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Chicken Yakitori with Scallions

Chicken Yakitori with Scallions

Chicken Yakitori with Scallions

Teriyaki sauce:

1/4 C. rice wine vinegar

2 T. brown sugar

1/4 C. soy sauce

1 T. fresh ginger root, coating scraped off with the tip of a spoon and finely minced

2 T. sliced scallions, white and tender green parts only (1 or 2 scallions)

1/4 C. cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 C. water

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 C. sake

12 bamboo skewers

2 leeks, white parts only, soaked in salt water to remove grit and sliced on the bias into 1-inch lengths

To make the teriyaki sauce, heat the rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and scallions to boiling over medium heat. Let cook for 7 minutes, then whisk in cornstarch slurry and cook for another 3 minutes or so, to allow to thicken. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.  Arrange the chicken cubes in a shallow nonreactive container such as a glass baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and rub into the chicken. Pour the sake over the chicken and then pour in the teriyaki sauce. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  Begin soaking about 12 bamboo skewers in water so they won’t burn on the grill.  Heat the grill and thread alternate pieces of chicken and leeks on the skewers. Each skewer should have approximately 3 pieces of chicken, and each serving will consist of 3 skewers. Grill over indirect heat until the chicken is tender but not dry, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Tempura

 

Tempura mix:

1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

3/4 C. cornstarch

4 1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. curry powder

12 oz. cold seltzer

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 to 3 liters canola oil (approximately, as needed for deep-frying)

Shrimp:

1 pound (21-30 count) shrimp, deveined and shells removed

Special equipment: Approximately 12 (8-inch) bamboo skewers

 

To make tempura, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and curry powder in a bowl. Dredge the shrimp in this dry mix, shaking any excess back into the bowl, and add seltzer to the tempura in a stream while whisking constantly to make it into batter. Season with salt and pepper.  Heat canola oil to 375 degrees F in a deep-fryer, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions for similar foods.  Thread the dusted shrimp onto skewers, approximately 4 to a skewer. Pour the tempura batter into a glass pie plate, dip each skewer of shrimp into the tempura batter, and add to the deep- fryer basket. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper toweling and serve warm.

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

Pearl’s Sesame Noodles

 

1/2 lb spaghetti

1 T. sesame oil

Sauce

2 T. low sodium soy sauce

1 T. sherry wine

1 1/2 T. Chinese chili sauce

1 1/2 T. tahini

1/2 T. white sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 slice fresh ginger, size of a dime, peeled and chopped

2 green onions, finely sliced

freshly ground black pepper

1/2 C. finely chopped English cucumber

1 T. fresh coriander, finely chopped

 

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions just until al dente stage; drain and rinse with cold water; drain well. Toss cooked noodles with sesame oil; set aside. To prepare sauce, whisk all sauce ingredients together. Pour over noodles and toss well. Grind pepper over to taste, then garnish with cucumber and coriander.

Shrimp and Pork Balls with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

Shrimp and Pork Balls with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

4 scallions, green and white parts, coarsely chopped

2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

1 serrano or jalapeno chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped, divided

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/2 C. tamari, plus 3 T., dark soy, found on the international aisle

1/4 C. fresh cilantro leaves, a big handful

2 limes, zest and juice

1/2 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, tails removed

1 pound ground pork

4 T. vegetable oil

1 tsp. dark sesame oil

1 T. honey

3 T. water

Toothpicks

 

In the bowl of a food processor combine the scallions, half of the ginger – grated or minced, half of the chopped chile pepper, garlic, 3 T. tamari, cilantro and the lime zest. Pulse for 30 seconds, scrape down the bowl and then continue to process 1 minute or until finely ground. Add the shrimp and pork, process until the shrimp are ground into small pieces and the mixture is well combined but not so fine that it becomes a paste, about 1 minute. Roll the shrimp and pork mixture into to 24 balls, about the size of a large walnut. If you dip your hands in water before rolling the mixture the rolling goes a little easier. Preheat a large nonstick skillet with 4 T. of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the balls and don’t move them until they are brown on 1 side, about 2 minutes. Turn the balls and continue to cook, browning on all sides until cooked through, about 4 minutes. While the balls are cooking make the spicy lime dipping sauce: in a bowl combine the remaining ginger, chili pepper, 1/2 C. tamari, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, honey and 3 T. (a splash) of water. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if you find it to be too salty, add another drizzle of honey. Platter the shrimp and pork balls with a bowl of the spicy lime dipping sauce and toothpicks.

 

Garlicky Hoisin Sauce

Garlicky Hoisin Sauce

This recipe goes with Garlicky Hoisin Beef

1 1/2 T. olive oil
3 T. minced scallion (white parts only)
2 T. minced garlic
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3/4 C. hoisin sauce (available in the Asian-food aisle of most supermarkets)
1/2 C. water
1 1/2 T. soy sauce
1 1/2 T. sugar

Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the scallions, garlic, and pepper flakes, if using, and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 1/2 minutes. Pour into a bowl.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 180
Fat: 6.8g
Fiber: 1g

Baked Hoisin Chicken Buns

Baked Hoisin Chicken Buns

Cooking spray
12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/4 C. finely chopped green onions
1 1/2 T. hoisin sauce
1 T. oyster sauce
2 tsp. rice vinegar
9 frozen white roll dough pieces, thawed (such as Rich’s)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Cool slightly; shred meat with 2 forks. Place chicken in a medium bowl. Add green onions, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and vinegar; toss well to combine. Roll each dough piece into a 4-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spoon about 2 T. chicken mixture into center of each dough circle. Gather edges of dough over filling; pinch to seal. Place the filled dough, seam sides down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat filled dough with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Uncover filled dough. Gently brush with egg; discard remaining egg. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Yield: 9 servings
Calories: 143
Fat: 4.1g
Fiber: 1.2g

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

½ tsp. dark sesame oil

7 tsp. canola or other vegetable oil

2 ¾ C. unbleached white flour

1 C. hot water

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking powder

4 to 8 scallions, chopped (about ½ C.)

sprinkling of salt

vegetable oil for frying

 

In a small bowl, mix together the dark sesame oil and 4 tsp. of the canola or other vegetable oil. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ C. of the flour, the hot water, salt, baking powder, and 2 tsp. of the canola oil. Stir until the dough comes together. Lightly dust a working surface with some of the remaining flour and knead for about 2 minutes, adding flour if the dough is too sticky. Cover the dough with the mixing bowl and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 balls. With a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a circle about 10 inches across. Brush each circle with ¼ of the sesame oil mixture, top with ¼ of the chopped scallions, and sprinkle with salt. Roll each circle into a tight cylindrical rope, then coil the rope to form a flat spiral about 5 inches across. Flatten each spiral by hand, and then roll it into a think 8-inch pancake with a rolling pin, dusting with flour to prevent sticking. It’s okay if a few scallions escape from the dough. Heat a skillet on medium heat, add the remaining tsp. of canola oil, and swirl to coat the pan. Fry each of the 4 pancakes until brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning down the heat if the outside gets to brown too fast. Add a little more oil to the pan, if necessary, for frying. Cut each pancake into wedges and serve immediately. Leftover pancakes may be refrigerated for 3 or 4 days and then reheated in the toaster.

Spicy Szechuan Noodles

Spicy Szechuan Noodles

½ lb. whole-wheat spaghetti, soba (buckwheat) noodles, or linguini

¼ C. peanut butter (or a mixture of peanut butter and tahini)

¼ C. warm water

3 T. tamari soy sauce

2 T. wine vinegar (preferably rice wine vinegar)

1 T. dark sesame oil

1 tsp. hot chili oil

2 C. fresh mung bean sprouts

1 cucumber, peeled, cut lengthwise, seeded, and cut into crescent slices

Chopped scallions

Toasted sesame seeds

 

Cook the pasta al dente in salted water. Drain it and rinse with cold water. Mix the peanut butter, warm water, soy sauce, vinegar, and oils. Toss the noodles with the bean sprouts, cucumbers, and sauce. Top with chopped scallions and/or toasted sesame seeds, if desired. This dish is most flavorful served at room temperature.  Spicy Szechuan Noodles are attractive served on crisp leaves of romaine. We usually serve it with steamed or blanched carrots and broccoli marinated in a ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar dressing.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

1 lb. of chicken pieces still on the bone

1/2 cup brown sugar (you can substitute white, but brown sugar gives it great color and depth of flavor)

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp. ground ginger)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

 

In a large saucepan combine sugar, water, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic and oyster sauce. Mix well, and then add the cleaned chicken pieces (if you use larger pieces, like chicken-breast in bone, you will want to increase the cook time by a few minutes to make sure the chicken is cooked through).

Heat on high until it boils. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 30 minutes covered. Remove from heat and serve

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice

1 egg 

2 T. chicken broth or water 

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce 

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1/3 C. finely chopped onion 

1/3 C. shredded carrots 

1/3 C. frozen baby peas 

1 1/2 C. cold cooked brown rice 

 

In a small bowl, combine the egg, broth or water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Beat with a fork until smooth. Set aside. Set a nonstick skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrots, and peas. Toss. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the rice. Toss and cook for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Reduce the heat to medium. Scrape the rice mixture to the sides of the pan. Pour the egg mixture into the well. Cook, stirring the egg mixture into the rice mixture, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 152

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 2g

Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced crosswise

1/4 C. of cornstarch

3 tsp. vegetable oil, divided

1/2 tsp. grated ginger

1 T. minced garlic

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. of low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 C. brown sugar (measured, not packed)

3/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 large green onion, sliced thinly

 

Pat steak slices dry and add to a bowl with corn starch. Toss to ensure all pieces are just coated. Shake off excess corn starch using a strainer. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. oil in a large wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, stir until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar and pepper flakes. Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes and transfer to a bowl. Turn the heat to high and add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Pour the sauce back into the wok and cook until the sauce reaches desired consistency. Add the green onions (a pinch reserved for garnish), stir, and remove from heat. Plate, top with remaining onions, and serve.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice

1 egg 

2 T. chicken broth or water 

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce 

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1/3 C. finely chopped onion 

1/3 C. shredded carrots 

1/3 C. frozen baby peas 

1 1/2 C. cold cooked brown rice 

 

In a small bowl, combine the egg, broth or water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Beat with a fork until smooth. Set aside. Set a nonstick skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrots, and peas. Toss. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the rice. Toss and cook for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Reduce the heat to medium. Scrape the rice mixture to the sides of the pan. Pour the egg mixture into the well. Cook, stirring the egg mixture into the rice mixture, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 152

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 2g

Vegetable Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice

1 egg 

2 T. chicken broth or water 

1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce 

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 

2 tsp. canola oil 

1/3 C. finely chopped onion 

1/3 C. shredded carrots 

1/3 C. frozen baby peas 

1 1/2 C. cold cooked brown rice 

 

In a small bowl, combine the egg, broth or water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Beat with a fork until smooth. Set aside. Set a nonstick skillet over high heat for 1 minute. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the pan bottom. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrots, and peas. Toss. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Add the rice. Toss and cook for 1 minute, or until sizzling. Reduce the heat to medium. Scrape the rice mixture to the sides of the pan. Pour the egg mixture into the well. Cook, stirring the egg mixture into the rice mixture, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 152

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 2g

Madras Orange Chicken with Ginger Fried Rice

Madras Orange Chicken with Ginger Fried Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, rinsed and blotted dry (4 ounces each) 

1 tsp. sesame oil 

1 T. madras curry powder 

1/2 C. orange juice 

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 

1 C. chopped pineapple 

1/2 C. orange segments, seeded and chopped 

1/2 C. chopped red bell pepper 

1/2 C. finely chopped onion 

1/2 C. light coconut milk 

 

1/2 T. sesame oil 

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 

3/4 T. finely chopped crystallized ginger 

5 scallions, finely sliced 

2 T. chopped red bell pepper 

1 1/2 C. uncooked rice 

2 T. tamari 

2 T. brown sugar 

2 C. rice vinegar 

3 C. hot water 

 

To make the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl. Combine the oil, curry powder, orange juice, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with aluminum foil. Add the pineapple, orange segments, bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the pepper is cooked. Add the coconut milk and the reserved marinade. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet. To make the rice: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and scallions. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are aromatic. Add the pepper. Cook for another minute. Add the rice, tamari, sugar, vinegar, and water. Cook for another 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Serve with the chicken.

Shannon Mullen’s Egg Foo Yung

Shannon Mullen’s Egg Foo Yung

olive oil cooking spray
1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage or fresh bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup finely sliced (or grated) carrot
2 tablespoons finely sliced green onions
2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
6 large egg whites and 1 whole egg (or 1 1/4 cups egg substitute)
2/3 cup diced lean turkey, about 4 ounces (or chicken, lean pork, or cooked shrimp)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or green onion

Lightly coat a large non stick sauté pan with cooking oil spray. Over medium high heat, sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes or until almost tender but still bright. Transfer vegetables to a bowl to cool. Clean sauté pan to use again. Beat the eggs well. Add turkey, vegetables and seasonings. Stir to combine. Again, lightly coat the pan with cooking oil spray and place over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, add the egg foo yung mixture. Cook, for one minute until it is set around the edges. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for two minutes to three minutes or until eggs are set in middle. Remove from heat, covered and allow to rest for two minutes. Fold eggs in half and then cut in half again before transferring to two large plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onion and serve hot with low sodium soy sauce.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 171
Fat: 3g
Fiber: .9g

Thai Grilled Chicken

Thai Grilled Chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts, with skin

3 green onions, slivered

6 coriander sprigs, with stems

1/2 tsp Chinese chilli sauce or chili flakes

3 tbsp soya sauce

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 tsp sugar

1 head leaf lettuce

Coriander

Mint springs

 

For Sweet Dipping Sauce:

1 C. sugar

1/2 C. water

1/2 C. white vinegar

1/4 C. carrot, shredded

2 tbsp garlic, chopped

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 1/2 tsp Chinese chilli sauce

2 tbsp lime juice

 

In a blender or by hand, combine coriander, chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic and sugar. Spread on chicken and marinate for 4 hours or overnight. Preheat broiler or barbecue. Broil chicken skin side down for 4 minutes. Turn and broil 4 minutes longer until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked through. Cut chicken in 1/2-inch strips. Place lettuce leaves on platter and arrange chicken on top. Garnish with coriander, mint sprigs and green onions. To eat in the Thai manner, roll chicken in lettuce leaves along with herbs and onions. Dip into dipping sauce. Alternatively, serve lettuce, chicken and garnishes together. For Sweet Dipping Sauce: Combine sugar, water and vinegar. Bring to boil and boil for 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, fish sauce and chili sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes. Cook and add limejuice and shredded carrot.

Spareribs with Fermented Black Beans

Spareribs with Fermented Black Beans

¼ C. Dark Soy Sauce

1 T. Sugar

2 lb. spareribs (ask your butcher to cut across the bones into 1 1/2-inch sections), ribs separated

2 T. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

2 cloves Garlic, crushed

1 C. Water

2 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 ½ T. fermented Black Beans, coarsely chopped

1 tsp. Tapioca Starch dissolved in 1 T. Water

 

Combine soy sauce and sugar in a large bowl. Add spareribs and marinate 20 minutes. Drain, reserving marinade. Heat wok over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil and heat through. Add garlic and spareribs and stir fry until spareribs are lightly browned on both sides, about a minute. Add reserved marinade, water, rice wine and black beans. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer stirring 2-3 times for about an hour. Stir the tapioca starch and water mixture and add to the wok; cook, stirring, until sauce thickens. Serve hot. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Spiced Pork

Spiced Pork

1 ½ lb. fresh Ham or Boneless Pork

3 T. Sweet Bean Sauce

3 T. Dark Soy Sauce

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 whole Star Anise

1 C. Boiling Water

¼ C. Rock Sugar

 

Wash pork and wipe dry. Rub all sides with sweet bean sauce; marinate 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Place soy sauce, wine and star anise in a deep pot and bring to a boil; add pork and boiling water. Simmer over low heat 30 minutes. Ass rock sugar and simmer 1 hour longer, turning meat frequently. When sauce has been reduced to ½ C. and is rather thick, remove pot from heat and let meat cool in the pot. Slice pork and arrange it attractively on the plate. Pour sauce on top. Delicious hot or at room temperature. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Lion’s Head

Lion’s Head

1 pound bok choy, Peking cabbage (Napa cabbage), or spinach leaves

1 – 2 green onions (spring onions, scallions), minced

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1 large egg

1 pound ground pork

4 Water Chestnuts, peeled and chopped

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons pale dry sherry

3 tablespoons light soy sauce, divided

1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

Black or white pepper, to taste, optional

2 – 3 tablespoons cornstarch or flour

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

 

Wash and drain the bok choy or other greens. Cut crosswise into 3 inch strips. Mince the ginger and green onion. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork with the green onion, water chestnuts, ginger, salt, sugar, dry sherry, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, Asian sesame oil, pepper if using, and the egg, using your fingers to mix together the ingredients thoroughly. Add as much cornstarch as needed to make so that the mixture is not too wet. (I start with 2 tablespoons and then add 1 teaspoon at a time). Form the ground pork into 4 large meatballs. Flatten them a bit so that they are not completely round. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet or wok on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the 4 meatballs. Cook for 5 minutes until browned on the bottom. Turn and cook the other side (adjust the heat if the meatballs are cooking too quickly). In a flameproof casserole dish or saucepan that is large enough to hold the meatballs, heat the chicken broth and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to boiling.. Add the meatballs, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the bok choy. (You can arrange the bok choy on top of the meatballs so that it steams, or lay some right in the broth if there is room). Simmer for another 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and there is no pinkness in the middle. To serve Lion’s Head Meatballs, serve each meatball on a small plate surrounding by the greens, or in soup bowls with some of the bok choy and broth. You can also thicken some of the broth with a cornstarch and water thickener and pour over the meatballs.

Paper-Wrapped Chicken

Paper-Wrapped Chicken

1 T. light Soy Sauce

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

½ tsp. Salt

½ tsp. Sugar

¼ tsp. Pepper

¾ lb. Chicken Breast, cut into 1” x 2 “ slices, ¼” thick

5 dried Chinese Mushrooms

½ lb. Smithfield Ham, fat trimmed

2 T. Sesame Oil

20 Cilantro Leaves

2 C. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

 

Combine soy sauce, rice wine, salt, sugar and pepper. Add chicken and marinate at least 20 minutes. Soak mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes; drain. Discard stems and cut each mushroom into quarters. Boil ham in small pot of water for 10 minutes. When cool, cut into small triangular shapes the same sixe as the mushrooms. Cut 20 6×6” square of cellophane paper. Brush sesame oil on one sheet. Place one cilantro leaf in the middle. Next to it place a mushroom, on the other side place a ham slice. Lay a piece of chicken over the top. Fold like an envelope into a rectangular package. Tuck corners inside to make a neat package. Repeat to make 20 packages. Heat oil in wok over medium-low heat. In batches, add packages, face down, and fry 2 minutes, until almost cooked through. Turn them over and fry 30 seconds more. Drain and serve hot. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Quail Eggs in Brown Sauce

Quail Eggs in Brown Sauce

1 15oz. Can Quail Eggs

2 T. Dark Soy Sauce

 

½ C. Chicken Broth

1 T. Tapioca Starch

1 tsp. Sugar

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Sesame Oil

 

1 ½ C. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

2 T. Flour

3 T. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

½ lb. fresh Snow Peas, blanches

1 15oz. can Straw Mushrooms, drained and rinsed

1 15oz. can Baby Corn, drained and rinsed

 

In medium bowl, marinate quail eggs in soy sauce for 10 minutes, turning eggs frequently. Remove and set aside; reserve soy sauce. To the soy sauce, add broth, tapioca starch, sugar, salt and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside. Heat 1 ½ C. oil in a wok over medium heat. Meanwhile, coat quail eggs with flour. When oil is hot, carefully add eggs to wok and deep fry until golden brown; set aside. Discard oil in wok and wipe dry. Heat 1 T. oil in wok; add snow peas and stir fry for a few seconds. Add one half of the seasoning sauce made from broth and sesame oil and stir fry about a minute. Arrange snow peas attractively around outer edge of serving dish. Heat remaining 2 T. oil in wok; add mushrooms and baby corn and stir fry about 1 minute. Add remaining seasoning sauce and mix thoroughly. Add quail eggs and stir well. Transfer eggs and vegetables to center of serving plate and serve. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Shrimp Toast

Shrimp Toast

½ lb. peeled and deveined Shrimp, chopped to a fine paste

6 fresh Water Chestnuts, peeled and finely chopped

2 T. ground Pork Fat or Fatty Bacon

1 Egg, lightly beaten

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 T. Tapioca Starch

1 tsp. Salt

½ tsp. Sugar

1 ½” piece Ginger Root

6 slices White Bread (2 day old), crusts trimmed

24 leaves fresh Chinese Parsley (cilantro)

2 C. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

 

In medium bowl, combine minced shrimp, water chestnuts, port fat, egg, rice wine, tapioca starch, salt and sugar. With garlic press, squeeze juice from ginger root and add juice to mixture. Mix well to form paste. Cut each slice of bread into 4 triangles. Spread about 1 teaspoon shrimp mixture on each triangle and top with a parsley leaf. Heat oil in wok to 375 over medium high heat. In batches, gently lower the bread triangles, shrimp side down, in to the oil; fry one minute. Turn toasts over and fry a few seconds longer, until golden brown. Brain on paper towels and serve immediately. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Fish Wrapped in Tofu Skin

Fish Wrapped in Tofu Skin

Peppercorn Salt

¼ C. Salt or Coarse Salt

2 T. Szechuan Peppercorns

 

Filling

½ lb. Sole, pike or flounder fillet, cut into 1 ½” long julienne strips

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

½ tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Sugar

Dash White Pepper

 

Paste

½ lightly beaten Egg

3 T. Cold Water

2 T. Flour

¼ tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Minced Scallion

 

6 pieces Tofu Skin

2 C. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

 

Heat salt and peppercorns in dry pan over low heat. Stir until salt is browned and peppercorns are darkened and fragrant. Let cool, then crush with back of wooden spoon, or grind in blender. Strain through fine sieve; set aside. Combine filling ingredients and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Combine paste ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Handling the dried bean curd skin carefully, place each sheet between damp cloths. Set aside for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are soft enough to handle. Sprinkle water on them if necessary to make them soft. Brush each skin lightly with the paste. Loosely stack skins in two piles of 3 skins to that each rounded edge extends 2 inches beyond the skin above it. Divide filling into 2 portions and spread along the straight side of the top tofu skin. Bring up bottom edge and loosely cover filling, tuck in both ends, and roll until the skin is entirely rolled up into a 10 inch cylinder. Repeat with second stack of skins and filling. Using sharp cleaver, cut each roll diagonally into 1 ½” long sections. In wok over medium high heat, heat oil until hot. In batches, add a few pieces of the rolls and fry 3-4 minutes, until golden and crispy. Drain well on paper towels. Serve hot with peppercorn salt. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Deep-Fried Shrimp Balls

Deep-Fried Shrimp Balls

Peppercorn Salt

¼ C. Coarse Salt

2 T. Szechuan Peppercorns

 

2 Egg Whites

3 oz. ground Pork fat or blanched Fatty Bacon

1 lb. peeled and deveined Shrimp, chopped to a fine paste

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 T. Tapioca Starch

1 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. White Pepper

1 ½” piece fresh Gingeroot

2 C. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

 

Heat salt and peppercorns in dry pan over low heat. Stir until salt is browned and peppercorns are darkened and fragrant. Let cool, then crush with back of wooden spoon, or grind in blender. Strain through fine sieve; set aside. Beat egg whites until foamy; add ground pork fat and beat 2 minutes. Add ground shrimp, rice wine, tapioca starch, salt and pepper. With a garlic press, squeeze the juice from gingerroot; add juice to shrimp mixture. Mix well. Heat wok over high heat until very hot. Add oil and heat over medium heat. With left hand, take a handful of the shrimp paste and squeeze your fingers into a fist. A ball about the size of the walnut will spurt from between your thumb and forefinger. With right hand, use a measuring tablespoon dipped in cold water to scoop up the shrimp ball and drop it into the hot oil. Repeat to make about 12 balls. Fry, turning frequently, about 2 minutes, or until they float to the top and become fluffy. Do no overcook; over frying will shrink them. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Serve hot with peppercorn salt. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Chinese Fried Noodles, Both Sides Brown

Chinese Fried Noodles, Both Sides Brown

Pork & Marinade:

1 T. Light Soy Sauce

1 ½ tsp. Tapioca Starch

1 tsp. Chinese Rice Wine

½ lb. Pork or Beef, cut into 2” strips

 

6-8 dried Chinese Mushrooms

½ lb. dried Canton Noodles

9 T. Peanut or Vegetable Oil

2 T. Tapioca Starch

1 ½ C. Chicken Broth

3 C. shredded Chinese Cabbage

1 C. Bamboo Shoots, shredded

1 tsp. Salt

 

Combine Soy sauce, tapioca starch and rice wine in a large bowl. Add pork or beef and marinate at least 30 minutes. Soak mushrooms in hot water until soft , about 20 minutes; drain. Discard stems and shred the caps. Set aside. Soak dried Canton noodles in boiling water for 1 minute. Rinse with cold water and drain. Transfer to a medium bowl, add 2 T. oil to prevent sticking and set aside. Mix tapioca starch with ½ C. broth; set aside. Heat 5 T. of remaining oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add noodles and fry until the bottom Is golden brown; turn the noodles over and to brown the other side. Transfer browned noodle cake to a warm platter to keep warm in low oven while cooking the sauce. Heat remaining 2 T. oil in wok; stir in meat and its marinade and stir fry about 2 minutes. Add shredded mushrooms, 1 c. broth, cabbage, bamboo shoots and salt. Cook over medium heat until tender, stirring constantly. Stir in the tapioca starch mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened. Pour sauce over noodle cake and serve immediately. Variation: Chicken or Shrimp may be used instead of pork or beef. From: Dim Sum Made Easy.

Sweet and Sour Spareribs

Sweet and Sour Spareribs

1 tablespoon(s) peanut or vegetable oil

2 slice gingerroot

2 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 1/2 pound spareribs (ask your butcher to cut across the bones into 1 1/2-inch sections), ribs separated

1/4 cup dark soy sauce

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 tablespoon Chin Kiang vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoon(Chinese rice wine

3 Chinese cabbage leaves, shredded

 

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or medium-size pot over medium-high heat. Add the gingerroot and scallions and stir. Add the spareribs and stir-fry 1 minute to brown them slightly. Add the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and wine. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Arrange the shredded Chinese cabbage leaves on each dim sum plate and top with the spareribs; serve hot.

Four-Color Shui Mal

Four-Color Shui Mal

2 large dried Chinese mushrooms

3 hard-cooked egg yolks

½ carrot, peeled, finely grated

4 large broccoli florets

2 tablespoons cornstarch

24 dumpling wrappers

1 cup Shui Mai filling

8 to 10 lettuce leaves

 

Soak the dried mushrooms in hot water to cover for 30 minutes. Drain, then trim and discard the stems. Finely chop the caps and set aside in a small dish. In a small bowl, mash the egg yolks with a fork; set aside. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil Add the grated carrot and cook 1 minute. Drain and set aside. Bring another quart of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook 1½ minutes. Drain, finely chop, and set aside. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 teaspoon of cold water; set aside. To assemble the dumplings, place 1 wrapper on a clean work surface. With your fingers, completely moisten the top surface of the wrapper with water. Place 1 tablespoon of shui mai filling in the center. Fold the wrapper in half to form a crescent but do not seal, Take the two ends of the crescent and push them into the center. With a thin brush or a toothpick, dab a bit of cornstarch paste at the point where the ends meet. Pinch to seal The dumpling should have 4 open pockets and resemble a 4-leaf clover. Insert a small amount of each filling in each pocket: chopped mushrooms in the first, mashed egg yolk in the second, carrot in the third, and finally broccoli. Transfer the finished shui mai to a plate and cover while continuing to prepare the remainder. Bring water to boil under a steamer. Place lettuce leaves on a heat-proof plate and arrange the dumplings on the lettuce. Cover and steam for 10 minutes. Serve hot, with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce.

Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

1/3 cup scallions, greens only, 1/8 inch slice

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon sambal-oelek (See Below)

 

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, scallions, sesame oil and sambal-oelek. Use immediately or store.

 

sambal-oelek :  There are many hot chile pepper pastes used as table condiments in China and Southeast Asia; sambal oelek is the most common and most popular. Containing chiles, salt, vinegar and sometimes garlic and tamarind, the fiery paste gives food a powerful flavor boost.

 

Alternate:

 

1/4 cup vegetable stock

1/2 cup light soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar or honey

1 teaspoon hot oil

 

Combine the ingredients in a small boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then cover and refrigerate until serving.

Shui Mai

Shui Mai

Filling:

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1 scallion, chopped Ionian, coarsely chopped

½ small cabbage, coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons thin soy sauce

½ teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon rice wine or dry sherry

1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 teaspoon cold water

24 dumpling wrappers, 3-inches in diameter ½ cup parboiled or frozen green peas

8 to 10 lettuce leaves

Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

 

Place a wok over medium-high heat. When it begins to smoke, add the oil, then the garlic, ginger, and scallion. Stir-fry 15 seconds. Add the onion and cabbage and stir-fry 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and dissolved cornstarch. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 30 seconds. Remove the wok from the heat and set aside to cool. Place a dumpling wrapper on the work surface. With your fingers, completely moisten the surface of the wrapper with water. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center. Pull up the sides of the wrapper around the filling, tucking the wrapper in tiny pleats around the filling. Lightly tap the dumpling on the work surface to flatten the bottom. Gently squeeze the center of the dumpling to make a slight indentation and force the filling to bulge a bit at the top. Finally, place a green pea in the center indentation of each dumpling for a garnish. Cover the dumplings as they are finished and fill the remaining wrappers. Bring water to boil under a steamer. Place the lettuce leaves on a heat-proof plate and arrange the dumplings on the lettuce. Cover and steam for 10 minutes. Serve immediately with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup boiling water

1 teaspoon peanut oil

¼ cup sesame oil

6 scallions, chopped

¼ to ½ cup peanut oil

 

Using a wooden spoon, stir together the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring constantly. Cover the bowl with foil and set it aside until the dough is cool enough to knead, about 10 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball. Lightly oil a bowl with peanut oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat the top with oil. Cover again with foil and allow to rest for 30 minutes. Lightly flour the work surface. With a rolling pin, roll the dough to a 10X 16-inch rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick. Brush the entire surface with sesame oil, and then sprinkle the chopped scallions over all. Starting at the narrow edge, roll the dough into a thick, even cylinder 10-inches long. Cut into 6 equal slices. With the rolling pin, roll each slice of dough into a pancake 114-inch thick, 6 to 8-inches in diameter. Cover each pancake with foil as finished to prevent drying out. Place an 8-inch skillet over high heat and pour in ¼ cup of peanut oil. When the oil begins to smoke, reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully add a pancake. Fry until golden, about 30 seconds, then turn and fry the second side. Remove the pancake with a spatula and drain on paper towels. Continue to fry the remaining pancakes, adding more oil if necessary. Cut the finished pancakes into wedges and serve warm, with the hoisin dipping sauce. The pancakes can be made ahead, wrapped in foil, and reheated in a 350˚F oven.

Spinach-Filled Won Tons

Spinach-Filled Won Tons

10 ounces fresh spinach

1 tablespoon peanut oil

1 garlic clove, minced

¼ cup minced onion

10 water chestnuts, rinsed, drained, minced

1 pound won ton wrappers (about 60)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Wash the spinach thoroughly and trim any tough stems. Drain, then dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. Coarsely chop and set aside. Place a wok over medium-high heat. When it begins to smoke, add the peanut oil, then the garlic and onion. Stir-fry 30 seconds. Add the spinach and water chestnuts and stir fry until the spinach is dry, about 3 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and season with salt and pepper. When the filling has cooled slightly, form the won tons. Dip your fingers in warm water and moisten the entire surface of a wrapper. Place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the wrapper and fold it in half. Press the edges to seal. Bring the ends together and moisten with water; press to seal. Cover and set aside the finished won tons while shaping the remainder. Cook the won tons following the directions in the recipe-s-either in boiling water or soup stock until they are just tender, or deep-fry them in 3 to 4 cups of peanut oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.

Peking Dumplings with Pork and Vegetables

Peking Dumplings with Pork and Vegetables

1 package Round Wonton Wrappers

 

2 T. Soy Sauce

1 T. Chin Kiang Vinegar

Chili oil or mashed Garlic to taste

 

¾ lb. Chinese Cabbage, finely shopped

1 tsp. Salt

1 lb. Ground Pork

3 T. Dark Soy Sauce

2 T. Sesame Oil

2 T. Chicken Broth

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 T. finely chopped Ginger Root

2 Scallions, chopped

 

Remove wonton wrappers from package and cover with wet towel for 15 minutes before use. To make dipping sauce combine soy sauce, vinegar and chili oil or garlic.  To make filling, place chopped cabbage in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix well and let stand for 10 minutes. Squeeze excess water from cabbage with both hands. In large bowl, combine remaining ingredients, except for wrappers, and stir in cabbage. Place about 1 T. filling in center of one wonton wrapper. With wet finger, moisten edges and fold over to make a half circle and pleat edges together. Press to make sure it is tightly sealed. Repeat to make remaining dumplings. Bring 8 cups water to boil in a large pot. Drop dumplings, one by one, into the boiling water; stir to make sure they do not stick to the bottom. Cook about 30 seconds or until water boils again. Add 2/3 C. cold water. When it boils again, add another 2/3 C. cold water. When it boils again, the dumplings are ready. You can also deep fry these dumplings: Heat 3 ½ C. oil in a wok over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. In batches, add dumplings na deep fry until golden brown. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

1/2 pound unpeeled fresh shrimp

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 pound ground pork

1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and minced

1 (8-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained and minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 green onions, diced

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 (12-ounce) package spring roll wrappers

Vegetable oil

Sweet Chili Sauce

Lettuce leaves (optional)

 

Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired; finely chop. Stir together shrimp, 1 egg, pork, and next 8 ingredients. Spoon 1 tablespoon mixture in center of each spring roll wrapper. Fold top corner of each wrapper over filling, tucking tip of corner under filling, and fold left and right corners over filling. Lightly brush remaining corner with remaining egg; tightly roll filled end toward remaining corner, and gently press to seal. Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches into a medium saucepan, and heat to 350°. Fry spring rolls, a few at a time, 6 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve spring rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce and over lettuce leaves, if desired.

Wontons

Wontons

1 package Round Wonton Wrappers (60)

1 lb. ground Pork

1 Egg

3 T. Sesame Oil

3 T. Dark Soy Sauce

1 T. Chicken Broth

1 T. Chinese Rice Wine

1 Scallion, chopped

1 tsp. chopped Ginger Root

1/2 tsp. Salt

Remove wonton wrappers from package and cover with wet towels for 15 minutes before use. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Place ½ tsp. filling in center of one wrapper. Moisten edge of wrapper with water and fold over at the center.  Gently press the edges together. Fold in half again lengthwise and then pull the corners one over the other and press them together with a little water. It should look a bit like a nurse’s cap. Repeat to make 60 dumplings. Bring 4 quarts water to boil I a deep pot or wok. Add wontons to the boiling water and bring to a boil. Add 1 C. cold water and again bring to a boil. Repeat this process twice, each time adding the cold water and bringing to a boil again. When wontons float to the surface, they are ready. Drain and serve. You can make them ahead, freeze, and then cook at serving time. No need to thaw before cooking. From: Dim Sum Made Easy

Thai Shrimp Fried Rice

Thai Shrimp Fried Rice

Thai Shrimp Fried Rice2 T. vegetable oil, divided
1/2 C. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 pound peeled and deveined small shrimp
1/2 C. assorted vegetables, such as frozen mixed vegetables
2 C. cold cooked Jasmine Rice
2 T. Spicy Thai Chili Sauce
1 T. Fish Sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat 1 T. of the oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stir fry about 30 seconds or until garlic is lightly browned. Add meat and vegetables; stir fry 3 minutes or until meat is cooked through. Stir in rice, chili sauce and fish sauce; stir fry for 3 minutes or until rice is heated through. Push rice mixture to side of skillet. Add remaining 1 T. oil to middle of skillet. Add egg; scramble until set. Stir into rice mixture.

Sesame Noodles

Sesame Noodles

1 T. peanut butter

2 T. soy sauce

Pinch cayenne pepper

1 T. vegetable oil

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1/3 lb. thin spaghetti, cooked to al dente, drained and cooled

1 T. sesame seeds

1 scallion, chopped

Whisk peanut butter, soy, cayenne, oil and sesame oil. Add noodles and toss to coat. Sprinkle noodles with sesame and scallion to garnish.

Vegetable Lo Mein with Edamame and Mustard Greens

Vegetable Lo Mein with Edamame and Mustard Greens

1/2 C. boiling water

1/4 C. dried wood ear mushrooms

2 quarts water

3 C. chopped mustard greens

1 (14-ounce) package fresh Chinese egg noodles

1/4 C. low-sodium soy sauce, divided

1 T. dark sesame oil

2 T. canola oil

1 T. grated peeled fresh ginger

1 1/4 C. (1/4-inch-thick) red bell pepper strips (about 1 medium)

3/4 C. chopped green onions

1 garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 C. frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed

3 T. hoisin sauce

 

Combine 1/2 C. boiling water and mushrooms in a bowl; cover and let stand 15 minutes. Drain mushrooms in a sieve over a bowl, reserving soaking liquid. Remove and discard stems. Chop mushroom caps; set aside. Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add greens, and cook for 1 minute or until greens wilt. Remove greens from water with a slotted spoon. Plunge the greens into ice water; drain and squeeze dry. Set greens aside. Return water in pan to a boil. Add egg noodles, and cook for 2 minutes or until done. Drain and rinse with cold water, and drain well. Place noodles in a large bowl. Add 1 T. soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing to coat, and set aside. Heat canola oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger; stir-fry 5 seconds. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, onions, and garlic; stir-fry 2 minutes or until bell pepper is crisp-tender. Stir in greens and edamame; stir-fry 30 seconds. Stir in reserved mushroom soaking liquid, noodle mixture, remaining 3 T. soy sauce, and hoisin sauce; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork

Char Siu Pork

 

4 pounds pork butt, cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips

1 T. Hawaiian salt (‘alaea)

1 C. packed brown sugar

1/3 C. mild honey

1 1/2 tsp. Chinese five-spice powder

1/2 – 1 C. hoisin sauce

3 T. whiskey

3/4 tsp. red gel food coloring, or 1 1/2 tsp. red liquid food coloring (optional)

 

Rub the pork butt strips with the salt and place in a wide rimmed pan or in a gallon-size ziplock bag. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, five-spice powder, hoisin, whiskey, and red food coloring (if using) to make a marinade. Whisk together until well combined. Reserve one-third in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for basting the next day. Pour the remaining marinade over the pork strips and gently rub with your hands to evenly coat them. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or zip up the bag. Transfer both the reserved marinade and the pork strips to the refrigerator overnight. The next day, preheat the oven to 35O°F. Fit a roasting pan with a rack that is at least 2 inches tall. Fill the pan with a 1/2 inch of water. Lay the pork strips on the rack and roast for 20 minutes. Flip all of the strips over and baste with some of the reserved marinade. Roast for another 20 minutes. Flip all of the strips one more time and baste again before roasting for another 20 minutes. The pork should be just cooked through and still moist at the center. Transfer the strips to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet to cool a bit. The pork can be served immediately or cooled completely before using for another recipe.

Scallops & Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Scallops & Snow Pea Stir-Fry

1/2 C. chicken broth
1/4 C. orange juice
2 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. dark Asian sesame oil
1 T. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
1 T. vegetable oil
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 T. finely chopped fresh ginger
1 1/2 lb. sea scallops, halved and muscle removed
1 lb. snow peas, trimmed
1 lb. snow peas, trimmed
Grated orange rind (optional)
Cucumber Salad (recipe follows)

In small bowl, combine chicken broth, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch and salt. In very large (12-inch) nonstick skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry 1 minute. Increase heat to high. Add scallops. Stir-fry until opaque, about 2 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer scallops to clean bowl. Add snow peas to skillet; stir-fry 2 minutes. Stir reserved broth mixture and add to skillet. Simmer 1 minute. Add scallops back to skillet. Simmer 1 minute. Serve hot. Sprinkle with orange rind, if desired. Serve with Cucumber Salad, and rice, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 348
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Cucumber Salad: In large bowl, toss together: 2 cucumbers, halved lengthwise and cut into half-moons; 1 bunch radishes, each halved and cut into half-moons; 8-oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained. In small bowl, whisk together 1 T. red-wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. dark Asian sesame oil. Pour over salad; toss. Serves 6, Calories: 37, fat: 1g, fiber: 3g

Grilled Shrimp & Plum Skewers with Sweet Hoisin Sauce

Grilled Shrimp & Plum Skewers with Sweet Hoisin Sauce

12 jumbo shrimp peeled & deveined (about 1 pound)
3 plums quartered,
2 T. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 T. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. white or black pepper

Sweet Hoisin Sauce
1/3 cup bottled hoisin sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 T. sherry
2 T. ketchup
1 T. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. five-spice powder

1/4 cup (11/2- inch) julienne – cut green onions (optional)
1 lime quartered (optional)

To prepare hoisin sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Prepare grill. Toss shrimp, plums, ginger, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Thread 3 shrimp and 3 plum sections alternately onto each of 4 (10-inch) skewers. Spoon 1/2 cup Sweet Hoisin Sauce into a cup; place remaining sauce in a serving bowl. Place kebabs on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; cook for 4 minutes. Turn kebabs, and brush with about 1/4 cup sauce. Cook 4 minutes, Turn the kebabs; brush with about 1/4 cup sauce. Cook 2 minutes, turning once. Serve remaining 1/2 cup sauce as a dipping sauce. Garnish with onions and lime wedges if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Servings size: 1 kebab and about 2 T. sauce

Calories: 220
Fat: 6.4g
Fiber: 1.5g