recipe. Delicious and nutritious!
3CupsChicken BrothI make my own "Better Than Bouillon" broth
1/2CupHeavy Cream
1tspOregano
2tspBasil
1.5tsp Salt
1/4tspPepper
Oyster Crackersoptional, for serving
Instructions
In a medium pot, melt 2 TBS butter on med-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then add minced garlic and stir for a minute until fragrant.
Add the roasted red peppers, fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Bring to a boil. Then cover the pot with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.
When soup is done simmering 1 hour, blend it with an immersion blender to a smooth pure (or use a blender or food processor then transfer back to the pot). Add heavy cream and shredded gouda cheese. Mix well and let it simmer on low for another 30 minutes.
Everything you need to know to have a successful taco night at home! I’ll cover how to cook the ground beef and all the sides and condiments you’ll need.
How To Make Taco’s
Everything you need to know to have a successful taco night at home! I'll cover how to cook the ground beef and all the sides and condiments you'll need.
21.25 oz.Packets Taco Seasoning Mix40% less sodium
2Boxes Taco Shells
1Large Tomato
1Romaine Lettuce
18oz.Block Sharp Cheddar Cheeseshredded
116oz. Mild Taco Sauce optional, to top
116oz.Container Sour Creamoptional, to top
Instructions
Do all the prep work first. Wash and chop up the Romain lettuce, set aside in a plate. Wash and finely chop up the tomato, set aside in a plate. Shred the block of Cheddar Cheese, set aside in a plate.
In a large saucepan on med-high heat add 2 TBS olive oil. When the oil heats up, add the ground beef, break it into pieces using a spatula.
Add the packets of taco seasoning. You need 1 packet of seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. I use a 40% less sodium brand because I don’t like my ground beef too salty. Mix thoroughly and cook until the ground beef has browned and is completely cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile bake the taco shells on 350 degrees in the oven for 5-7 mins until hot and crisp (be careful not to burn them).
Set up a “taco station” on the table with all the toppings in plates, the ground beef, taco shells, taco sauce, and sour cream. Everyone can build their own perfect taco!
Mediterranean restaurant style rice. So flaky, flavorful and aromatic! The spices give this recipe a beautiful yellow color and appetizing aroma. Pair this rice with any kind of meat. I love it especially with my Herb & Olive Oil Rack of Lamb recipe (on my blog) for the perfect Mediterranean meal!
Mediterranean Style Jasmine Rice
sofiyababinov
Mediterranean restaurant style rice. So flaky, flavorful and aromatic! The spices give this recipe a beautiful yellow color and appetizing aroma. Pair this rice with any kind of meat. I love it especially with my Herb & Olive Oil Rack of Lamb recipe (on my blog) for the perfect Mediterranean meal!
3CupsChicken BrothI make my own "Better The Bouillon" broth
2TBSButterunsalted
2Garlic Clovesminced
1tspTurmeric Spice
1/4tspCumin Spice
1Bay Leaf
Instructions
If using "Better Then Bouillon" chicken paste to make your own chicken broth, in a small sauce pan boil 3 cups of water. When the water comes to a boil, add 3 tsp of the "Better Then Bouillon" paste and mix well, to make a hearty chicken broth and set aside.
In a medium sized pot, add the 2 TBS butter. When the butter melts add in the minced garlic, cumin, and turmeric spices. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the garlic has softened and spices give off a yummy fragrance.
Add the dry rice to the pot and stir to combine for about 3 minutes to slightly toast the rice.
Add the chicken broth and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Mix well. Bring to a rolling boil.
Cover with lid and simmer on LOW heat for about 15 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. I opened the pot and mixed the rice 2-3 times to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Fluff with a fork and your rice is ready to serve! This rice reheats well.
Notes
This rice reheats well. I reheat it on a skillet on low heat with a TBS of butter.
Keyword 30 minutes, Mediterranean, rice, side dish