A Trip Around the World from Our Kitchen: International Recipes to Try
December 15, 2023 Justin Davis
One of the joys of home cooking is traveling without leaving the kitchen. Our recipe box has picked up dishes from all over the world, from family, friends and favorite restaurants. Here’s a tour by region, with a recipe from each stop.
Latin America and the Caribbean
- Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Bean Soup): dried black beans soaked overnight and slow-simmered with green pepper, garlic and oregano.
- Arroz con Pollo Casserole: chicken and rice with cumin and picante sauce, an easy weeknight version of a classic.
- Skirt Steak with Chimichurri: a bright herb sauce of parsley, cilantro, garlic and vinegar made in a mortar and pestle.
- Guacamole & Fresh Salsa and Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for a Tex-Mex night.
East Asia
- Rachel’s Bulgogi: Korean-style beef marinated in soy, sesame oil, sugar, sake and green onion, then seared hot.
- Teriyaki Steak Sauce: soy, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger and garlic, simmered until glossy.
- Vegetable Chow Mein: noodles, cabbage, snow peas and carrots in a sweet soy and miso sauce.
- Gochujang, the Korean chili paste, sneaks into our Ultimate Sandwich Sauce and Simple Summer Marinade.
The Mediterranean
- Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki: Greek-style chicken marinated in lemon, oregano and garlic.
- Bravas Sauce: Spain’s smoky, spicy sauce built on sweet smoked paprika, perfect over crispy potatoes.
- Italy is well represented, from Fettuccine Alfredo to Asparagus Risotto. See our guide to Italian cooking.
France
French technique shows up all over our kitchen, especially in sauces. Our Red Wine Dijon Pan Sauce and Steak Diane Sauce are good places to start, and our French cooking guide explains the methods behind them.
And back home
Of course, the recipes we make most are still American classics like Grandma June’s Meatloaf, smoked pork shoulder and baby back ribs. Wherever you start, pick one new dish this week. It’s the cheapest trip you’ll take all year.
New to cooking other cuisines? Start with our beginner’s guide.
