WITH work-from-home arrangements and almost all food establishments and lifestyle centers closed, almost everyone has turned to cooking and baking—yes, check your feed!—not just out of necessity but also to keep himself busy and entertained. Having more time in your hands means more time to get into it, whether it has always been a passion of yours or is something you've always wanted to try. If this quarantine period hasn't turned you into a kitchen quaran-queen (or king) yet, then maybe these recipes will.
Korean Fried Chicken
Marinate chicken in rice wine, minced ginger, salt and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in potato or corn starch. Deep-fry for three to five minutes (depending on size) and place on a cooling or wire rack —this is important so they stay crispy. Fry a second time for two to three minutes. Set aside.
In a saucepan, stir together over low heat: ketchup, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic and sesame oil. Remove from heat once it starts bubbling. Add chicken and mix to coat each piece with sauce. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Garlic Pasta with Spanish Sardines
Saute minced garlic and breadcrumbs in olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Using the same pan, add Spanish sardines with oil, chicken stock, lemon juice, chili flakes, basil (we used parsley), salt, pepper, butter and thyme. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Serve with the garlic-breadcrumb mixture on top.
Mojos
Place sliced potatoes in a bowl. Add yogurt or buttermilk, salt and pepper and set aside for 15 minutes. Prepare the breading mix: flour, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. Remove potatoes from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture. Fry for five minutes and drain on a rack. Serve with ranch dressing or homemade aioli (mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper).
Chrissy Teigen's Banana Bread
First of all, this should be called a cake, not bread. Incredibly moist and rich, it tastes like you've slaved for hours in the kitchen when in fact, it's as easy as one, two, three. Mix the wet ingredients first: Mashed bananas, eggs and oil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: Flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and combine gently (no aggressive electric mixers allowed!). Fold in shredded coconut and chocolate chunks. Pour into a well-greased pan and bake at 165 degrees Celsius for 60 to 80 minutes. Serve each slice with salted butter (trust us on this!).
Dalgona Matcha
Since everyone has tried a hand on the Korean candy-inspired Dalgona Coffee, take it up a notch by whipping up this matcha drink! Beat one egg white until frothy. Make simple syrup and slowly stream it into the beaten egg white. Mix until fluffy and glossy. Add matcha powder and blend well. Pour onto a glass of milk and ice. Enjoy!