Beelean Tan, Chef & Owner
Growing up in the culturally diverse country of Malaysia brought the world to Beelean's plate. Indian, Chinese and Malaysian flavors made their way onto her family table as a child and now can be found on the menu of inspired dishes at Clara's Wok.
You can taste the global influence in her Asian-fusion cuisine served fresh each week at the Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market.
Penang Kari Mee, Amah's Kerabu Beehoon
Beef Lemongrass Noodle
Growing up in Southeast Asia, I was surrounded by natural fragrances. Fertile soil, tropical warmth and cooling rain made for the perfect spice and herb gardens.
My favorite, lemongrass, is actually a reed, which I use in this dish to slowly marinade my beef. Delicately balanced with just the right touch of chili, garlic and basil to brighten your day without setting you on fire.
The fine rice noodles are freshly prepared and dressed in their own special sauce and a generous sprinkle of mint, coriander a few secrets to make for a refreshing summer dish. If you are not a beef lover, you will be after trying this!
Beef Lemongrass Noodle
Beef Mee Fun
Yes, it’s a “fun” dish, but actually it’s pronounced as “foon.” Another one of my fusions – Szechuan/Thai. I was fortunate to grow up in a very eclectic cullinary environment of Chinese delicacies, Tamil fragrances and Malay spices. So I am always searching for the unusual combination of East meets “anywhere.” This dish of delicately prepared rice noodle topped with fiery lean ground beef balanced, shitake mushrooms, fresh basil and a few of my secrets is a great summer treat.
Beef Mee Fun
Gado Gado
This VEGETERIAN dish is a favorite found throughout the Malaysian Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago. But this particular variation from Penang is considered the best throughout the region. Delicate vegetable fritters served over a fresh crunchy bed of shredded Jicama, Cucumbers and Bean Sprouts, drizzled in a warm and lighpeanut sauce. Try it as a hearty salad or a main course. Either way, you’ll come back for more.
Gado Gado
Indian Mee Goreng
Indian cuisine has proliferated across Asia over the centuries, and in Southeast Asia it is often served with noodles rather than rice. This VEGETARIAN breakfast item brings back so many flavors and memories of my childhood. My hope is to share these with you through this recipe of eggs, cabbage and tofu, accented with carmelized soy sauce and baked shallots.
Indian Mee Goreng
Chicken Nasi-Lemak
This famous peasant BBQ from Malaysia has it all. Growing up, my siblings and I were very poor, so this was a treat even for us. Chicken grilled and marinated in my own special sauce, topped with a mélange of onions and lemon grass marinated in a Sambal, served with freshly sliced pineapple and cucumbers and pickled carrots alongside a serving of coconut infused rice.
Kansas City, Texas and Tennessee BBQ royalty, STEP ASIDE!
Chicken Nasi-Lemak
Specialty Foods
