Category Archives: Blog

Homemade Stir Fry Sauce Recipes: 5 Easy Sauces You’ll Make on Repeat

If you’re interested in an easy, good homemade stir-fry sauce recipe that does not require you to purchase a whole bunch of specialty bottles, here is a quick recipe: blend soy sauce, a sweetener, acid, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry.  Pour over hot vegetables and protein in the final minute of stir-frying. This is […]

Spicy Eggplant Recipe: How to Get Silky, Never Greasy Eggplant Every Time

By the kitchen at Lona’s Lil Eats, 2199 California Ave., St. Louis, MO | Last updated: August 2026 The best spicy eggplant recipe sears thick batons of Chinese or Japanese eggplant in a hot pan until the edges are deep golden, then finishes them in a garlic-chili-soy sauce that thickens and clings in the final […]

Easy No-MSG Asian Cooking: Authentic Recipes & Flavour Secrets

Asian cuisine is popular all over the world for its strong flavour, colourful ingredients and nutritious food. Whether you’re making a fragrant stir-fry, a hearty noodle dish, a delicious soup or a well-cooked rice, there are so many variations to Asian cooking! But lots of home cooks feel that real taste can only be obtained […]

St. Louis Farmers Markets: The Complete 2026 Guide (Where to Go, What to Eat, and When to Skip the Crowds)

A St. Louis farmers market is a community-organized market where local farmers, craftspeople, and food stalls come together to sell produce, crafts, and prepared food directly to consumers. In this 2026 guide to St. Louis farmers markets, you’ll get all kinds of details – from hours to location to whether the markets accept SNAP/EBT – […]

Easy Peanut Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes, No Blender Needed)

Peanut sauce is a versatile, savory, slightly sweet sauce made by whisking together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sweetener. A five-minute, no-cook recipe created in the kitchen of Lona’s Lil Eats, St. Louis, MO, for home cooks who want a dipping sauce that is pantry-stable and doesn’t require a blender or […]

Best Dumplings in St. Louis: What Makes a Great Dumpling?

Thanks to those viral TikToks and mouthwatering YT shorts, dumplings are pretty common in every asian-fusion restaurant, especially in St Louis. But what makes an ordinary dumpling BEST? best dumplings in St. Louis are defined by the quality of their handmade wrappers, the balance of fresh fillings, and a precise cooking method that ensures a […]

The Only Vegan Meal Guide You Need: Vegan Meal Ideas for Beginners

Vegan meals for beginners focus on new methods of preparation and bold seasonings, making them a lively introduction to the world of plant-based eating and a departure from the dull and disappointing “diet food.” Going vegan is mistakenly thought to be a sacrifice of favorite flavors or hours in the kitchen using up rare ingredients. […]

Best Dumplings in St. Louis: What Makes a Great Dumpling?

Thanks to those viral TikToks and mouthwatering YT shorts, dumplings are pretty common in every asian-fusion restaurant, especially in St Louis. But what makes an ordinary dumpling BEST? best dumplings in St. Louis are defined by the quality of their handmade wrappers, the balance of fresh fillings, and a precise cooking method that ensures a […]