Appetizer Recipes

Lung Fung Shrimps with jumbo shrimp and three kinds of mushrooms deep-fried then wok-tossed in oyster sauce, soy, ginger, and sesame oil. A classic Cantonese banquet-style seafood dish.

Madras dip with curry powder, sour cream, diced hard-boiled eggs, and grated vegetables blended smooth. A tangy, curry-spiced party dip served cold with corn chips.

Marinated artichoke hearts with Greek olives and Salonika peppers in a lemon-vinegar dressing. A make-ahead Mediterranean appetizer served with pita wedges.

Marmaliga is a Romanian cornmeal porridge cooked in milk and water until thick and creamy, served with cottage cheese and sour cream. A simple, comforting Eastern European staple.

Cold spaghetti pasta salad tossed with diced cucumber, red bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bottled Italian dressing. A potluck classic that travels well and tastes better the second day.

Maryland crab cakes with a pound and a half of lump crab, oil-soaked bread, and whipped egg whites for lightness. Pan-fried in butter until golden on both sides.

Smoky Thai mashed eggplant, charred whole over a grill then pounded with shallots, garlic, and chili. Fried briefly and served with hard-boiled eggs and fresh mint as a savory dip or side.

Curry mayo dip whisks mayonnaise with curry powder, scallions, and Worcestershire for a fast 5-minute party dip. Pairs with crudites, chips, and chicken tenders.

Indian lentil sandwich spread with coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and garlic. A vegan, oil-free, high-protein spread inspired by McDougall's plant-based approach.

Mexican meatballs (albondigas) made with three meats, corn tortillas soaked in milk, cumin, and oregano, simmered in red chili sauce and beef broth. A traditional Southwestern appetizer or main dish.

Mediterranean tomato salad with Vidalia onions, fresh herbs, and lemon dressing. Cilantro and mint brighten this Middle Eastern side. Serve with pita or as falafel topping.

Classic 7-layer Mexican dip with jalapeño bean dip, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, and cheddar. A no-cook party appetizer ready in 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Mexican guacamole dip mashes ripe avocados with lime, fresh tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro. Restaurant-style chunky guacamole for chips, tacos and burrito bowls.

Mexican pita pizzas layer black beans, Pico de Gallo, and melted cheese on crispy pita rounds for a fast appetizer or weeknight dinner. Ready in 20 minutes with easy Tex-Mex toppings.

Mexican salsa dip stirs together fresh tomatoes, green chiles, black olives, scallions, olive oil, and vinegar for a chunky no-cook party salsa with tortilla chips. Best after a brief rest.

Midia is a Turkish-style mussel and rice appetizer with pine nuts, currants, cinnamon, and allspice. Cooked in olive oil and served at room temperature with fresh lemon.