Appetizer Recipes

Chinese popcorn shrimp with a cornstarch crust, tossed in sweet-and-pungent sauce with ginger, garlic, red pepper, and citrus zest. Crackling-crisp bite-sized shrimp.

Ebi kimizushi: elegant Japanese stuffed-prawn sushi, with butterflied vinegar-marinated prawns filled with a silky, seasoned golden egg-yolk paste. A refined, bite-sized appetizer.

Four mini quiches in one bake: salmon-broccoli with Stilton, asparagus with Cheddar, leek with smoked salmon and Mozzarella, and tomato-olive with Feta and pesto. A buffet showstopper.

Dahi vada made with urad and moong dal, deep-fried into golden fritters, soaked in water, then served in spiced yogurt. A classic Indian appetizer with creamy, tangy contrast.

Beer-simmered hot dogs cooked in the microwave for a quick, flavorful twist on a classic. Topped with warm sauerkraut and served on soft buns, these franks soak up malty flavor fast.

Mini Reuben appetizers on toasted white bread with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a horseradish-chili mayo. Bite-sized party snacks baked until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Teriyaki chicken marinates broiler-fryer pieces in soy sauce, sake, sugar and fresh grated ginger, then cooks in the microwave for tender, glossy Japanese-style chicken in 20 minutes.

Two-ingredient caramel fondue made from melted caramel candy squares and water. Serve warm with apple chunks, marshmallows, and fruit for dipping, then roll in chopped nuts.

Chilled ginger shrimp marinated in a reduced teriyaki, rice vinegar, and sherry sauce. A light, make-ahead appetizer served cold with cucumber sticks and dipping sauce.

Crispy fried wontons stuffed with ground pork, minced prawns, dried mushrooms, and water chestnuts. A classic Chinese appetizer that fries golden in 2 minutes and freezes beautifully for make-ahead entertaining.

Thai hot and sour shrimp soup (Tom Yum Goong) with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chile paste, and straw mushrooms. A bright, aromatic broth built from shrimp shell stock.

Hot cheese dip with minced clams, sharp cheddar spread, green peppers, and hot sauce. Made in the microwave in 5 minutes flat. Serve with corn chips.

Sweet potatoes with a hint of orange: cooked sweet potatoes baked with cinnamon, dried apricots, and fresh orange slices. A lighter, fruit-sweetened holiday side with no marshmallows or piles of sugar.

Wild rice and mushroom soup simmered in vegetable stock with red wine, bell pepper, and parsley. A vegan, broth-based soup with earthy depth and chewy wild rice in every spoonful.

Super nachos with a quick stovetop cheese sauce made from nacho cheese, milk, and chili powder poured over tortilla chips and topped with sliced jalapenos. Ready in under 20 minutes.

Italian lentil crostini topped with a velvety lentil puree and bubbly melted Fontina cheese. Earthy, rich, and ready for your next antipasto spread.