The Oriental Cookbook

Beef Mince Congee

Sat, 04 Feb 2012

You can make some plain congee a few days ahead, and store it in the fridge. Whenever you need it, just bring it to boil and pop in some marinated beef mince. A nice and hot breakfast served in just a few minutes.

Seared Salmon with Singapore Noodles

Fri, 03 Feb 2012

Seared salmon with Singapore noodles.

Chicken and Green Mango Thai Salad

Thu, 27 Oct 2011

If green mango is impossible to find, supermarkets often have mangoes that are unintentionally rock hard and perfect for a salad like this. Papaya can also be used and even pomelos, which are those large green grapefruit-like fruits.

Imperial BBQ Pork Banh Mi

Thu, 27 Oct 2011

This imperial BBQ pork is inspired by bun cha, the charcoal-grilled pork served with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs on the streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, but is given a twist with marinade flavours from the imperial city Hue's cuisine. Cooking over charcoal will add a subtle, smoky aroma to the meat.

Special Fried Rice

Wed, 19 Oct 2011

Special Fried Rice is a great way to use up leftovers!

Mango and Coconut Smoothie

Mon, 17 Oct 2011

A refreshing fruit smoothie or, if you are feeling really indulgent - a base for a cocktail when added to crushed ice and a shot of vodka!

Vietnamese Salad with Chicken

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

This is a typical Vietnamese salad - full of fresh herbs like coriander and mint.

Doughnuts on Sticks

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

This is a typical Vietnamese sweet, and the stick are ideal for little ones so they don't burn their fingers.

Chilled Cucumber Soup

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

A delightful chilled soup, perfect for Summer eating.

Quick Pho Soup

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

A quick version of the traditional Vietnamese soup that takes up to half a day to prepare! Don't worry - this version is ready in a matter of minutes.

Sweetcorn Fritters with a Chilli and Mango Salsa

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

These fritters make a delicious light supper and if made half the are ideal as canapes.

Japanese Pork Loin Chops

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

Delicious Japanese pork chops - crunchy outside and juicy inside.

Chinese Curry Noodle Soup

Fri, 14 Oct 2011

This soup is delicious as a light Main or even a starter to an Oriental meal.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Fri, 14 Oct 2011

These summer rolls (so called because they are not deep-fried) are so quick and easy to make, an ideal alternative to sandwiches for a packed lunch.

Stir-fried Chilli Pork

Sun, 09 Oct 2011

Quick and easy, this stir-fried pork recipe is great if you need a tasty dinner on the table in a matter of minutes.

Smoked Duck and Ginger Noodle Soup

Mon, 26 Sep 2011

A good noodle soup or rice soup can enrich and bless your body even your mind.

Fried Pork, Basil and Egg

Sat, 24 Sep 2011

This is a common dish for Thai office workers. The reason is simple. It is widely available from street food stalls and can be cooked very quickly in a short lunch break. It is also quite spicy so it's a great way to pep yourself up for the afternoon. Fried egg is sometimes looked down on in the west, but its a staple of Thai cooking. It originates from central Thailand, but can be bought everywhere. This is medium spicy.

Spicy Chicken Coconut Soup

Sat, 24 Sep 2011

This is a spicy chicken soup with coconut milk used to add depth to the soup. A citrus flavour comes from Kaffir lime leaves and lemon grass. The spicy taste comes from the chilli, so you can adjust the chilli level to suit your own taste. The quantities are correct for a medium hot soup. The dish uses galanga root, which looks similar to ginger root and is sometimes referred to as Thai ginger. Don't be fooled, it is not ginger and you should not substitute it with ginger.

Thai Red Squash, Spinach and Coconut Curry

Sun, 18 Sep 2011

This is a typcially hot Thai curry, but if you don't like the heat, remoce the seeds and white ribs from inside the chillies before making the paste.

Crispy Pork with Chilli Lime Sauce

Tue, 13 Sep 2011

This is a quick starter or a simple supper, a doddle to make but looks impressive, what could be better?

Black Bean and Chilli Soup

Sun, 11 Sep 2011

A good-value, hearty supper in a bowl, lightened up with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkling of fresh herbs.

Thai Noodle Soup with Coconut and Salmon

Thu, 08 Sep 2011

Bring the fresh flavours of Thailand to your midweek meal with this easy soup.

Sweet Potato and Pea Curry

Tue, 06 Sep 2011

A fab, cheap, veggie curry, great for a student gathering. And the left overs will taste great the next day.

Easy Lentil Curry

Tue, 06 Sep 2011

Cooking with virtue; fast, cheap and healthy vegetarian lentil curry, that's also low in fat and freezable.

Easy Thai Prawn Curry

Tue, 06 Sep 2011

Perfect Friday night food, a warming low fat prawn curry ready in just 20 minutes.