A Splash of Soy

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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From the internationally celebrated author of Coconut & Sambal, a cookbook on Asian home cooking, done quickly with ease and minimal mess.

Named after the simplicity and usefulness of soy, Lara Lee's new cookbook introduces 80 game-changing recipes that close the gap between classic Asian dishes and quick-to-table family meals. There are recipes that only require a little chopping and a boiled kettle, as well as 15, 30, and 45-minute meals fit for weeknight dinners or no-fuss dinner parties. Lara explores the vibrant array of sweet, salty, umami, sour and spicy Asian flavours, with inventive brunch ideas like a Tom Yum Bloody Mary, zesty sides like Sambal Patatas Bravas, simple noodles like Cheesy Kimchi Linguine with Gochujang Butter and many more punchy curries, stir-fries and rice recipes from glazed meat to fragrant veggies. She also includes pantry swaps and vegan substitutes so these fuss-free recipes can adapt to your own busy kitchen.

With tales of heritage and culture woven into every recipe, A Splash of Soy transports readers to different parts of Asia, sprinkled with the Australian influence of Lara's upbringing. It is a book for foodies and beginner home cooks everywhere, showing you can make a memorable, delicious meal with steps as simple as adding just a splash of soy.

My step-stepson (oh, figure that out) is always raving on and on about REAL CHINESE FOOD (his stepdad loves Americanized sweet and sour chicken balls) so this book kind of made me giggle as it is authentic food that he would eat between servings of his body weight in poutine which is apparently REAL CANADIAN FOOD. I loved Coconut & Sambal and this book was wonderful as well: it is simple foods easily made and one can easily use the pantry swaps to add in proteins or make them vegetarian vs. vegan.

I like how you can choose how long the cooking time you have for many of the recipes and that some only require a kettle: that would be perfect for university students in residence trying to save money on a food plan. (I know of big eaters that have gone through their entire food plan’s money in a month and still have a long way to go to December…when it’s a card that you swipe, it doesn’t seem like real money until the account is empty and they show up at our library food bank!)

There are a lot of recipes to choose from in here that you can adapt to your taste and ability to handle the heat of chillies, Gochujang and kimchi so it is very versatile. What a great Asian cookbook! #shortbutsweetreviews

If you’re looking for a cookbook with unique Asian recipes, you’ll want to immediately pick up a copy of A Splash of Soy: Everyday Food from Asia, by Lara Lee. This excellent cookbook includes recipes from all over Asia, and, while many of the recipes are popular and well-known, there are dozens of new and unique recipes that most of us haven’t heard of. And the recipes are mouthwatering.

There is an excellent list of suggested pantry items which helps when shopping at an Asian grocery store. Many of the recipes, however, call for ingredients that most already have in or fridge, freezer, or on our pantry shelves. The recipes are preceded by a paragraph or two with information, notes and tips, giving readers insight on the culture connected with the recipes. This is not only helpful, but also fascinating. The cookbook is well-written and the recipes are laid out in the traditional manner with the ingredients listed first followed by step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.

Also included in this cookbook are beautiful, professional photographs of most of the recipes, making it difficult to decide which recipe to prepare next. There are so many good, mouthwatering recipes that cooks who have a taste for Asian dishes will stay busy cooking for months.

All told, this excellent cookbook belongs on every cookbook shelf; it will become a favorite with everyone who loves Asian food. Highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.