Cooking for the whole family can be fun and easy with U-Like’s versatile cookware—claypots, woks, and casseroles. These kitchen tools make preparing meals simple, quick, and delicious. In this blog, we’ve gathered a collection of easy recipes that will appeal to everyone, from toddlers to adults. Plus, we’ve included tips to help get your kids involved in the kitchen!
1.Claypot Chicken Rice
A classic family favorite, this claypot chicken rice is a one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and simple to make. The U-Like claypot locks in moisture, making the rice fluffy and the chicken tender.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice and place it in the U-Like claypot.
- Season the chicken thighs with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper, then place them on top of the rice.
- Add the onion slices and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Tips for Kids: Let your kids rinse the rice and sprinkle the seasoning on the chicken. They’ll love the interactive part of getting their hands involved!
2. Wok-fried Vegetables and Tofu Stir Fry
A nutritious and colorful dish that’s perfect for family meals. Using U-Like’s wok ensures quick and even cooking, preserving the vibrant colors and textures of the vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a U-Like wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tofu and cook until golden on all sides.
- Toss in the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) and stir to coat.
Tips for Kids: Kids can help by washing the vegetables and adding them to the wok. You can also have them stir the dish with adult supervision.
3.Casserole Baked Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its best! This easy casserole recipe is creamy and cheesy, making it a hit with kids. U-Like’s casserole dish ensures even cooking and a golden top that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and stir until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then pour into a greased U-Like casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden.
Tips for Kids: Let your kids help by stirring the cheese sauce and sprinkling cheese on top. They’ll love the cheesy, gooey fun!
4. Claypot Fish Stew
This simple fish stew made in a U-Like claypot is light yet flavorful. Slow cooking ensures that all the ingredients meld together perfectly, creating a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g white fish fillets (e.g., tilapia or snapper)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the U-Like claypot, adding the vegetable broth last.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, and the fish is cooked through.
Tips for Kids: Let your little ones help by adding the ingredients to the claypot, and they’ll enjoy watching the dish come together!
Conclusion
Cooking together as a family can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, especially when you have the right tools. U-Like’s claypots, woks, and casserole dishes are perfect for preparing family-friendly meals that are simple to make and loved by all. Get your kids involved in the kitchen and let them explore the joys of cooking while creating tasty dishes together.
FAQs
A claypot is commonly used for slow cooking stews, soups, rice dishes, and braised foods. Its porous material helps retain moisture and distribute heat evenly, making it perfect for tender, flavorful meals.
Clay pots are generally safe for cooking, as long as they are made from food-safe materials and do not contain harmful chemicals. They help preserve the natural flavors of food and are an excellent option for health-conscious cooking.
Clay pots retain moisture, ensuring that food stays tender and juicy. They also enhance the natural flavors of food and distribute heat evenly, making them perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
Claypot rice is favored for its ability to create a crispy crust at the bottom while keeping the rice tender and fluffy. It imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for Asian-style meals.
Yes, claypots are safe for cooking as long as they are made from high-quality, non-toxic materials. It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure proper use and avoid cracks or damage from sudden temperature changes.
One disadvantage of clay pots is their fragility; they can break easily if subjected to sudden temperature changes or rough handling. Additionally, they require extra care during cleaning and seasoning.
A wok is a versatile cooking vessel used primarily for stir-frying, but it can also be used for deep-frying, steaming, and braising. Its rounded shape and high sides allow for fast and even cooking at high temperatures.
The word "wok" comes from the Cantonese term for a deep, round-bottomed pan used for stir-frying, braising, and steaming. It is a staple cooking utensil in many Asian cuisines.
A wok is preferred over a pan for stir-frying due to its unique shape, which allows for better heat distribution and higher cooking temperatures. Its high sides also allow for tossing and stirring ingredients without spilling.
While a wok is commonly associated with stir-frying, it is also used for other cooking techniques, including deep-frying, steaming, and braising. Stir-frying is just one of the many methods used in a wok.
Yes, a wok is ideal for frying, especially deep-frying. Its shape allows hot oil to be distributed evenly, ensuring a crisp texture on the food being fried.
Avoid cooking delicate ingredients that require low heat, such as eggs for scrambled eggs, or foods that need to be cooked slowly and steadily. The wok’s high heat is better suited for fast cooking techniques like stir-frying.
A casserole typically consists of a combination of proteins, vegetables, and starches, all baked together in a single dish. It may include ingredients like meat, potatoes, pasta, rice, and cheese, often bound with a creamy sauce.
While both casseroles and lasagnas are baked dishes, lasagna specifically refers to a type of pasta-based casserole layered with sauce, cheese, and meat. Casseroles can vary greatly in ingredients and preparation.
The word "casserole" is derived from the French word for "saucepan" or "stew pan," referring to the dish and the cooking vessel used. It generally refers to a one-pot, baked meal.
A stew is typically a dish where ingredients are simmered in liquid for a long time, while a casserole is baked, often in the oven, and may include a crunchy or cheesy topping.
It is called a casserole because the dish is traditionally cooked and served in a deep, oven-proof pot or dish known as a "casserole dish."
No, a casserole is not a soup. While both involve cooking ingredients in liquid, casseroles are baked, often resulting in a thicker, more solid dish, while soups remain more liquid-based.