Shrimp

The consistency and flavor of bottled Asian chile sauces can vary, as can the heat of fresh chiles, so make adjustments to taste. For these tropical rolls, we found the thinner Wei-Chuan brand spring roll wrappers worked best. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 hr

Lisa Caiazza of Franklin Square, New York, writes, "At the Manhattan law office where I'm a legal secretary, it seems as though the phones are always ringing. And if it isn't the phones that have me occupied, then there are lots of documents that need my attention. By the time I get home from the city, I usually have only about 45 minutes to put together dinner for my husband, Angelo, and myself. Still, that's enough time to make something filling and delicious, like a salad and a hearty pasta or soup." A quick and flavorful pasta dish that's special enough for company.

This American variation of a Chinese stir-fry—combined with a loaf of crusty bread—is a meal in itself.

"My brother has a small shrimping net, and once, years ago, he brought me several pounds of shrimp after a successful trip," says Robert Randolph of Perdido Beach, Alabama. "I created this appetizer as a way to use all that shrimp. Now, whenever my brother stops by with his catch, my family requests this dish."

Great on their own or in pastas and salads.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Camarones al mojo de ajo is a favorite Mexican dish. Here, instead of swimming in butter, it swims in a flavorful sauce.

"I'm originally from Ecuador, and I'll never forget the wonderful food there," Maria Budde of Orange, California. "I enjoy re-creating dishes from my home country, and this flavorful starter is typical of my native cuisine. It's simple to make and delicious."

This risotto has the classic creamy yet al dente texture and features a combination of Parmesan cheese and seafood. Contrary to popular belief, Italians do partner cheese with seafood in some dishes; we recommend it here without reservation.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Japan meets Morocco in this inventive dish. For a light coating, don’t overmix the tempura batter: A few lumps of flour are O.K. Find preserved lemons at a specialty foods store, or use the grated peel of a regular lemon.

For an interesting presentation, set out bowls of some traditional condiments, like chopped peanuts, toasted coconut, raisins and chopped bell pepper.

New England has a large Portuguese population. Their numbers are most concentrated in Massachusetts fishing centers, such as New Bedford, Glouchester and Providencetown, where they've had an important influence on the cuisine. One of their specialties is fried scallops, Portuguese-style--a sauté of bay scallops in butter with garlic and parsley. We've elaborated on the basic dish by adding shrimp, mushrooms, green onions and a white wine sauce. Serve it over rice, and offer buttered peas or broccoli on the side.

Almost any type of seafood, meat, or vegetable is superb cooked in a sambal, the fiery spice mixture that is a mainstay of Malay cooking. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you're feeling extravagant, try replacing the scallops with half a pound of lobster. Or substitute a pound of cubed chicken for the seafood and chicken broth for the clam juice.

The following is our own recipe for shrimp De Jonghe, the Chicago specialty. All recipes for shrimp De Jonghe are pretty much the same, the major variable being the amount of garlic used-from one to five cloves, depending on whether you want it to taste like a dainty, ladies' lunch kind of dish or a hearty casserole.

This hearty stew was inspired by the flavors of Spain and Portugal. Because it can be made ahead, it's a perfect dish to enjoy after a day of skiing or other winter play. Offer the stew with some crusty bread and a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Follow with the curly endive salad. For dessert, serve a seasonal fruit tart from your favorite bakery.