Chinese at home

Having Chinese cuisine at home is a great escape from the go to staples. And no I'm not talking about the kind you order by number in cute little cartons. I am talking made from scratch (Or nearly so). If you not very familiar with Chinese food it's best to start out small. If you venture down the ethnic isle at your local supermarket you will see a pretty wide array of different Chinese related products.  I recommend picking up a stir fry sauce. There are several really good brand from Kikoman's to Iron Chef. When you get home take cubed chicken, beef, pork or even shrimp and some veggies like broccoli, snow peas, and carrots saute with just a little olive oil in a skillet or Wok if you have one then add the sauce. Make a side of instant white rice (or use brown if you are more health conscious) maybe some frozen egg rolls and you have dinner!

If you are feeling a little adventurous try picking up a can of baby corn or water chestnuts. These give the dish a little added crunch and color. If you are ready to make something from scratch try this recipe for pork fried rice:

4 boneless pork chops cut into 1/2" pieces

1/2c chopped carrots

1/2 c frozen peas
2 green onions chopped fine
4 cups cooked white rice
3 eggs
1 Tbsp fresh minced ginger
2 tsp white sugar
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/3c veggie oil

Pour half of the oil into your skillet or wok and saute pork just until it's no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Scramble eggs in the same pan (leaving in any oil) until cooked and set aside
Heat remaining oil in the pan place on medium high heat. Stir fry ginger and onion for about 30 seconds.
Add in carrots and cook 2-3 minutes
Add sugar and cook 30 more seconds. Stir in soy, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
Add in pork, eggs, peas and rice and cook for 2 more minutes.
Serve with extra soy sauce and garnish with more sliced green onions if desired.