Discerning diners are always looking for a little something extra — variety, creativity, and unexpected items on a menu. In the world of Asian cooking, the canvas is large. Asian cuisine can include a wide range of locations from the entire continent; from Chinese, Korean, South Indian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Japanese specialties, among others.
With a blend of cultures, the items and flavors are broad and give diners the opportunities to try new things, hone in on their favorites, and have an adventurous restaurant experience — sans the overseas travel expenses.
What Is Pan-Asian Cuisine?
if you’re wondering, what does Pan-Asian mean and what it really is, well, you’ve come to the right place. Pan-Asian encompasses special dishes from different nations and cultures throughout the entire continent of Asia. On a Pan-Asian menu, you are likely to find a spicy curry dish from rural Southern India, pork, rice, and vegetable dish from Vietnam, and a traditional Chinese rice and shrimp dish, all offered on the same menu.
For those who want to adventure outside their usual comfort zone, Pan-Asian menus allow diners to expand their cuisine horizons far beyond the usual and the expected.
Pan-Asian vs Asian Fusion
Asian Fusion menus generally offer a blend of two or more Asian cultures in each menu item. For example, there might be an offering of a traditional Korean dish with an additional kick of South Indian accents, ingredients, and flavors. Asian Fusion marries the best of two, or more, cultural worlds and always expands the dishes to a whole new stratosphere.
With a Pan-Asian Fusion menu, diners will generally find dishes from across Asia that not only compliment each other but may also combine perfectly with cultural recipes from entirely different continents. Diners may discover the excitement of a traditional Chinese dish married to the exotic and rich tones of rustic Brazilian cuisine.
These global-inspired foods tend to far exceed dining expectations, offering the very best of diverse cultures. In this culinary world: it’s about complimenting ingredients as well as providing tantalizing flavor contrasts. But without a doubt — with Pan-Asian Fusion, the cuisine is always exciting. Here’s a simple recipe you can make at home that your family and guests will love.
Korean Taco Fusion Recipe
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
• crushed red pepper flakes (to personal spice preference)
• 4 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 small cabbage
• 2 medium shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 medium onion
• 8 medium sized tortillas
Directions:
Create the slaw by combining half the soy sauce, red pepper, and vinegar. Then add the shredded cabbage, and the carrots, and let the mixture marinade about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix the sugar, the second half of the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Then add the beef and let it marinate about 15 minutes
Heat the oil in a skillet and sauté the onion until transparent. Then add the beef and cook until done. Spoon the meat mixture into the tortillas and top with the flavorful slaw. Delicious!
If you are craving authentic Pan-Asian Fusion food — accompanied by spectacular waterfront views — come to Casa Sensei. Our creative, chef-inspired menu, traditional and exotic cocktails, excellent service, and beautiful waterfront patio seating make the perfect date night atmosphere or an ideal spot for the gathering of family and friends.
And if you’re in the mood for romance, we can help set the tone, because we partner with a charming gondola service that’s sure to accent the high notes of your evening.
You’ll find Casa Sensei conveniently located at 1200 East Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. For reservations, call 954.994.1668.