Ep 4. Asian Hot and Spicy

Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee is a popular cooking show that focuses on delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes. In season 4 episode 4, named Asian Hot and Spicy, Sandra Lee takes viewers on a culinary journey through the flavors and spices of Asia.

The episode begins with Sandra introducing some of the key ingredients that will be used in the recipes throughout the show. These include ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes - all of which are staples in Asian cuisine. Sandra also explains how these ingredients can be used to add flavor and heat to dishes without overwhelming the palate.

The first recipe Sandra prepares is a spicy Korean-style chicken stir-fry. To make this dish, she starts by cooking diced chicken in a hot skillet with sesame oil. She then adds a mixture of vegetables, including sliced bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. To give the dish some heat, Sandra adds a generous amount of red pepper flakes and a spicy Korean sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Next up, Sandra shows viewers how to make a Thai-style coconut curry. This dish starts with a base of sautéed onions and garlic, which are then combined with a fragrant mixture of ginger, lemongrass, coriander, and cumin. Sandra then adds coconut milk, chicken broth, and diced vegetables, including yams, carrots, and zucchini. To add some spice to the dish, Sandra uses a Thai curry paste made with red chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. The result is a creamy and aromatic curry that is both filling and comforting.

The final recipe Sandra prepares in this episode is a spicy Szechuan-style stir-fry. To make this dish, she starts by cooking pork in a hot skillet with ginger and garlic. She then adds a mixture of vegetables, including broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas, and tosses everything together with a spicy Szechuan sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. The result is a dish that is both spicy and savory, with a subtle sweetness from the hoisin sauce.

Throughout the episode, Sandra provides plenty of tips and tricks for cooking Asian-inspired dishes. For example, she recommends using a mandoline to julienne vegetables for stir-fries, as it helps to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture. She also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh ginger and garlic, to ensure that the flavors of the dish are well-balanced.

In conclusion, season 4 episode 4 of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee is a must-watch for anyone who loves the spicy and aromatic flavors of Asian cuisine. With its easy-to-follow recipes and helpful cooking tips, this episode is sure to inspire viewers to try their hand at cooking new and exciting dishes. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, there is something for everyone in this episode of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee.