Ember-Grilled Steak with Bay Leaf Browned Butter

A pinch of sugar in the spice rub ensures picture-perfect grill marks with layers of flavor.

An ex-boyfriend’s mom—who emigrated from Colombia—made the best meat sauce—she would fry sofrito for the base and simply add cooked ground beef, sazón, and jarred tomato sauce. My version is a bit more bougie—it calls for caramelized tomato paste and white wine—but the result is just as good.

A little shrimp paste goes a long, long, long way in this delicious vegetable dish.

An espresso-and-cumin-spiked rub (or brine) gives this smoked chicken impressive flavor.

This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!

Just like the state fair, minus the crowds.

This traditional dish of beef, sour cream, and mustard may have originated in Russia, but it’s about time for a version with ramen noodles, don’t you think?

This dish is not only a quick meal option but also a practical way to use leftover phở noodles when you’re out of broth.