Ep 9. Asian Take-Out

Not My Mama's Meals is a cooking show that takes classic comfort foods and gives them a healthy and modern twist. In season 3 episode 9, titled Asian Take-Out, host Bobby Deen turns his attention to the flavors and dishes of Asia.

Bobby starts the show by admitting that he loves Asian food, but finds that it can be difficult to recreate at home. He promises to show the viewers some simple and healthy recipes that capture the complexity and boldness of Asian cuisine.

The first dish that Bobby tackles is stir-fry. He explains that stir-fry is a versatile way to cook any kind of protein or vegetable. He recommends using a non-stick pan and a small amount of oil to ensure that the ingredients don't stick or burn. Bobby then demonstrates how to make a spicy beef stir-fry with bell peppers, red onion, and snap peas. He uses a homemade stir-fry sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic paste to give the dish its flavor and heat.

Next up, Bobby switches gears and shows viewers how to make a healthy version of Pad Thai. Pad Thai is a popular noodle dish that can be high in calories and sodium when ordered from a restaurant. Bobby's version uses spaghetti squash instead of noodles to cut down on carbs and calories. He also includes plenty of vegetables like carrots, bean sprouts, and scallions. The dish is finished off with a homemade Pad Thai sauce made with rice vinegar, fish sauce, and lime juice.

For the third dish, Bobby takes on the classic Chinese takeout dish of General Tso's chicken. This dish is often deep-fried and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Bobby lightens up the dish by baking the chicken instead of frying it and using a healthier sauce made with honey and Sriracha. He also includes a recipe for fried rice that uses quinoa instead of rice.

Finally, Bobby rounds out the show with a dessert that showcases the flavors of Asia. He makes a refreshing coconut and lychee sorbet. Lychees are a sweet and fragrant fruit commonly found in Asian markets. Bobby pairs the sorbet with fresh raspberries and a homemade ginger syrup.

Throughout the episode, Bobby emphasizes the importance of using fresh and healthy ingredients in Asian cooking. He also shows that it's possible to enjoy the bold flavors of Asian cuisine without sacrificing your health or your wallet. By the end of the show, viewers have a handful of new, healthy recipes to try at home.