25 July 2012

Fajita Seasoning/Spice Mix

Overview

Does anyone else have a problem finding Old Elpasso Fajita seasoning? I have no trouble finding their other products, just this one. In the end, I decided to create a recipe of my own. There are many fajita seasoning recipes around, but they are waaaay too hot for my partner's taste buds.

After much tweaking, I have come up with one that still leaves a tingle on your taste buds but doesn't have you rushing for a glass of milk!


Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp corn flour
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp paprika powder
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1/4 tsp capsicum flakes (optional)
  • 2 1/2 tsp chicken or beef stock powder
  • 1.5 tsp onion flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic granuals
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Method
  1. Grind the garlic granules and onion flakes to a fine powder.
  2. Add the dried oregano and parsley and grind for a little while to break the flakes up.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoughrally.

Notes
Even though I give the option of using chicken or beef stock powder, I have found that the beef stock powder tastes great on chicken!

12 July 2012

Beef Bulgogi

Overview

For those of you who live near a Costco, you can buy beef bulgogi and it is delicious. We first came across it whilst visiting our friends in Yass, NSW. My OH fell in love with it, so I had to find something that tasted close to the Costco version.

Whenever I do this recipe, I tend to make it in bulk and freeze it (uncooked). Traditionally, it should be served in lettuce cups, but I find some rice and steamed Asian vegetables is perfect.


Ingredients (Serves 10)
  • 1kg beef, I used whatever "steak" is on special, usually sandwich or blade 
  • 10 tsp light soy sauce 
  • 4-5 tbsp white sugar 
  • 1 bunch spring onion, thinly sliced 
  • 4 tbsp minced garlic 
  • 4 tbsp sesame seeds 
  • 4 tbsp sesame oil (if prefer fragrant sesame oil) 
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper 

Method
  1. Slice the beef paper thin and place into a bowl. You need to cut the beef paper thin, it doent work with chunks or strips. Some recommend partially freezing the beef so you can cut it, but I find a sharp knife and room temperature is fine. 
  2. Add the other ingredients, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or over night (or put into containers and freeze) 
  3. Cook in a frypan or flat grill. Mine always goes juicy so I sprinkle corn flour over the beef before I cook it to make the sauce stick to the beef. 
  4. Serve with rice and steamed Asian vegetables.