Category Archives for "Meat"

Cluck This: The Best Chicken Base Substitute Out There

By Rose | Meat

Chicken stock is one of the first things that you learn about when you start culinary school. And rightfully so, as there are a lot of recipes that call for chicken stock. In fact, it is a valued ingredient all around the world. Singapore has chicken rice, America has chicken noodle soup, the Japanese use chicken stock when making ramen, and the Italians use chicken stock in their fabulous risottos.

I have noticed that a lot of people make the mistake of using the term chicken base when they are referring to chicken stock. Even many of my foodie friends do this and confuse chicken stock with chicken base. While it is easy to confuse the two, there are some key differences between the two of them, and if you add the humble chicken bouillon into the equation, there is even more confusion. If you are one of those people, I am going to help you by telling you what separates the three ingredients.

Chicken stock is created by using whole chickens, water, some salt, ground black pepper, garlic, and vegetables, like carrots, onions, and celery. The concoction is then boiled and simmered in a stockpot for hours until you get a clear chicken broth soup. (A lot of skimming is involved during this process.) Chicken base undergoes the same process but it’s cooked for longer. The broth is then slowly simmered into a highly concentrated chicken stock. Chicken base can also be bought in stores in a highly concentrated powder form. Typically, the chicken base is darker and thicker than regular chicken stock, while chicken bouillons is bought in cubes that dissolve in boiling water.

As chicken stock is much lighter than chicken base, it is preferred in dishes like chicken noodle soups, risottos, and chowders. While the thicker and richer consistency and taste of the chicken base makes it a perfect to include in stews and sauces.

Personally, I prefer making chicken base, as opposed to chicken stock, because of its rich flavor. I absolutely love making ramen at home, so it is imperative that I know a thing or two about making a great chicken base. I have done this over a hundred times as an ingredient for my chicken rice, chicken and fisherman stew, crab chowder, and even Indian curries.

However, making chicken base will take you hours and hours, so it’s not suitable if you need it for a quick recipe. I have scoured the internet for other ingredients that can be used as a substitute for chicken base and listed them below for you.

The 3 Best Andouille Sausage Substitutes, From Awesome To Brilliant

By Rose | Meat , Smoking

Sausages are considered to be a staple food, wherever you are in the world. In fact, their popularity has reached the point that some people can’t live a day without eating one.

There are many different sausage varieties to enjoy. Perhaps you are already familiar with some of them. But if you want something that has a fierce yet delectable flavor, you should explore the world of smoked sausages.

There are two methods you can use to make smoked sausages. The first one is to smoke the sausage first, then cook it afterwards (preferably by grilling). The second approach is by cooking and smoking the food simultaneously. You can do any of these with the help of a smokehouse or a simple charcoal smoker or electric smoker.

It is these smoking techniques that give us the wonderful aroma and genuine flavor of smoked sausages. Among all of these sausages, Andouille features both a classy and earthy tang. Any food gourmets will appreciate the taste of this delicacy, which has a unique flavor. That’s why it is a struggle to find an Andouille sausage substitute.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that this is the end of the line for us, because if that was the case, I would certainly get frustrated!

How Long Does Prosciutto Last (And Other Important Facts)

By Rose | Meat

Prosciutto is a type of ham that is usually served during special occasions and holidays. You can commonly see this delicacy during Christmas dinners and festive gatherings. But even on ordinary days, prosciutto is still in-demand from eager folks like me who want to enjoy the pleasures of eating this ham as many times as possible.

But just like other delicacies, prosciutto has a limited longevity, as it will go off at some time and become inedible. That’s why it is pretty crucial that you consume the entire ham before it exceeds its expiry date. But how long does prosciutto last? Are there any significant indicators that can tell you if this food is about to go off?

Well, the answers to these questions are in the next section, so I would recommend that you read on and check them out. It is for your own good, after all!

How To Make Dried Beef: 4 Easy Steps To Follow!

By Rose | Meat , Smoking

How do you make dried beef? It is quite an amusing question, considering that drying is not a new food preparation method at all! In fact, drying (or dehydration for some) is a traditional method of preserving food that has been around since time immemorial.

Now, let me be clear about this. Dehydration is not actually a cooking method, as there is nothing that is being cooked here. Instead, it is merely a preservation method that makes meat products edible. It is like hitting two birds with one stone.

Because of this fact, drying requires your serious attention. Otherwise, your meat might become infected by bacteria that could cause foodborne diseases, and no one wants a quick trip to the hospital. Not you. Not me. Don’t worry. I will later show you how you can protect your meat from bacteria.

I know you’re quite excited about this tutorial. So let’s stop beating about the bush here and get started with our dried beef recipe right now!

What Is Ground Chuck? The Facts You Need To Know!

By Rose | Meat

Why does it have to be ground beef? Well, as you all know, ground meat is the most versatile type of meat sold on the market. A small portion of it can give your soup or dish a meaty taste. Whether it’s burgers, meatloaf, taco or spring rolls, you need ground meat.

It is also cheaper than big cuts and slices of meat. So, if your budget is tight, just keep portions of it in your freezer and you can plan your whole week’s meals from it.

With this thought in mind, I was curious to find out where ground meat comes from and what ground chuck is? Is it the same as the ground beef that I bought earlier? Let’s first find out how ground meat is made and the different types there are. Are you ready?