Sprout

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Editors note: This recipe was written in 1991, before Southeast Asian ingredients were widely available. For a more authentic take on the dish, substitute rice noodles for the capellini or thin spaghetti. (To cook: Soak the rice noodles in a large bowl of cold water for 15 minutes, then drain the noodles, and boil in salted water until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the noodles, rinse under cold water, and drain again.) You can also replace the dried hot red pepper flakes with an equal amount of sambal oelek, and use 1 1/2 tablespoons (or more to taste) fish sauce in place of the soy sauce and anchovy paste. Also: Feel free to use flank or skirt steak in place of the shell steak, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

Tatsoi, mizuna, and pea shoots are available at Asian markets as well as at some specialty foods shops and farmers markets. If you have trouble finding any of these greens, packaged organic baby Asian salad mix (such as Earthbound Farm brand) is an excellent substitute and can be found at most supermarkets. (Buy three 5-ounce packages.)

Brown rice is not traditionally used for sushi in Japan, but since it's such a healthy whole grain, we've decided to bend the rules. You'll have leftover vegetables, which are great for salads. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

These fresh and pretty wraps fuse three different Asian influences: Chinese stir-fry, Japanese ingredients, and a Vietnamese dipping sauce.

Sweet, salty, and spicy, nuoc cham is the indispensable sauce of Vietnam's cuisine. It's a favorite dipping sauce for spring rolls and for fresh rice-paper rolls such as these.

Ficelle, a slender demi-baguette available mostly from artisanal bakeries, makes elegant slices, but any narrow French baguette will work. For added indulgence, use a European-style butter such as Plugrá or Insigny St.-Mère. What to drink: Brut Champagne (or sparkling wine) sets a festive tone and can be poured throughout the meal.

The agrodolce (tart-and-sweet) flavors of vinegar and raisins used in marinating the fish are typical of Jewish-Italian cooking.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Mung bean sprouts, commonly known simply as bean sprouts, are available in the produce section of most supermarkets.

This knife-and-fork sandwich is terrific with potato chips, pickles and marinated vegetables from a market salad bar or the deli. Brownies à la mode are a delicious finish.

A little pork goes a long way in this Chinese dinner. Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for the pork. Chinese crepes are available frozen in most Asian markets, but easy-to-find tortillas work, too.

(Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp) Paad Thai, with its signature fettuccine-width rice noodles, is available in myriad variations throughout Thailand. In its country of origin the dish is often made with dried shrimp; for a milder flavor fresh shrimp is specified here.

Some of the chicken's flavorful poaching liquid gets added to the dressing in this spicy Asian-accented dish.

This dish is a wonderful accompaniment to grilled, steamed, or stir-fried seafood. Topped with diced steamed sweet potato or winter squash, it makes a satisfying light meal on its own.

This recipe was directly inspired by the wonderland of flavors and textures that is Korean bibimbap, a bowl or pot of rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, an egg, and (sometimes) meat that's mixed up right before it's eaten.