Easy Shrimp and Rice Skillet Dish
Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Partners Behind A Couple Cooks
Alex and Sonja Overhiser represent the energetic pair behind the renowned food blog, A Couple Cooks. As writers of two celebrated cookbooks and parents managing the hectic realm of family life, they have successfully established a distinctive niche in the culinary scene by sharing their enthusiasm for uncomplicated, seasonal cooking.
Their adventure commenced in 2010 with the launch of A Couple Cooks, a platform devoted to sharing straightforward recipes that honor the pleasure of cooking. Throughout the years, the blog has transformed into a comprehensive hub for home chefs, featuring thousands of original recipes, valuable cooking insights, and useful meal planning suggestions. Each recipe is carefully designed and photographed by Alex and Sonja, ensuring their individual touch is noticeable in every entry.
What distinguishes Alex and Sonja is their dedication to crafting recipes that are not only tasty but also attainable for cooks at any ability level. They prioritize the use of seasonal produce, which not only enriches the flavor of their dishes but also encourages sustainable cooking habits. Their recipes vary from quick weeknight meals to detailed dishes ideal for entertaining, appealing to a broad audience in search of culinary ideas.
Besides their blog, Alex and Sonja have written two cookbooks that delve deeper into their cooking ethos. These books are packed with recipes that embody their passion for nutritious, flavorful cuisine and aim to inspire readers to approach cooking as a delightful and fulfilling venture.
As busy parents, Alex and Sonja recognize the obstacles of preparing meals for a family. They test all their recipes with their own children, ensuring that every dish is nutritious and kid-approved. This hands-on strategy resonates with many of their followers, who value the couple’s practical suggestions and relatable family anecdotes.
Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have cultivated a lively community of food lovers who share their enthusiasm for cooking. Their commitment to producing high-quality content and their sincere passion for the culinary arts continue to motivate numerous home cooks to discover the pleasures of cooking together.
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Braised Chicken in Garlic Herb Sauce: A Single-Pot Recipe
### Braised Chicken with Crispy Skin and Flavorful Pan Sauce
This braised chicken meal offers an excellent mix of crispy skin, succulent meat, and a rich, delicious pan sauce. The one-pot technique not only streamlines the cooking experience but also guarantees that you’ll produce restaurant-quality outcomes straight from your oven.
#### Flavor Profile
The dish is enriched by the fragrant combination of herbs and sweet onions that cook together with the pan drippings, resulting in a warm and rich taste.
#### Why Make It
With an uncomplicated searing step followed by braising in the same pot, this recipe reduces dishwashing while guaranteeing the chicken stays moist and tender.
#### Serving Suggestions
This braised chicken goes perfectly with:
– Mashed potatoes
– Buttered noodles
– Rice
– Roasted vegetables
These accompaniments are ideal for soaking up the delightful pan jus.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
– **Chicken**: Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks for optimal juiciness.
– **Seasoning**: Utilize seasoned salt for ease, or replace it with kosher salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or Italian seasoning can enhance the fragrance.
– **Braising Liquid**: Low-sodium broth helps manage salt content, while apple juice introduces a touch of sweetness. A dash of white wine can uplift the savory flavors.
– **Variations**: For a more robust dish, think about adding mushrooms or carrots. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can bring a gentle tang, and a squeeze of lemon upon serving brightens the taste.
### How to Braise Chicken
1. **Prepare the Chicken**: Dry the chicken thoroughly and season it generously.
2. **Sear the Chicken**: In a skillet, brown the chicken in butter, then set it aside.
3. **Sauté Aromatics**: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and herbs. Pour in broth and apple juice, scraping up any browned bits.
4. **Braise**: Place the chicken back into the skillet, cover it, and bake.
### Tips for Perfect Braising
– Make sure the chicken is dry for effective browning.
– Refrain from moving the chicken during searing to obtain a golden skin.
– Keep the braising liquid shallow, about one-third up the chicken.
– Balance sweetness with a sprinkle of salt or vinegar.
– Use an instant-read thermometer; chicken is finished at 165°F.
– For added crispy skin, uncover the pot early and rotate for even browning.
### Leftovers That Stay Juicy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or in a 325°F oven, uncovering for the last few minutes to restore the crispiness of the skin.
### Conclusion
This braised chicken recipe is not only straightforward to make but also provides a warm, comforting meal that is bound to impress. Pair it with your preferred sides and relish the delightful flavors!
Simple and Genuine Mapo Tofu Recipe
# I’m hooked on the enchanting blend of silky smooth tofu and zesty spicy pork. If you’re in the loop, you understand: mapo tofu.
## What is mapo tofu?
Mapo tofu is a renowned Sichuan dish featuring a generous amount of *mala*, the distinctive numbing spiciness characteristic of exceptional Sichuan cuisine. If you’re unacquainted with Sichuan fare, the vibrant red color may intimidate you, but once you overcome that heat, you’ll crave it again!
If you’re fond of tofu and enjoy spice, mapo tofu is sure to delight you as well. And if extreme spice isn’t your thing, the beauty of this dish is that you can tweak the spiciness by adjusting the amount of Sichuan pepper you use as a finishing touch.
For those unfamiliar, here’s a brief overview: mapo tofu is a widely loved Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan province. It features soft tofu immersed in a spicy, bright red sauce accompanied by ground pork. The dish’s name roughly means “pockmarked grandma’s tofu,” akin to your grandmother’s special tofu. Numerous variations exist, but this is a classic, authentic mapo tofu recipe.
## How to prepare authentic mapo tofu
With your ingredients ready, the recipe is quite straightforward. Begin by blanching your tofu in salted water. Next, it’s simply a matter of frying the pork and [doubanjiang](https://iamafoodblog.com/doubanjiang-sichuan-spicy-bean-paste/), incorporating chicken stock, and thickening it. Sautéing the doubanjiang to release its oils enhances the flavor and aroma. The sauce thickens with cornstarch, resulting in a glossy, golden mixture that clings flawlessly to your tofu cubes. It pairs beautifully with rice.
1. **Blanch the tofu.** Lightly simmer the tofu in salted water over low heat, then take the pot off the heat and let it sit in its salty water.
2. **Fry.** Cook the pork until crispy, then mix in the doubanjiang and fry it to release its spicy red oils. Add the garlic and ginger.
3. **Sauce.** Combine the chicken stock and soy sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Incorporate the drained tofu cubes and stir in a cornstarch slurry. Simmer until the sauce is thick and glossy, and you’re all set!
## Key Ingredients
This dish centers around two essential ingredients: chili bean paste (doubanjiang) and Sichuan peppercorns. Both can be found at your local Asian grocery store. The rest of the ingredients are fairly common.
– **Doubanjiang.** Doubanjiang is one of the trickiest (or second trickiest) ingredients to source for authentic mapo tofu, but it’s definitely worth it. If your local Asian market doesn’t carry it, [you can find it online.](https://amzn.to/3N9NVFf) Read more about [doubanjiang here](https://iamafoodblog.com/doubanjiang-sichuan-spicy-bean-paste/) or below.
– **Sichuan peppercorns.** As for Sichuan peppercorns, you can purchase pre-ground powder, but if possible, opt for whole Sichuan peppercorns and toast and grind them on your own. The flavor will be much fresher and more pronounced.
– **Soft tofu.** Soft tofu is crucial for authentic mapo tofu. It should be smooth, rich, and soft.
– **Ground pork.** This dish includes a small amount of ground pork, just enough to enhance the tofu.
– **Ginger and garlic.** Ginger and garlic contribute a burst of aroma.
– **Chicken stock.** Chicken stock forms the bulk of the sauce.
– **Cornstarch.** Cornstarch is used as a thickener to ensure the sauce is silky and smooth.
– **Soy sauce.** Just a hint of soy adds extra umami.
## Doubanjiang
With certain authentic recipes, there’s usually that one ingredient you need to hunt down extensively. You might be wandering the aisles questioning if it’s really worth the effort. Allow me to assure you, it absolutely is! Doubanjiang is a spicy fermented blend of soy and broad beans. It’s referred to as the heart of Sichuan cuisine and is responsible for giving your mapo tofu that beautiful red color. When shopping, aim for the Pixian variety if available.
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