Avocado feast

Avocado Feast: Exploring the Flavors of Asia

Spicy Avocado Sushi Rolls

Avocados are often associated with guacamole and salads, but this creamy fruit can be a game-changer in Asian cuisine too. With its rich texture and mild flavor, avocado pairs well with spicy, umami, and tangy elements commonly found in Asian dishes. Here are five delicious ways to incorporate avocado into your meals, adding a nutritious balance.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 4 pieces of cooked prawn or crab stick
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon Japanese mayonnaise
• Soy sauce & wasabi (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into warm sushi rice. Let it cool.
2. Lay the nori sheet on a bamboo mat and spread a thin layer of rice over it.
3. Mix sriracha and Japanese mayonnaise, then spread a thin layer over the rice.
4. Arrange avocado slices and prawn/crab sticks on one end of the nori.
5. Roll tightly using the bamboo mat, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Thai Avocado Green Curry

A different take on the classic Thai green curry, avocado adds extra creaminess to this fragrant dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoon green curry paste
• ½ avocado, mashed
• 200g chicken or tofu
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, eggplant)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar
• Fresh Thai basil leaves

Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté green curry paste with a bit of coconut milk until fragrant.
2. Add chicken or tofu and cook until done.
3. Stir in remaining coconut milk, vegetables, and mashed avocado.
4. Season with fish sauce and palm sugar. Simmer for five minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves before serving with steamed rice.

Avocado Rojak

A Malaysian fruit salad with a spicy, tangy dressing, rojak gets a creamy upgrade with avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup pineapple, diced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup jicama (sengkuang), diced
• ¼ cup fried tofu, diced
• 2 tablespoons of crushed peanuts
• Rojak sauce
  • 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste

Instructions

1. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
2. Toss avocado, pineapple, cucumber, jicama, and tofu with the sauce.
3. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts before serving.

Avocado Laksa

A rich and creamy take on the Malaysian spicy noodle soup, avocado balances the heat beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 packet of laksa noodles
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of laksa paste
• ½ avocado, mashed
• 200g prawns or tofu
• ½ cup bean sprouts
• 1 boiled egg, halved
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander

Instructions

1. Cook laksa noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat coconut milk in a pot, add laksa paste and stir well.
3. Add prawns or tofu and simmer for five minutes.
4. Stir in mashed avocado and mix until creamy.
5. Pour the laksa broth over the noodles, top with bean sprouts, egg, and coriander.

Avocado Bibimbap

A wholesome rice bowl with bold Korean flavors and avocado for extra creaminess.

Ingredients

• 1 bowl cooked rice
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup kimchi, chopped
• ¼ cup sautéed spinach
• ¼ cup julienned carrots
• 1 fried egg
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Arrange rice in a bowl and top with avocado, kimchi, spinach, carrots, and a fried egg.
2. Drizzle with gochujang and sesame oil.
3. Mix everything together before eating.

Conclusion

Avocado may not be a traditional Asian ingredient, but its smooth texture complements a variety of dishes. These five recipes show just how avocado is used in Asian cuisine. Give them a try and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use ripe avocados for these recipes?
  • Yes, ripe avocados are perfect for these recipes, as they will add natural creaminess and flavor.
• Can I substitute other fruits for the avocado in these recipes?
  • While other fruits like mango or papaya may work, they will change the flavor profile of the dish. Avocado is a key ingredient in these recipes, so it’s best to use it as intended.
• Can I make these recipes vegetarian or vegan?
  • Yes, most of these recipes can be adapted to be vegetarian or vegan by substituting animal products with plant-based alternatives.