It may be freezing in some parts of the country, but in California, the sun is shining — that’s probably how it got its nickname, “The Sunshine State.” While we’re all experiencing varying temperatures and weather, we think we can all agree that we could all use some Californian food. So, what’s Californian cuisine? It’s not entirely one thing. The wine country in the north is dominated by flavors inspired by French, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. Asian and Mexican dishes are popular throughout the state, though Mexican is mostly a So-Cal thing. If we were to really analyze what makes Californian cuisine so special, it’s a flair for fusion. Fusion cuisine is any kind of food that is influenced by two (or sometimes more) cultures and in California, there is an especially strong emphasis on presentation and the use of fresh produce. New Yorkers might disagree, but Californians also know how to make a mean pizza; they set the stride for pizzas with unconventional toppings, be it barbecue or inspired by world cuisine.
So in honor of the Sunshine State and all the amazing food it’s brought us, we’re giving you 15 recipes that were inspired by the creative, fresh, and flavorful cuisine of California.
1.Buffalo Peanut Inside-Out Sushi
Fusion food comes from California and this Buffalo Peanut Inside-Out Sushiis a fusion of Japanese and American flavors; fresh vegetables and spicy, crunchy Buffalo peanuts are wrapped in seasoned rice and then drizzled with a creamy Buffalo sunflower seed sauce. If you don’t have a bamboo rolling mat, or if you’re just not into rolls, you can also serve this amazing meal as a rice bowl.
2.Mexican Pizza
Celebrate pizza night with this Mexican Pizza. It’s a delicious combination of everything you would put in a taco, only on pizza dough. Starting with the tomato salsa pizza base, this pizza tastes like a dream. Charred corn, endless avocado, gooey vegan cheese, and fresh coriander … could it get any better?
3.Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao Burger
If you’re looking to seriously step up your burger game, these Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao Burgers are definitely worth your time. Steamed bao buns are stuffed with oyster mushrooms marinated in an umami sauce and paired with steamed kale and caramelized onions. No patties, because if you have pulled oyster mushrooms what else do you need? Steaming a yeast dough instead of baking it is actually something pretty genius. It just leaves you with the softest and juiciest bread you can imagine — kind of like biting into a cloud.
4.Thai Pizza With Cauliflower Leeks Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce
Is there any better night than pizza night? This flavorful Thai Pizza With Cauliflower Leeks Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce is guaranteed to blow the roof right off your home. It’s loaded with Thai-inspired ingredients and flavors like bell pepper, sprouts, baked tofu fresh herbs, and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. It’s also topped with Italian marinara sauce and creamy cashew cheese that blend together as the pizza gets crispy and warm in the oven.
5.Cauliflower Ceviche Tostadas
Cauliflower is nature’s miracle vegetable. Lightly cooked cauliflower is the perfect stand-in for seafood in this Cauliflower Ceviche Tostada. It’s cooked in salted water so it softens just a bit and it’s then tossed with lime juice, red onion, and kumquats. Served on a crispy corn tortilla, it strikes the perfect balance of crunchiness and soft, flavorful veggies.
6.Oolong Banh Mi Burger
Flavorful and delicious, this Oolong Banh Mi Burgeris the closest thing to food perfection. The oolong tea infusion used in the burger itself and the pickling veggies are strong enough to impart enough flavor without being overwhelmed by the more assertive jalapeño and radish. Because banh mi has a sweet component, the plums are the perfect addition, especially after grilling, which enhances the plums’ sweetness, and after a few minutes of macerating in brown sugar.
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7.Ginger Tempeh Poke Bowl
Traditionally, poke (pronounced “poh-kay”), a dish from Hawaiian cuisine, are made with raw fish and severed on some rice with an assortment of toppings such as edamame, fresh vegetables, and mangos. This recipe for Ginger Tempeh Poke Bowlis a great fish-free take on the traditional dish. It’s loaded with marinated tempeh, grilled pineapple, and served on a bed of sprouted brown rice. Not only is this dish healthy, it’s also light!
8.Mexican Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Sturdy vegetables, like the bell pepper, are perfect food vessels for all sorts deliciousness. In these Mexican Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers, bright bell peppers are stuffed with zesty Mexican-style quinoa and topped with a tangy-tart avocado sauce. Fun and filling!
9.Jackfruit Banh Mi Tacos
Whoever first thought of turning a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich into a taco was a certified genius. But even the work of a genius can be improved upon, and the result here are these Jackfruit Banh Mi Tacos. He-llo! Tender jackfruit is coated in a sweet and sour teriyaki sauce, all topped with crunchy, tangy pickled veggies, creamy Sriracha mayo, and enrobed in a soft corn tortilla. Now that’s one epic Vietnamese taco.
10.BBQ Eggplant Pizza
The crust for this BBQ Eggplant Pizzauses both white and wholemeal flour to produce a crisp base that has that classic pizza crunch when you bite into it. It’s topped with herby roasted garlic tomato sauce, barbecue eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, and fresh basil. The real star of the show here is the barbecue eggplant. Sticky-sweet and melt in your mouth eggplant perfectly tops this crisp pizza base. Using the freshest ingredients makes this pizza fragrant and flavorful!
11.Thai Quinoa Burgers
These Thai Quinoa Burgers are the freakin’ bomb, people. They’re just as a vegan burger should be. Delicious, hearty, full of flavor, and they stay together beautifully. There’s nothing worse than a crumbling vegan burger patty, truly. They are also healthy, super easy to make, are protein-packed, crispy on the outside, and not at all dry. What’s not to love? You have to try these!
12.Indonesian Macro Bowl
This easy-to-prepare Indonesian Macro Bowlhas a base of spiced tempeh, umami quinoa, and tender steamed kale and is topped with sauerkraut for gut health, pea shoots, and a creamy avocado dressing. This dish keeps well, so you can prepare a big batch at the start of the week for your lunches.
13.Thai Red Curry Tofu Tacos
While traditional Mexican tacos are absolutely delicious, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes. These Thai Red Curry Tofu Tacos do just that. This is a fusion recipe that combines that classic corn tortilla taco shell, with a bold Thai flavored tofu filling. The curry sauce is spicy, zesty, umami, cream, and a little sweet and they’re combined with a filling of fresh vegetables and herbs. Enjoy these for dinner or take them along to a summer party!
14.Mexican Elotes Bisque With Lime Crema
This Mexican Elotes Bisque With Lime Crema was inspired by the flavors of elotes, a popular Mexican street food of grilled corn on the cob with spices. The medley of flavors make this dish perfect for any time of year. You’ll love all the fabulous flavors you can get from simple spices and sweet corn!
15.Chinese 5-Spice Pulled Jackfruit Spring Rolls
These Chinese 5-Spice Pulled Jackfruit Spring Rolls are delicious while eaten fresh, but don’t be scared to store them for a future munching session. Spring rolls are one of those foods that really lets you be creative and play around with fillings and dips — try making yours as colorful as possible! Apart from being delicious and nutritious, they are also pretty easy and quick to make.
You don’t need to live in California to indulge in some Sunshine State-style food. Which of these awesome recipes is calling your name?
Lead image source:Ginger Tempeh Poke Bowl
