Asian small plates recipes for mixing, matching and sharing

Appetizers with an Asian accent include the Viet Bowl recipe shared by chef/consultant Patrick McDonnell of McDonnell, Kinder & Associates, a presentation that can be served with lemongrass-marinated chicken breasts or skewered pork sticks. The chicken version features chicken broth flavored with ginger, garlic, mirin, coconut milk, red curry paste, lime zest and juice, soy sauce and fish sauce—with rice noodles, julienned vegetables, peanuts, fresh mint leaves and cilantro oil.

“The inspiration for the dish sprung out of exploring new, yet authentic, Asian flavors,” McDonell says. “I feel it’s important to remain true to the depth of flavors available and respect the indigenous ingredients, such as peanuts, for their taste and texture.”

Other small plates include Chef Robert Danhi’s Crunchy Tofu and Ginger Pork Puffs that can be served on a skewer, and Ahi Tuna Poke, made with a spicy tuna marinade and served at Presidio Social Club in San Francisco. The recipe comes from Chef Jay Abrams. Chef Justin Carlisle of Ardent in Milwaukee offers an Asian interpretation of surf-and-turf: Cantonese Lobster and Pork.

For Asian spins on casual fare such as sandwiches and wraps, consider Thai-Style Pulled Duck Sliders from chef Greg Reggio of Taste Buds Management in New Orleans, and Avocado Shrimp Spring Rolls from Robin Covey of Novo Restaurant and Lounge in San Luis Obispo, CA.  Salad inspirations include Spicy Asian Beef with Grapes and Napa Cabbage, a recipe developed by Chef Scott Samuel of CIA Greystone.

Other menu ideas: Tea-Smoked Lamb Loin with Radish and Celery Salad from Chef Bill Kim of UrbanBelly in Chicago, and Washoku-Style Nitsuke, a fresh idea for yellowtail fillet from owner Pat Yoshida of Sushi Dokoro Kirala in Beverly Hills, CA.

Recipes

• Viet Bowl
• Crunchy Tofu and Ginger Pork Puffs
• Cantonese Lobster and Pork
• Ahi Tuna Poke
• Washoku-Style Nitsuke
• Avocado Shrimp Spring Rolls
• Spicy Asian Beef with Grape and Napa Cabbage
• Thai-Style Pulled Duck Sliders
• Tea-Smoked Lamb Loin with Radish and Celery Salad
• Five-Spice Chicken Salad
• Sweet and Spicy Thai Lettuce Wraps