Asian

Layering salmon between sheets of kombu is an easy way to gently cure it, drawing in salt and umami-depth.

This creamy custard is popular in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Singapore, where it's slathered onto toasted fluffy white bread and served with poached eggs as a morning snack. Often called the vanilla of Southeast Asia, the long, narrow, vibrant green pandan leaves give the jam its signature aromatic flavor.

Larb is hailed as the national dish of Laos. Traditionally the salad starts with extremely finely chopped lean meat or fish and is seasoned with lime juice, chiles, fish sauce, and toasted ground rice. This recipe calls for ground lamb, a fattier protein than what’s usually used, and subs ground peanuts as a nod to the texture of the rice.

The green pear adds crunch and sweet-tart notes to this raw yellowtail preparation. A Granny Smith apple, Asian pear, or pineapple would do the same.

This quick version of the classic Vietnamese soup is steeped with aromatic spices and finished off with a waft of refreshing herbs.

Easier to make than the beef version, chicken pho requires fewer ingredients and takes less finesse for superlative results.