Chinese Cooking Demystified

Try Susanna Foo's Recipes For Spring Rolls And More

(CBS) 
Honey Soy Glaze
(Makes about 1/2 cup)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons soybean oil or corn oil
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a small skillet over high heat. Add the shallot, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until soft, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn the heat to low, add the sake or wine, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
   
   
2. Add the soy sauce, honey, and vinegar or lemon juice. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer until the sauce is thick, 8 to 10 minutes. Strain and discard the solids; cool.
   
   
3. Store in a squeeze bottle or covered container. The sauce will keep for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature or for up to 1 month refrigerated.

Grilled Lamb Chops With Roasted Sesame Marinade
(Serves 4)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 small piece fresh ginger (about 1 inch)
8 rib lamb chops, trimmed (2 pounds total)
1/4 cup olive oil, plus additional for grilling
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Method:

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over low heat, stirring often, until light brown, about 5 minutes. Pour into a bowl and cool, then grind to a paste in a spice grinder or coffee mill.
   
   
2. Peel and grate the ginger. Wrap it in a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice; you need 2 tablespoons. Discard the solids and set the juice aside.
   
   
3. Place the chops on a rimmed platter or baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.
   
   
4. Combine the oil, sesame paste, and all the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour over the lamb chops and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning once.
   
   
5. Put the rack of a charcoal or gas grill 4 to 6 inches from the heat source, brush generously with oil and heat the grill until hot. Remove the chops from the marinade and grill for 3 to 4 minutes.
   
   
6. Turn the chops and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side for meat that is medium-rare. Serve hot.