Justin Warner Recipes

SICHUAN-INSPIRED CABBAGE

Steps:

• In a large wok over high heat, add the peanut oil and preheat the wok. Meanwhile, combine the star anise, cumin seeds, chile powder, cayenne and Sichuan peppercorns in a spice grinder and pulverize. When the oil is just starting to smoke, add the spices and cook for 1 minute. Add the cabbage and cook, tossing and stirring to coat, just until the cabbage is slightly pliable but still has some crunch, about 5 minutes. Finish with the chile crisp, soy sauce and black vinegar. Adjust for seasoning. Transfer to a platter and garnish as desired with the cilantro and green onions.

CHEESEBURGER EGG ROLLS

Steps:

• For the ketchup sauce: Combine the ketchup, fish sauce, star anise and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepot and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until it begins to bubble, then remove from the heat and let cool completely. Stir in the mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the egg rolls: Set a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons oil, then the ground beef and a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Add half the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a sheet pan to cool, about 10 minutes. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining raw onions.
• Lay the egg roll wrappers out on a clean work surface. Place a slice of American cheese in the center of a wrapper, then some of the beef mixture followed by the shredded cabbage. Roll up the egg roll, securing it closed with some of the beaten egg. Place on a sheet pan seam-side down while assembling the remaining egg rolls in the same manner.
• Add the remaining 1 1/2 quarts oil to a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and bring the temperature up to 350 degrees F.
• Place the egg rolls in batches into the hot canola oil seam-side down, and fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
• Cut the egg rolls in half on the bias and serve with the ketchup sauce.

FAUXRITOS

Steps:

• For the cheese powder: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees F. Mix the cheeses and spread in as close to a single layer as possible on a cookie sheet. Bake for 8 hours. The cheese will appear dry and a little greasy. Remove the cookie sheet and blot dry with paper towels. Remove the cheese and place on another clean cookie sheet. Blot again if necessary. Bake until very dry, 2 more hours. Remove the cookie sheet and blot a final time. Allow to cool in a dry place.
• Put the cheese crisps in a blender or spice grinder and pulverize. BEHOLD!!! FINGER LICKIN' GOOD CHEESE POWDER! Reserve.
• For the chips: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F in a deep skillet. Fry the tortillas, in batches, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes per batch. Place on a wire rack to drain. While still hot, season with the cheese powder.