Chinese Vegetable Soup with Noodles

RECIPE

The noodles here aren't cooked in the soup; they'd absorb too much of the liquid. Instead, they're boiled separately, tossed with sesame oil, and then put into bowls, waiting to be warmed by the hot broth. The bok choy goes into the soup toward the end of cooking, so that a hint of crispness remains.

Yield
4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon cooking oil
6 scallions including green tops, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
3 1/2 cups water
3 1/2 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
4 carrots, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices
3/4 pound napa (Chinese) cabbage (about 1/2 head), leaves shredded (about 3 cups)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 small head bok choy (about 3/4 pound), stalks halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces, leaves shredded
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 pound vermicelli
1 1/2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil

Preparation
1. In a large saucepan, heat the cooking oil over moderately low heat. Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce, red-pepper flakes, water, and broth and bring to a boil.

2. Add the carrots to the broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the cabbage and salt and simmer for 5 minutes longer. Add the bok choy and lemon zest and simmer until the bok choy starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice.

3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the vermicelli until just done, about 9 minutes. Drain. Return the noodles to the pot and toss with the sesame oil. Put some noodles in each of four bowls and ladle the soup over the noodles.

Wine Recommendation: German wines are huge sellers in Japan; their exciting juxtaposition of tangy acidity, vibrant aromatic fruitiness, and balancing sweetness is ideal for Asian cuisine. Look for a Mosel kabinett for a match made in heaven.

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Chinese Ginger and Lemon Sauce

RECIPE

The cooking goes quickly for this hearty one-pan meal, so have all the ingredients prepped before you begin.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 3 ounces pork, 2 tablespoons sauce, and 1 tablespoon green onions)

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut crosswise into (1/2-inch-thick) slices
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients, and rub evenly over pork.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add pork to pan, and cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove pork from pan, and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons onions, ginger, and garlic to pan; cook 2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Combine sherry and next 5 ingredients (through soy sauce) in a small bowl. Add sherry mixture to pan; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Add pork to pan; cook 3 minutes or until pork is done. Remove pork from pan using a slotted spoon, reserving liquid in pan.

Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture to pan, and bring to a boil. Cook 30 seconds or until slightly thickened. Serve over pork. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup green onions.

Nutritional Information
Calories:189 (30% from fat)
Fat:6.2g (sat 2.1g,mono 2.8g,poly 0.7g)
Protein:24g
Carbohydrate:6.1g
Fiber:0.6g
Cholesterol:75mg
Iron:2mg
Sodium:513mg
Calcium:22mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Chicken and Persimmon Lettuce Wraps

RECIPE

Asian preparations are natural for persimmons. You can also serve individual wraps as appetizers.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 3 wraps)

Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons peanut oil
1/2 cup minced green onions
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound ground chicken
1 cup chopped peeled ripe Fuyu persimmon (about 2)
1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
12 Boston lettuce leaves

Preparation
Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, cornstarch, and chicken to pan; sauté for 4 minutes or until chicken is done, stirring to crumble. Add persimmon, water chestnuts, ginger, soy sauce, juice, and oyster sauce to pan; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture into center of each lettuce leaf; roll up jelly-roll fashion.

Nutritional Information
Calories:247 (40% from fat)
Fat:11g (sat 2.8g,mono 4g,poly 2.7g)
Protein:20.2g
Carbohydrate:19.3g
Fiber:3.4g
Cholesterol:75mg
Iron:2.1mg
Sodium:392mg
Calcium:34mg

Chinese cooking@home
cooking lover

Lucky Chinese Soup

RECIPE

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes

Yield
Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/4 cups)

Ingredients
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 2 ounces)
1 cup cubed firm tofu (about 6 ounces)
1/2 cup canned sliced bamboo shoots, drained
1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili oil
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Preparation
1. Bring broth to a boil in covered 2-quart saucepan; add mushroom slices, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Return to a boil; cook, uncovered, 5 minutes.

2. Remove from heat; stir in the fish sauce and remaining ingredients.

Nutritional Information
Calories:100
Fat:5g (sat 1g,mono 2g,poly 2g)
Cholesterol:53mg
Protein:10g
Carbohydrate:7g
Fiber:1g
Iron:1.5mg
Sodium:279mg
Calcium:38mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Sesame Beef and Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry

RECIPE

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 cup stir-fry and 1/2 cup rice)

Ingredients
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, divided
1/4 cup Chinese black (Chinkiang) vinegar or rice vinegar, divided
4 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
3/4 pound top round, cut into1/4-inch strips
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons peanut oil, divided
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted and divided
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups red bell pepper strips
1 1/2 cups frozen blanched shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed
1 cup sliced shiitake mushroom caps
1 (15-ounce) can whole baby corn, drained
1/2 cup diagonally cut green onions
3 cups cooked jasmine rice

Preparation
Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar, sesame oil, and five-spice powder in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add beef; toss to coat. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove beef from bowl; discard marinade.

Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar, water, and cornstarch, stirring with a whisk.

Heat 1 teaspoon peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; stir-fry 1 minute. Remove beef from pan. Add 1 teaspoon peanut oil, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic to pan; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add bell pepper, edamame, mushrooms, and corn; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add beef and cornstarch mixture; stir-fry 3 minutes or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and onions. Serve over rice.

Nutritional Information
Calories:434 (30% from fat)
Fat:14.4g (sat 3.3g,mono 4.8g,poly 3.5g)
Protein:21.7g
Carbohydrate:55.9g
Fiber:6.3g
Cholesterol:36mg
Iron:3.7mg
Sodium:318mg
Calcium:62mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Stir-Fried Vegetables with Toasted Cashews

RECIPE

Yield
4

Ingredients
3 tablespoons canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2/3 cup cashews
Dried red-pepper flakes
1 pound mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 scallions, white bulbs sliced thin, green tops chopped and reserved separately
3/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound broccoli, thick stems removed, tops cut into small florets (about quart)
1 1/2 pounds napa (Chinese) cabbage (about 1/2 head), shredded (about 1 1/2 quarts)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Preparation
1. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the broth with the cornstarch. In a wok or a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the cooking oil over moderately high heat. Add the cashews; cook, stirring, until starting to char, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a medium bowl and add a pinch of red-pepper flakes.

2. In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil over moderately high heat. Add the mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the cashews. Stir the scallion greens and sesame oil into the mushroom mixture.

3. Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of cooking oil over moderately high heat. Add the scallion bulbs and garlic; cook, stirring, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the cabbage; cook, stirring, until the cabbage wilts, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and the oyster and soy sauces. Stir the cornstarch mixture, add it to the pan, and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sauce coats the vegetables, about 1 minute. Serve topped with the mushroom mixture.

Wine Recommendation: Wines from Austria are more available than ever. Pick a grüner veltliner, a white wine with intriguing fruity and peppery flavors, for a tasty change of pace.

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Stir-Fried Tofu, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Chinese Peas

RECIPE

In this recipe, fresh ginger is combined with salt then sits for five minutes. The salt draws out some of the ginger juice, making it drier, which is better for stir -frying; it also decreases the ginger's pungency.

Yield
2 servings (serving size: 1 3/4 cups)

Ingredients
1 tablespoon julienne-cut peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps
1 cup snow peas, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon minced bird chile or 1 teaspoon minced serrano chile
1 (12.3-ounce) package reduced-fat firm tofu, drained and cubed
1/2 cup (1-inch) sliced green onions
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

Preparation
Combine ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Rinse ginger with cold water; pat dry. Combine ginger and cornstarch in bowl.

Heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, and stir-fry 2 minutes or until tender. Add the ginger mixture, snow peas, and chile, and stir-fry 2 minutes. Add tofu; stir-fry 1 minute. Add onions and soy sauce; stir-fry 2 minutes.

Nutritional Information
Calories:208 (41% from fat)
Fat:9.4g (sat 2g,mono 2.5g,poly 4g)
Protein:15.4g
Carbohydrate:16.2g
Fiber:3.4g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:4.7mg
Sodium:775mg
Calcium:120mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese-Style Glazed Chicken Breasts

RECIPE

Serve with asparagus and rice.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half and 1 tablespoon sauce)

Ingredients
1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon apricot preserves or fruit spread
4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and sauté for 3 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat; carefully stir in broth mixture. Return chicken to pan; cook 3 minutes or until done, turning to coat.

Nutritional Information
Calories:186 (25% from fat)
Fat:5.1g (sat 0.9g,mono 1.3g,poly 2.5g)
Protein:26.7g
Carbohydrate:6.9g
Fiber:0.3g
Cholesterol:66mg
Iron:0.9mg
Sodium:526mg
Calcium:17mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Hot Pot of Beef and Vegetables

RECIPE

This comforting stew teams beef with spinach, an efficient pairing because the iron in the beef enhances your body's ability to absorb the iron in the spinach. Serve it over plain Chinese noodles or all by itself with some crusty French bread--it's delicious either way.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 1/3 cups)

Ingredients
4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon aniseed, crushed
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 1/4-ounce) can low-salt beef broth
2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons dry sherry
2 to 3 teaspoons chile paste with garlic2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled turnips (about 3/4 pound)
1 1/2 cups baby carrots
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
8 cups fresh spinach (about 1/2 pound)

Preparation
Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add half of beef, browning on all sides. Remove from pan. Repeat the procedure with remaining oil and beef. Add onions, ginger, aniseed, and garlic to pan; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in broth, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Return beef to pan. Add 2 3/4 cups water and next 5 ingredients (2 3/4 cups water through cinnamon sticks), and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour.

Add the turnips and carrots; simmer for 45 minutes or until tender. Combine 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch; add to beef mixture. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add spinach; cover and cook for 3 minutes or until wilted. Discard the cinnamon sticks.

Nutritional Information
Calories:359 (30% from fat)
Fat:11.9g (sat 3.4g,mono 5.5g,poly 1.5g)
Protein:26.4g
Carbohydrate:35.8g
Fiber:4.5g
Cholesterol:71mg
Iron:4.8mg
Sodium:536mg
Calcium:88mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Five Spice Burgers

RECIPE

You can now find Chinese five spice blends in the spice section of most supermarkets, where you'll also find prepared plum sauce and Asian sesame oil. If you can't find five spice, substitute this mixture: 1/8 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and anise seeds.

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
About 1 teaspoon olive or salad oil
1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms (3 1/2 oz.)
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (including tops)
6 tablespoons prepared Chinese plum sauce
1 pound ground lean beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice (see notes)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 sesame seed-topped hamburger buns (about 3 oz. each), cut in half horizontally
Lettuce leaves, rinsed and crisped
Salt

Preparation
1. Pour oil into an 8- to 10-inch nonstick frying pan over high heat; when hot, add mushrooms and stir until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in the green onions and plum sauce and remove from heat.

2. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, Chinese five spice, and ginger. Shape beef mixture into four equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Lay patties on a lightly oiled barbecue grill over a solid bed of medium-hot coals or medium-high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 3 to 4 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook patties until no longer pink in the center (cut to test) or a thermometer inserted in center reaches 160°, 6 to 8 minutes total, turning once to brown evenly. After 5 minutes, lay bun halves, cut side down, on grill and toast lightly, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Lay a lettuce leaf on each toasted bun base, top with a beef patty, and spoon mushroom mixture equally over burgers. Add salt to taste and cover with bun tops.

Nutritional Information
Calories:608 (46% from fat)
Protein:31g
Fat:31g (sat 12)
Carbohydrate:52g
Fiber:2.5g
Sodium:1119mg
Cholesterol:85mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Potstickers

RECIPE

Variations of these little dumplings are popular throughout China. They symbolize abundance and wealth for the coming year, as they are made in large amounts and, when fried golden, represent coins. In northern China they are served in the hours between the old and new year. These may take some time to prepare, but gather a few friends to help assemble the potstickers. Cook two dozen for your party, and freeze the extras for future snacks or meals. Simply pop the extra, uncooked dumplings in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag.

Yield
16 servings (serving size: 3 dumplings and about 1 tablespoon sauce)

Ingredients
Dumplings:
3 cups chopped napa (Chinese) cabbage (about 4 ounces)
4 dried shiitake mushrooms (about 1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
5 ounces lean ground pork
5 ounces ground chicken breast
1 large egg white
48 gyoza skins
1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 1/3 cups water, divided
Sauce:
3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons minced green onions
3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Shaoxing (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
2 teaspoons chile puree with garlic sauce
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

Preparation
1. To prepare dumplings, cook cabbage in boiling water 1 minute or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain. Cool; chop.

2. Place mushrooms in a small bowl; cover with boiling water. Cover and let stand 30 minutes or until tender. Drain mushrooms; chop.

3. Combine cabbage, mushrooms, 1/4 cup green onions, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and next 7 ingredients (through egg white) in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours.

4. Working with 1 gyoza skin at a time (cover remaining gyoza skins to prevent drying), spoon 2 teaspoons pork mixture into center of each skin. Moisten edges of gyoza skin with water. Fold in half, pinching edges together to seal. Place dumpling, seam side up, on a baking sheet sprinkled with remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch (cover loosely with a towel to prevent drying). Repeat procedure with remaining gyoza skins and filling.

5. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 dumplings to pan; cook 3 minutes. Add 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until water evaporates. Repeat procedure with remaining canola oil, dumplings, and water.

6. To prepare the sauce, combine 3 tablespoons chopped ginger and remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Serve sauce with dumplings.

Nutritional Information
Calories:132 (0.0% from fat)
Fat:5.1g (sat 0.7g,mono 2.3g,poly 1.3g)
Protein:6.5g
Carbohydrate:14.7g
Fiber:1g
Cholesterol:15mg
Iron:0.8mg
Sodium:511mg
Calcium:23mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Almond Cookies

RECIPE

Prep and Cook Time: about 45 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill. Notes: You can store the cookies airtight for up to 3 days.

Yield
Makes about 48 cookies

Ingredients
1 cup (1/2 lb.) butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk
1/3 cup blanched whole almonds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Preparation
1. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add whole egg and almond extract and beat until well blended. Stir or beat in flour and baking powder until well blended. Cover bowl and chill until dough is firm, about 1 hour.

2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, flatten each slightly, and place each about 1 inch apart on buttered or cooking parchment-lined 12- by 15-inch baking sheets.

3. In a small bowl, beat egg yolk with milk to blend. Brush cookies lightly with egg mixture; discard any remaining. Press an almond into the center of each cookie and sprinkle each with about 1/8 teaspoon sesame seeds.

4. Bake cookies in a 325° oven until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes; if baking more than one pan at a time, switch pan positions halfway through baking. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then use a wide spatula to transfer to racks to cool completely.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cookie.

Nutritional Information
Calories:86 (51% from fat)
Protein:1.2g
Fat:4.9g (sat 2.6)
Carbohydrate:9.4g
Fiber:0.3g
Sodium:52mg
Cholesterol:19mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Chicken and Mushroom Lettuce Cups

RECIPE

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 3 cups)

Ingredients
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups minced cremini mushrooms (about 8 ounces)
1 cup minced shiitake mushroom caps (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1 pound ground chicken breast
3 cups shredded napa (Chinese) cabbage
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (8-ounce) can whole water chestnuts, drained and minced
1 cup minced green onions
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
24 Boston lettuce leaves

Preparation
Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes. Add cremini and shiitake mushrooms and chicken; cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded cabbage, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and water chestnuts; cook for 5 minutes or until cabbage wilts. Remove from heat, and stir in onions, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Cool completely. Place mixture in an airtight container or heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; freeze.

Thaw chicken mixture overnight in refrigerator or microwave at MEDIUM for 10 minutes. Bring to room temperature, or microwave at HIGH until warm, if desired. Stir in cilantro. Spoon about 3 tablespoons chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf with a slotted spoon.

Nutritional Information
Calories:103 (13% from fat)
Fat:1.5g (sat 0.3g,mono 0.4g,poly 0.5g)
Protein:15.3g
Carbohydrate:7.4g
Fiber:2.3g
Cholesterol:33mg
Iron:1.4mg
Sodium:270mg
Calcium:44mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Five-Spice Steak with Rice Noodles

RECIPE

The delicate flavor and texture of rice sticks balances the highly seasoned beef. You can also serve the steak with basmati rice.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups beef mixture and 1 cup noodles)

Ingredients
4 ounces uncooked wide rice stick noodles (banh pho)
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch strips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced green onions
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 medium tomatoes, each cut into 6 wedges
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Preparation
Cook noodles according to package directions.

While noodles cook, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and steak in a large bowl. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced green onions and garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add beef mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato wedges, green onion pieces, and chopped basil; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Information
Calories:374 (29% from fat)
Fat:12.1g (sat 4.3g,mono 4.3g,poly 2.1g)
Protein:28.2g
Carbohydrate:36.6g
Fiber:2.3g
Cholesterol:59mg
Iron:4.1mg
Sodium:744mg
Calcium:32mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Chicken Salad

Yield
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
2 navel oranges (see notes)
About 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 fresh wonton wrappers, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips (see notes)
6 cups finely shredded cabbage
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
Spicy soy-ginger dressing (recipe follows)
1 large avocado, cubed
4 green onions (including green tops), sliced diagonally
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Preparation
1. In a 2- to 3-quart pan over high heat, bring about 1 quart water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, then plunge asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

2. Cut off and discard ends from oranges. Following the curve of the fruit, cut off peel and outer membrane. Slice oranges crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, then cut these rounds into quarters. Set aside.

3. Pour the vegetable oil into a 3- to 4-quart pan (the oil should be about 1/2 inch deep) and set over medium-high heat. When oil reaches 350°, add wonton strips and fry, stirring, until golden brown on both sides, about 30 seconds total. Lift out with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain.

4. In a large serving bowl, toss the cabbage, chicken, and asparagus with the dressing. Top with avocado, orange slices, and wonton strips, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Spicy soy-ginger dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Asian red chile sauce (such as Sriracha), and 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup vegetable oil or grapeseed oil, whisking constantly. Season with salt to taste.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories:308 (56% from fat)
Protein:15g
Fat:19g (sat 3.1)
Carbohydrate:20g
Fiber:4g
Sodium:317mg
Cholesterol:36mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese-Barbecued Pork Tenderloin

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 3 ounces)

Ingredients
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°.

Trim fat from pork. Combine sugar and next 3 ingredients (sugar through pepper). Rub pork with spice mixture.

Place pork on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; insert a meat thermometer into thickest portion of tenderloin. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Combine hoisin, orange juice, and oil in a small bowl; brush over tenderloin. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until thermometer registers 160° (slightly pink).

Nutritional Information
Calories:165 (27% from fat)
Fat:5g (sat 1.5g,mono 2.1g,poly 0.9g)
Protein:24.7g
Carbohydrate:3.9g
Fiber:0.2g
Cholesterol:79mg
Iron:1.5mg
Sodium:269mg
Calcium:14mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Style Roast Pork (Char Sil)

In San Francisco's Chinatown, char sil is often displayed hanging in a market window or layered in pans in Chinese delicatessens or restaurants. This versatile pork works well in stir-fries, lo meins, or dumplings. Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or heavy-duty plastic wrap, and place in a plastic bag. Freeze for up to three months. Serve with snow peas.
This recipe goes with Rainbow Fried Rice.

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 3 ounces)

Ingredients
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons minced green onions
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds boneless Boston butt pork roast, trimmed and cut into (2-inch) cubes

Preparation
Combine first 9 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add pork; seal and marinate in refrigerator 24 hours, turning bag occasionally. Remove pork from bag, reserving marinade.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Place pork on the rack of a broiler pan lined with foil. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Turn pork over, and baste with reserved marinade. Discard remaining marinade. Bake an additional 20 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160° (slightly pink).

Preheat broiler. Broil pork 5 minutes or until browned.

Nutritional Information
Calories:193 (41% from fat)
Fat:8.9g (sat 3g,mono 4g,poly 1.1g)
Protein:21.2g
Carbohydrate:5.8g
Fiber:0.2g
Cholesterol:73mg
Iron:1.5mg
Sodium:249mg
Calcium:28mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Style Stove Top Pot Roast with Noodles

Ginger, soy sauce, star anise, and Chinese five-spice powder infuse this dish with Asian flavor. If you can't find fresh Chinese egg noodles, substitute rice noodles or even linguine.

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients
4 teaspoons peanut oil, divided
1 (2 1/2-pound) sirloin tip roast, trimmed
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 cups fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 garlic cloves, crushed
3 star anise
2 cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps
2 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot (about 2 large)
4 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise (about 1 3/4 pounds)
12 ounces fresh uncooked Chinese egg noodles
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Preparation
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle roast evenly with five-spice powder and salt. Add meat to pan; cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Add broth and next 6 ingredients (through star anise) to pan; bring to a simmer. Cover, reduced heat, and simmer 3 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat from pan. Cover and keep warm.

Strain cooking liquid through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and carrot to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Add bok choy and 4 cups reserved cooking liquid to pan. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until bok choy is tender.

Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Divide noodles evenly among 8 bowls. Shred the meat with 2 forks; arrange 3 ounces meat over each serving. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons vegetable mixture and 1/2 cup broth. Place 1 bok choy half on each serving; sprinkle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons green onions.

Nutritional Information
Calories:414 (31% from fat)
Fat:14.2g (sat 4.6g,mono 6.5g,poly 1.4g)
Protein:40.1g
Carbohydrate:29.8g
Fiber:3.1g
Cholesterol:82mg
Iron:4.2mg
Sodium:846mg
Calcium:207mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

It's a bit milder than the restaurant standard, but that's what we like about it. The flavors are balanced and fresh, and the acidity functions as an accent, not a one-note blast. Prep and Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. Notes: The heat from the black pepper in this soup intensifies as it sits. If you plan to make the soup ahead of time or want a milder flavor, use 2 tsp. during cooking; then taste the soup before serving and add more pepper if you like.

Yield
Makes about 4 1/2 qts. (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients
2 pounds pork top loin, cut crosswise into 1/8-in.-thick strips
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger
3/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup peanut oil
1 can (8 oz.) sliced bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
12 cups chicken broth
3/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
12 ounces firm tofu, drained and cubed
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
About 1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper (see Notes)
Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions (pale green and white parts)

Preparation
1. In a bowl, toss pork with 1/4 cup soy sauce and ginger. Marinate 20 minutes. In another bowl, stir together remaining 2 tbsp. soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, and salt; set aside.

2. Heat peanut oil in a large pot (at least 5 qts.) over medium-high heat, then add pork and marinade. Cook, stirring constantly, until pork loses its pink color, about 4 minutes. Stir in bamboo shoots and cook 1 minute.

3. Increase heat to high, add broth, and bring to a boil. Add mushrooms, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook about 20 minutes. Add tofu and simmer 5 minutes. Add soy-vinegar mixture and simmer 5 minutes more; the liquid will thicken.

4. In a small bowl, beat eggs with sesame oil. Slowly pour eggs into soup in a thin stream while stirring soup very slowly in one direction. Add pepper, stir briefly, then simmer 5 minutes. Serve with cilantro and green onions.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cup.

Nutritional Information
Calories:244 (66% from fat)
Protein:15g
Fat:18g (sat 5.7)
Carbohydrate:18g
Fiber:0.7g
Sodium:890mg
Cholesterol:80mg

Chinese cooking@home
by cooking lover

Introduction

There is absolutely no way to describe the best of Chinese food on this page. The variety, styles, and methods of cooking are immense. Therefore, I'll briefly highlight some key items.The difference in regional styles of cooking in China are vast for the most part. The recipes listed here are mainly comprised of Westernized versions of popular recipes.

However, you can learn how to cook Chinese food at home by yourself from many popular Chinese recipes. Let's do it and enjoy the great foods now!

Chinese cooking@ home
by cooking lover