tahini Archives -

The best recipe for pulled pork that I’ve come across is from David Chang’s Momofuku. It’s simple, uncomplicated, and results in meat with a clean flavor which is versatile enough to be used in raman, sandwiches, tacos, and rice bowls of all sorts. A long and slow roast yields meat that’s crisp on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Most recently I served it alongside some garlic-sauteed greens, fresh corn, pickled red onions and jalepenos, and a drizzle of sriracha tahini dressing. The dressing is creamy, a bit tangy, and has just the right amount of heat to keep it interesting. I like using this dressing for kale salads as well, and it also works as a dip for crudités. Note that the pork requires an overnight refrigeration and about six hours in the oven, so plan ahead accordingly, but there is very little hands-on time so don’t let that scare you off. There will be quite a bit of pork leftover if you make the amount specified in the recipe, which means you’ll have easy dinners for the rest of the week.

I cannot remember exactly when I first starting cooking with miso, but I think it was around the time when my dad was struggling with cancer and my mom had been experimenting with the macrobiotic diet to promote healing. Those two years were pivotal in my learning about the role of food in our overall well being and I became much more conscious of health and wellness. Back then we used miso mostly in soups and Asian cooking, but more recently it has become a favorite way to add that umami taste to a myriad of foods. Miso is rich in nutrients and because it is fermented it also contains probiotics. With its growing familiarity there are several varieties widely available in stores ranging from white miso (the most mild) to red miso (much more assertive). I usually use white miso as I find it adds plenty of flavor without being overwhelming.

Pulled Pork Rice Bowls with Sriracha Tahini Dressing

Miso Roasted Veggie Flatbreads with Green Tahini Yogurt