Showing posts with label rice vinegar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rice vinegar. Show all posts

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Orange Chicken


Ok guys, I'm really excited about this one. This is probably one of the best dishes that I've ever made! Yeah, it's that good. This orange chicken reminds me of the orange chicken at Panda Express, except it's better because it's fresh and you know where all of the ingredients came from!

To make roughly 2 servings of this orange chicken you will need:

  • 2 Tbs & 1 tsp CORNSTARCH
  • EGG WHITES
  • CHICKEN BREAST (roughly 10-12 oz.), cut into small chunks
  • 1/2 cup ORANGE JUICE
  • 1 Tbs SOY SAUCE
  • 1 Tbs BROWN SUGAR, packed
  • 1 Tbs RICE VINEGAR
  • 1/4 tsp SESAME OIL
  • Pinch of RED PEPPER FLAKES (you can always add more if you like spicy food!)
  • 1 clove of GARLIC, minced
  • About 1/2 inch of freshly grated GINGER
  • VEGETABLE or PEANUT OIL, for frying
  • Optional: 2 GREEN ONIONS, to top


Start off by whisking up the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch using a fork in a medium sized bowl until it begins to get frothy. 



Add the chicken pieces and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes


While you are waiting on the chicken start heating about 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F in a pot


Then mix the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, salt, crushed red pepper, garlic, and ginger in a nonstick skillet.


Heat the sauce on the stove for about 5 minutes over medium heat until it starts to thicken. While the sauce is thickening up, whisk together 1/4 cup of cool water with the remaining teaspoon of cornstarch. After the sauce has been heating for 5 minutes, turn off the stove and mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch slurry. Stir for about 1 minute to further thicken the sauce. Then set aside.


Once the oil reaches 350 degrees F, use a pair of tongs to gently place each piece of chicken into the oil individually. If you try to add more than one piece of chicken at a time the chunks will stick together and you will have clumps of chicken pieces rather than individual pieces. Cook the chicken in the oil for 3-4 minutes.


Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oil and place it onto a paper towel to drain and cool for a few minutes.


Then, drop the chicken back into the oil for another minute to get it extra crispy! 


Remove from the oil and allow to drain on a new paper towel.


Lastly, toss the chicken in the sauce and give it a taste! (You're welcome!)


Serve the chicken over some noodles or rice and top with green onions! 


Writing up this post makes me want to go make it again! It was so good! I hope you enjoy!






Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
  • 2 Tbs & 1 tsp CORNSTARCH
  • EGG WHITES
  • CHICKEN BREAST (roughly 10-12 oz.), cut into small chunks
  • 1/2 cup ORANGE JUICE
  • 1 Tbs SOY SAUCE
  • 1 Tbs BROWN SUGAR, packed
  • 1 Tbs RICE VINEGAR
  • 1/4 tsp SESAME OIL
  • Pinch of RED PEPPER FLAKES (you can always add more if you like spicy food!)
  • 1 clove of GARLIC, minced
  • About 1/2 inch of freshly grated GINGER
  • VEGETABLE or PEANUT OIL, for frying
  • Optional: 2 GREEN ONIONS, to top
Directions:
  1. Whisk up the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch using a fork in a medium sized bowl until it begins to get frothy. 
  2. Add the chicken pieces and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes
  3. While you are waiting on the chicken, start heating about 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F in a pot
  4. Mix the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, salt, crushed red pepper, garlic, and ginger in a nonstick skillet
  5. Heat the sauce on the stove for about 5 minutes over medium heat until it starts to thicken. While the sauce is thickening up, whisk together 1/4 cup of cool water with the remaining teaspoon of cornstarch. After the sauce has been heating for 5 minutes, turn off the stove and mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch slurry. Stir for about 1 minute to further thicken the sauce. Then set aside.
  6. Once the oil reaches 350 degrees F, use a pair of tongs to gently place each piece of chicken into the oil individually. If you try to add more than one piece of chicken at a time the chunks will stick together and you will have clumps of chicken pieces rather than individual pieces. Cook the chicken in the oil for 3-4 minutes
  7. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oil and place it onto a paper towel to drain and cool for a few minutes
  8. Then, drop the chicken back into the oil for another minute to get it extra crispy! Then, remove the chicken from the oil and allow to drain on a new paper towel. 
  9. Lastly, toss the chicken in the sauce and give it a taste!
  10. Serve the chicken over some noodles or rice and top with green onions! 


    I got this recipe from the following website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/orange-chicken.html

    Sunday, July 6, 2014

    Soy Grilled Mahi-Mahi


    My husband bought a grill a few weeks ago and since then we have been trying to use it as much as we can. Last week we decide to make some mahi-mahi for the first time and I have to say, it turned out pretty darn well! I had never had mahi-mahi before, so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it turned out delicious! Mahi-mahi has a fairly mild fish flavor so it takes on the flavors that you season it with really well. We decided to go in an Asian direction and were both very pleased with the results!  

    To make 2 servings of this delicious soy grilled mahi-mahi you will need: 
    • 2, 6oz. MAHI MAHI FILETS (I think salmon would also be good!)
    • 1/4 cup SOY SAUCE
    • 1 & 1/2 Tbs RICE VINEGAR
    • 1 Tbs SESAME OIL
    • 2 Tbs GRANULATED SUGAR or BROWN SUGAR
    • 1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
    • 1/8 tsp CAYENNE PEPPER
    • 1 GREEN ONION, sliced

    Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and half of the green onion in a medium sized bowl.


    Next, add the mahi-mahi into the mixture and allow the fish to marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes


    While the fish is marinating get your grill ready. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. (You should only be able to hold your hand close to the grill for about 2-3 seconds.) If you don't have a grill, you could cook it on the stove just as easily. 

    Once the grill is ready and the fish has been marinating for at least 15 minutes,  put the fillets on the grill top side down. Let the fillet cook for 2-3 minutes and then rotate it 45 degrees. Cook the fillet for 2-3 minutes in this position (if you have a seasoned grill this will give you criss-cross marks). Next, turn the fillets over and cook another 3-4 minutes. Overall, the fish should be on the grill for about 8-10 minutes


    While the fish is on the grill, heat the marinade in a small pot on the stove. Simmer the marinade for a few minutes on the stove and then serve it as a dipping sauce alongside the fillets. Top with the rest of the sliced green onions.






    Soy Grilled Mahi-Mahi

    Ingredients:
    • 2, 6oz. MAHI MAHI FILETS (I think salmon would also be good!)
    • 1/4 cup SOY SAUCE
    • 1 & 1/2 Tbs RICE VINEGAR
    • 1 Tbs SESAME OIL
    • 2 Tbs GRANULATED SUGAR or BROWN SUGAR
    • 1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
    • 1/8 tsp CAYENNE PEPPER
    • GREEN ONION, sliced
        Directions:
        1. Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and half of the green onion in a medium sized bowl.
        2. Next, add the mahi-mahi fillets into the mixture and allow the fish to marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes
        3. While the fish is marinating get your grill ready. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. (You should only be able to hold your hand close to the grill for about 2-3 seconds.) If you don't have a grill, you could cook it on the stove just as easily. 
        4. Once the grill is ready and the fish has been marinating for at least 15 minutes,  put the fillets on the grill top side down. Let the fillet cook for 2-3 minutes and then rotate it 45 degrees. Cook the fillet for 2-3 minutes in this position (if you have a seasoned grill this will give you criss-cross marks). Next, turn the fillets over and cook another 3-4 minutes. Overall, the fish should be on the grill for about 8-10 minutes
        5. While the fish is on the grill, heat the marinade in a small pot on the stove. Simmer the marinade for a few minutes and then serve it as a dipping sauce alongside the fillets. Top with the rest of the sliced green onions.



              I found the recipe on the following website: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/06/soy-grilled-mahi-mahi-recipe-with.html

              Friday, March 7, 2014

              How to Stir Fry!


              My husband found an article a few months ago that did a really good job of explaining how to put a stir fry together. The article was written like a recipe, but rather than giving a list of ingredients, it explained more about how to prepare ingredients you like and how to best cook it up into a stir fry. So in this post I will try to explain in as few steps as possible how to prepare a fantastic stir fry for two people! ...And the best part is that you can use all of your favorite ingredients (or just use what is currently in your refrigerator)!

              To make a stir fry for 2 people you will need the following ingredients.

              Protein:
              • 1 Tbs OIL
              • About 10 oz. of a PROTEIN, cubed or cut into thin strips. Here are some suggestions:
                • CHICKEN (breast or thighs)
                • RED MEAT (tenderloin, sirloin, skirt or flank steak, etc.)
                • SHRIMP
                • SCALLOPS
                • TOFU
              Aromatics:
              • You don't have to use all of these, they are just suggested proportions if you choose to use them. (I left out the ginger.)
                • 1 Tbs (5-6 cloves) GARLIC, minced 
                • 1 medium ONION, sliced into strips
                • 1 Tbs GINGER, minced
              Produce:
              • 1-2 Tbs OIL
              • 2-3 different types of VEGETABLES totaling about 3 cups in volume. (I bought a few things especially for this stir fry and used a few things that I just has leftover in my fridge. I ended up using 1 head of broccoli, 2 carrots, 1 can of bean sprouts, 1/2 a green pepper, and 3 green onions.) Here are some produce suggestions:
                • BROCCOLI
                • CARROTS
                • BEAN SPROUTS
                • GREEN PEPPERS
                • MUSHROOMS
                • SNOW PEAS
                • WATER CHESTNUTS
                • BABY CORN
                • BAMBOO SHOOTS
                • GREEN ONIONS
                • The options are endless!!! 
              Sauce:
              • Choose one of the following SAUCES. I used the Soy-Sesame Sauce in the pictures, but all of the sauces are delicious! You could even skip making a sauce and just use about 1/4 cup of soy sauce if you prefer that!
              • Lemon Sauce
                • 1/4 cup LEMON JUICE
                • 1/4 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                • 1 Tbs SOY SAUCE
                • 2 Tbs SUGAR
                • 2 tsp CORNSTARCH
              • Sweet & Sour Sauce
                • 1/4 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                • 2 Tbs SOY SAUCE
                • 2 Tbs CIDER, BALSAMIC, or RICE WINE VINEGAR
                • 1 Tbs BROWN SUGAR
                • 1/2 tsp RED PEPPER FLAKES
                • 2 tsp CORNSTARCH
              • Soy-Sesame Sauce
                • 1/4 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                • 1/4 cup SOY SAUCE 
                • 2 tsp RICE WINE VINEGAR
                • 2 tsp SESAME OIL
                • 1/2 tsp RED PEPPER FLAKES
                • 1 tsp SUGAR
                • 2 tsp CORNSTARCH

              The most important thing I have found with making a stir fry is to chop all of the ingredients and mix up the sauce before you start cooking anything. Once all of the ingredients are prepared, the cooking part goes pretty fast. If you wait and chop as you go the veggies will probably be over-cooked by the end (although that would not be the end of the world). 

              So, step 1, chop your protein and all of your veggies into bite sized pieces. 


              Next, mix up the sauce! In a small bowl stir together all of the ingredients in the sauce of your choice (I used the soy-sesame sauce). Then set it aside for later.


              When you are ready to start cooking heat a large skillet over high heat and then give it a few minutes to get good and hot. (If you use a cast iron skillet it will take longer to heat up than if you use a nonstick skillet. Cooking over high heat is one of the most important things when stir frying.)

              Once the pan is hot, pour about a tablespoon of oil into the pan and give it a few second to heat up. When the oil is hot, add the protein. (I used a chicken breast.) Cook the protein for 2-3 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through.


              Once cooked, take the protein out of the pan and set it aside in small bowl.


              With the heat still on high, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. When the oil is hot add the aromatics and cook them for 1-2 minutes until the onion starts to get translucent around the edges.


              Next, add the vegetable that you think will take the longest to cook (In my case it was the carrots and green onion). If you aren't sure, or if you think they will all take about the same time then just pick one!

              Cook the first round of vegetables for about 2 minutes. (The vegetables will continue to cook as you add more and more vegetables into the pan so don't worry about getting them cooked all the way yet!)


              Then add the next round of vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

              Adding the vegetables to the skillet in rounds helps the pan to remain hot and cook consistently high. When you add a bunch of things to the skillet at once that are cool or room temperature it brings down the temperature of the pan.


              If you haven't added all of your vegetables at this point, add the rest of them now! Cook for 1 minute.


              Next, add your protein back into the skillet and pour your sauce over the stir fry. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thicken and all of the vegetables are tender and coated in sauce.


              Yummm!


              Remove from the heat, serve over rice, and enjoy!






              Stir Fry
              Ingredients:
              To make a stir fry for 2 people you will need the following ingredients.

              Protein:
              • 1 Tbs OIL
              • About 10 oz. of a PROTEIN, cubed or cut into thin strips
                • CHICKEN (breast or thighs)
                • RED MEAT (tenderloin, sirloin, skirt or flank steak, etc.)
                • SHRIMP
                • SCALLOPS
                • TOFU
              Aromatics:
              • You don't have to use all of these, they are just suggested proportions if you choose to use them. (I left out the ginger.)
                • 1 Tbs (5-6 cloves) GARLIC, minced 
                • 1 medium ONION, sliced into strips
                • 1 Tbs GINGER, minced
              Produce:
              • 1-2 Tbs OIL
              • 2-3 different types of VEGETABLES totaling 3-4 cups in volume. (I bought a few things especially for this stir fry and used a few things that I just has leftover in my fridge. I ended up using 1 head of broccoli, 2 carrots, 1 can of bean sprouts, 1/2 a green pepper, and 3 green onions.) Here are some produce suggestions:
                • BROCCOLI
                • CARROTS
                • BEAN SPROUTS
                • GREEN PEPPERS
                • MUSHROOMS
                • SNOW PEAS
                • WATER CHESTNUTS
                • BABY CORN
                • BAMBOO SHOOTS
                • GREEN ONIONS
                • The options are endless!!! 
              Sauce:
              • Choose one of the following SAUCES. I used the Soy-Sesame Sauce in the pictures, but all of the sauces are delicious! You could even skip making a sauce and just mix about 1/4 cup of soy sauce with 2 tsp of corn starch if you prefer that!
              • Lemon Sauce
                • 1/4 cup LEMON JUICE
                • 1/4 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                • 1 Tbs SOY SAUCE
                • 2 Tbs SUGAR
                • 2 tsp CORNSTARCH
              • Sweet & Sour Sauce
                • 1/4 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                • 2 Tbs SOY SAUCE
                • 2 Tbs CIDER, BALSAMIC, or RICE WINE VINEGAR
                • 1 Tbs BROWN SUGAR
                • 1/2 tsp RED PEPPER FLAKES
                • 2 tsp CORNSTARCH
              • Soy-Sesame Sauce
                • 1/4 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                • 1/4 cup SOY SAUCE 
                • 2 tsp RICE WINE VINEGAR
                • 2 tsp SESAME OIL
                • 1/2 tsp RED PEPPER FLAKES
                • 1 tsp SUGAR
                • 2 tsp CORNSTARCH
                Directions:
                1. Chop your protein and all of your veggies into bite sized pieces. 
                  • The most important thing I have found with making a stir fry is to chop all of the ingredients and mix up the sauce before you start cooking anything. Once all of the ingredients are prepared the cooking part goes pretty fast. If you wait and chop as you go the veggies will probably be over-cooked by the end (although that would not be the end of the world). 
                2. In a small bowl mix together all of the ingredients in the sauce of your choice. Then set it aside for later.
                3. When you are ready to start cooking heat a large skillet over high heat and then give it a few minutes to get good and hot. 
                  • If you use a cast iron skillet it will take longer to heat up than if you use a nonstick skillet.
                  • Cooking over high heat is one of the most important things when stir frying.
                4. Once the pan is hot, pour about a tablespoon of oil into the pan and give it a few second to heat up. When the oil is hot, add the protein. Cook the protein for 2-3 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through. Once cooked, take the protein out of the pan and set it aside in small bowl
                5. With the heat still on high, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. When the oil is hot add the aromatics and cook them for 1-2 minutes until the onion starts to get translucent around the edges.
                6. Next, add the vegetable that you think will take the longest to cook. (If you aren't sure, or if you think they will all take about the same time then just pick one!) Cook the first round of vegetables for about 2 minutes
                  • Adding the vegetables to the skillet in rounds helps the pan to remain hot and cook consistently high. When you add a bunch of things to the skillet at once that are cool or room temperature it brings down the temperature of the pan.
                7. Then add the next round of vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes
                8. If you haven't added all of your vegetables at this point, add the rest of them now! Cook for 1 more minute.
                9. Next, add your protein back into the skillet and then pour your sauce over the stir fry. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thicken and all of the vegetables are tender and coated in sauce.
                10. Remove from the heat, serve over rice, and enjoy!



                  My husband found this recipe for how to stir fry on the following website: http://allrecipes.com/howto/super-easy-stir-fry/

                  Wednesday, February 5, 2014

                  Baked Sesame Chicken



                  Ok, this is officially the best sesame chicken we have made thus far! We have finally found a method of cooking the chicken that makes it taste like it came from a Chinese restaurant!! And the best part is that this recipe is extremely versatile! You could easily substitute the sesame sauce explained below for a General Tso's sauce, orange chicken sauce, or any other sauce you like!

                  To make this you will need:
                  • 1 (8-10 oz.) CHICKEN BREAST, cubed
                  • 1/3 cup CORNSTARCH
                  • 1-2 EGG WHITES
                  • SALT
                  • PEPPER
                  • 1 Tbs CANOLA OIL
                  • SESAME SEEDS, to garnish
                  • Optional: chopped GREEN ONIONS, to garnish
                  For the sauce you will need:
                  • 3 Tbs HONEY
                  • 3 Tbs SOY SAUCE
                  • 2 Tbs KETCHUP
                  • 2 Tbs BROWN SUGAR
                  • 2 Tbs RICE VINEGAR
                  • 1/4 tsp SESAME OIL
                  • 1/4 tsp GARLIC, minced
                  • 1/4 Tbs CORNSTARCH
                  Start off by preheating the oven to 325 degrees F. Put the 1/3 cup of cornstarch in a small bowl and the egg whites in a second small bowl. Then, in a medium bowlwhisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and 1/4 Tbs corn starch. Set the sauce aside.


                  Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Start heating a skillet over medium-high heat with the canola oil. Then coat the chicken cubes in cornstarch...


                  ...dip them in the egg white...


                  ...and throw them in the skillet! Brown the chicken in the skillet and then place the chicken into a greased baking pan. You don't need to worry about cooking the chicken all the way through in the skillet because you will continue cooking it in the oven.


                  Once all of the chicken is browned, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.



                  Put the pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes depending on how big your chunks are. I tossed the chicken every 10 to 15 minutes in the sauce just to make sure the chicken was well coated.


                  Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened you can garnish with the sesame seeds and green onions. (I like topping sesame chicken with green onions, but unfortunately we didn't have any on hand.)


                  We served the sesame chicken over rice!






                  Baked Sesame Chicken

                  Ingredients:
                  To make this you will need:
                  • 1 (8-10 oz.) CHICKEN BREAST, cubed
                  • 1/3 cup CORNSTARCH
                  • 1-2 EGG WHITES
                  • SALT
                  • PEPPER
                  • 1 Tbs CANOLA OIL
                  • SESAME SEEDS, to garnish
                  • Optional: chopped GREEN ONIONS, to garnish
                  For the sauce you will need:
                  • 3 Tbs HONEY
                  • 3 Tbs SOY SAUCE
                  • 2 Tbs KETCHUP
                  • 2 Tbs BROWN SUGAR
                  • 2 Tbs RICE VINEGAR
                  • 1/4 tsp SESAME OIL
                  • 1/4 tsp GARLIC, minced
                  • 1/4 Tbs CORNSTARCH
                  Directions:
                  1. Start off by preheating the oven to 325 degrees F. Put the 1/3 cup of cornstarch in a small bowl and the egg whites in a second small bowl. Then, in a medium bowlwhisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and 1/4 Tbs corn starch. Set the sauce aside.
                  2. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Start heating a skillet over medium-high heat with the canola oil. 
                  3. Then coat the chicken cubes in cornstarch, dip them in the egg, and throw them in the skillet. Brown the chicken in the skillet and then place the chicken into a greased baking pan. You don't need to worry about cooking the chicken all the way through in the skillet because you will continue cooking it in the oven. 
                  4. Once all of the chicken is browned, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Put the pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes depending on how big your chunks are. I tossed the chicken every 10 to 15 minutes in the sauce just to make sure the chicken was well coated. 
                  5. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened you can garnish with the sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice!



                  I adapted this recipe from one found on this website: http://therecipecritic.com/2013/09/baked-honey-sesame-chicken/ 

                  Wednesday, October 30, 2013

                  Ants in Trees (Chicken Version)


                  Ok, so I really like the flavor of the Ants in Trees dish I made a few weeks ago, so I decided to play around with the recipe. I used chicken instead of pork, and chow mein rice noodles instead of cellophane bean noodles. And it turned out delicious! 

                  To make it you will need:
                  • 4 & 1/2 oz. RICE NOODLES (CHOW MEIN NOODLES)
                  • 2 oz. SOY SAUCE
                  • 1 Tbs RICE WINE VINEGAR
                  • 1 Tbs SAMBAL CHILI GARLIC PASTE
                  • 1 tsp CORNSTARCH
                  • 1 large CHICKEN BREAST, cut into thin strips
                  • 1 Tbs CANOLA OIL
                  • GREEN ONIONS, chopped
                  • 1/2 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                  • 1/2 cup WATER





                    Start by soaking the noodles in hot water for 20 minutes in order to soften them.


                    While the noodles are soaking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, and chili garlic paste. Then whisk in the cornstarch. Once all of the ingredients are well combined mix the chicken into the sauce and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.


                    After the noodles have soaked for 20 minutes, strain the water out and let them sit in the colander for about 10 minutes. 


                    Heat the oil in a skillet until it is hot and then add the chicken and marinade. Stir it continuously so it doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.


                    If you have them, add 2/3 of the green onions into the pan and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. Then turn the heat down to medium-high and add the chicken stock and water. Cook for about 3 minutes more.

                    Next, start adding handfuls of the noodles into the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce before adding the next handful. Continue tossing the noddles and chicken in the sauce until a thick sauce forms. Top with the remaining green onions and serve!






                    Ants in Trees (Chicken Version)

                    Ingredients:
                    • 4 & 1/2 oz. RICE NOODLES (CHOW MEIN NOODLES)
                    • 2 oz. SOY SAUCE
                    • 1 Tbs RICE WINE VINEGAR
                    • 1 Tbs SAMBAL CHILI GARLIC PASTE
                    • 1 tsp CORNSTARCH
                    • 1 large CHICKEN BREAST, cut into thin strips
                    • 1 Tbs CANOLA OIL
                    • GREEN ONIONS, chopped
                    • 1/2 cup CHICKEN BROTH
                    • 1/2 cup WATER

                        Directions:
                        1. Soaking the noodles in hot water for 20 minutes in order to soften them.
                        2. While the noodles are soaking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, and chili garlic paste. Then whisk in the cornstarch. Once all of the ingredients are well combined mix the chicken into the sauce and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
                        3. After the noodles have soaked for 20 minutes, strain the water out and let them sit in the colander for about 10 minutes. 
                        4. Heat the oil in a skillet until it is hot and then add the chicken and marinade. Stir it continuously so it doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
                        5. Add 2/3 of the green onions into the pan and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. 
                        6. Turn the heat down to medium-high and add the chicken stock and water. Cook for about 3 minutes more.
                        7. Start adding handfuls of the noodles into the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce before adding the next handful. Continue tossing the noddles and chicken in the sauce until a thick sauce forms. 
                        8. Top with the remaining green onions and serve!


                        Monday, October 14, 2013

                        Ants in Trees


                        This morning my husband and I watched Alton Brown make this dish on Food Network and decided we should give it a shot! Alton called it 'Ants in Trees', but it's really more like pork in noodles with Asian sauces and a kick of spice! It turned out really easy to make and had great flavor!


                        To make it you will need:
                        • 4 & 1/2 oz. BEAN NOODLES (CELLOPHANE NOODLES)
                        • 2 oz. SOY SAUCE
                        • 1 Tbs RICE WINE VINEGAR
                        • 1 Tbs SAMBAL CHILI GARLIC PASTE
                        • 1 tsp CORNSTARCH
                        • 10 oz. GROUND PORK
                        • 1 Tbs CANOLA OIL
                        • GREEN ONIONS, chopped
                        • 1/2 cup CHICKEN BROTH




                        Start by soaking the noodles in hot water for 20 minutes in order to soften them.


                        While the noodles are soaking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, and chili garlic paste. Then whisk in the cornstarch. Once all of the ingredients are well combined mix the pork into the sauce with your hands.


                        When the sauce has been mixed into the pork allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.


                        After the noodles have soaked for 20 minutes, strain the water out and let them sit in the colander for about 10 minutes. Then use a knife or kitchen shears to cut the noodles into approximately 4 inch pieces.  


                        Heat the oil in a skillet until it is very hot and then add the pork. Stir it constantly so it doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.


                         Add 2/3 of the green onions into the pan and continue cooking until the pork is browned. Then turn the heat down to medium-high and add the chicken stock. Cook for about 3 minutes more.


                        Next, start adding handfuls of the noodles into the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce before adding the next handful. Continue tossing the noddles in the meat and sauce until the meat clings to the noodles and there is no more liquid in the skillet. Top with the remaining green onions and serve!


                        Here is a little better picture. I know this dish doesn't photograph well, but I promise it has a really good flavor!


                        **** We made this dish again using rice noodles and it turned out really well! (We prepared everything the same way as above.)





                        Ants in Trees

                        Ingredients:
                        • 4 & 1/2 oz. BEAN NOODLES (CELLOPHANE NOODLES)
                        • 2 oz. SOY SAUCE
                        • 1 Tbs RICE WINE VINEGAR
                        • 1 Tbs SAMBAL CHILI GARLIC PASTE
                        • 1 tsp CORNSTARCH
                        • 10 oz. GROUND PORK
                        • 1 Tbs CANOLA OIL
                        • GREEN ONIONS, chopped
                        • 1/2 cup CHICKEN BROTH

                            Directions:
                            1. Soak the noodles in hot water for 20 minutes in order to soften them.
                            2. While the noodles are soaking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, and chili garlic paste. Then whisk in the cornstarch. Once all of the ingredients are well combined mix the pork into the sauce with your hands.
                            3. When the sauce has been mixed into the pork allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
                            4. After the noodles have soaked for 20 minutes, strain the water out and let them sit in the colander for about 10 minutes. Then use a knife or kitchen shears to cut the noodles into approximately 4 inch pieces.  
                            5. Heat the oil in a skillet until it is very hot and then add the pork. Stir it constantly so it doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
                            6.  Add 2/3 of the green onions into the pan and continue cooking until the pork is browned. Then turn the heat down to medium-high and add the chicken stock. Cook for about 3 minutes more.
                            7. Next, start adding handfuls of the noodles into the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce before adding the next handful. Continue tossing the noddles in the meat and sauce until the meat clings to the noodles and there is no more liquid in the skillet. Top with the remaining green onions and serve!




                            I found this recipe on this website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/ants-in-trees-recipe/index.html