Stir-fried Shrimp and Egg with Vegetables: A Quick and Nutritious Meal

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to cook a nutritious meal can be a challenge. However, with a recipe like stir-fried shrimp and egg with vegetables, you can whip up a delicious and healthy dish in no time. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want to fuel your body with good food without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can choose from a variety of vegetables that are in season or that you have on hand. The medium-sized shrimp are a great source of protein and, when combined with eggs, provide a meal that's good for your brain and your taste buds.

To serve, place the stir-fried shrimp, egg, and vegetables over a bed of hot-cooked rice or noodles. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a balanced meal that's packed with nutrients. It's a testament to the fact that eating well doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Enjoy your meal.

Ingredients:

- 8-10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 1 egg

- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, baby bok choy, snap peas, etc.), chopped

- 1 garlic clove, minced

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon mushroom seasoning

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir-fry the mixed vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they soften but remain crisp. Then, remove them from the skillet.

4. Scramble the egg in the skillet until cooked, then mix it with the vegetables.

5. Add a bit more oil if needed and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.

6. Return the vegetables and egg to the skillet with the shrimp.

7. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

8. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of sugar to balance the flavors.

9. Once everything is heated through, remove from heat.

Serve with hot-cooked rice or steamed noodles.

Braised Potatoes with Pepper: A Warm Comfort for Cold Days

Potatoes, the humble tubers, have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. They're versatile, filling, and economical, making them a favorite for families on a budget. Not only do they offer a comforting satiety, but they also pack a nutritional punch with their high vitamin and mineral content.

For those managing diabetes, moderation is key due to the carbohydrate content that can affect blood sugar levels. Yet, for vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based dishes to their diet, potatoes are a culinary chameleon, able to take on a myriad of flavors and cooking methods.

One such dish that showcases the potato's adaptability is the braised potatoes with pepper. It's a dish that promises to bring warmth and zest to your dining table, especially on those chilly days when comfort food is not just a desire but a necessity.

The process begins with soaking peeled potatoes in salt water, a step that ensures they retain their texture and flavor during cooking. Accompanied by aromatic white onions and garlic, the potatoes are then coated in cornstarch for that perfect outer crispness.

This dish is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the potato's place in our hearts and homes. It's a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into a meal that offers not just sustenance, but also comfort and joy. So, gather your ingredients, and let's make those cold days a little warmer with a plate of braised potatoes with pepper. 

Ingredients:

4 peeled potatoes, soaked in diluted salt water.

1 small white onion 

2 crushed garlic cloves

1/4 cup cornstarch

Stock ingredients:

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp dark soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp mushroom seasoning

1/4 cup coconut water

Other items:

Cut green onions and coriander into small pieces.

Directions:

After soaking the potatoes, cut them into 1-inch-thick squares.

Peel white onions and cut into 1-inch squares.

Mix the reserved stock well.

Boil a pot of water and add a little salt. Boil the potatoes for about 2 minutes, then pour into a bowl of cold water. Here's how to stop potatoes from cooking. Then let the potatoes cool and drain.

Put the potatoes in a large bowl, then mix the potatoes evenly with cornstarch.

Take a pan with about 1 cup of oil and fry the potatoes until golden. Take them out and drain.

Place on a deep pan. Put 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan. You can reuse the oil used to fry the potatoes. When the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic and stir-fry. Then add the potatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes until the potatoes are cooked. Adjust the seasoning for your family's liking.

Sprinkle cilantro and green onions on top before serving.

Stir-fried Squash and Zucchini

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty dish featuring one of fall's most versatile vegetables: squash. With its rich, earthy flavors and a multitude of varieties, squash is a staple in many kitchens during the autumn months.

From the nutty sweetness of butternut squash to the unique texture of spaghetti squash, each variety brings its unique qualities to the table. Acorn squash, with its distinctive ridges and sweet, tender flesh, is perfect for stuffing or baking. Kabocha squash, with its rich, sweet flavor, is excellent in soups and purees.

Today, we're sharing a simple yet delicious side dish that showcases the natural flavors of squash, making it the perfect accompaniment to any quick dinner. This recipe is particularly great for those with a busy lifestyle who still want to incorporate a nutritious and tasty meal into their routine.

This dish not only brings a burst of color to your plate but also packs a punch of health benefits. Squash is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress, potentially aiding in cancer prevention.

So next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and comforting side dish, give this stir-fried squash recipe a try. It's a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of fall's harvest and add a nutritious boost to your meal any time of the year.

Here's a quick and easy stir-fried squash recipe that you can whip up in no time:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup sliced yellow squash

- 1 cup sliced zucchini

- 1 cup sliced white onion

- 1 diced tomato

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning ingredients:

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1 tsp mushroom seasoning

- 1/8 tsp black pepper

Other items:

- 1 scallion, sliced into 1-inch pieces

- 1 tbsp olive oil for stir-frying

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in an 8-inch wok over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Add the tomatoes, zucchini, and squash to the wok.

5. Sauté everything together for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch. Season with all the seasoning ingredients and adjust the taste to your family's liking.  

6. Add the green onion on top and make a quick stir and turn off the heat.

Enjoy!!

Tofu Stir-Fry with Green Beans and Tomatoes

The Vietnamese cuisine is a splendid array of vibrant flavors and healthful dishes, and one such delight is the tofu stir-fry with green beans and tomatoes. This dish is a testament to the versatility of Vietnamese cooking, adapting to various dietary preferences, including vegetarianism.

The traditional stir-fried green beans often feature beef, pork, or shrimp, but for those who prefer a plant-based diet, tofu emerges as a fantastic substitute. It's not only a great source of protein but also absorbs the flavors of the sauce and spices beautifully, making it a worthy centerpiece for the dish.

The addition of tomatoes brings a subtle sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory acidity of the stir-fry. It's a perfect choice for those busy days when you need a quick yet nutritious meal. The convenience of frozen green beans, readily available at supermarkets like Costco or Walmart, adds to the appeal, making this dish accessible to anyone with a pan and a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients:

8 oz. firm tofu

 1 lb. frozen green beans

 2 tomatoes

1/2 white or red onion

 2 cloves of minced garlic

Sauce:

1/2 cup ready-made stir-fried sauce posted on April 11

Garnish:

- Chopped green onions and cilantro

- White rice

Durations:

1. Cut the tofu into cubes and coat evenly with cornstarch. Then, lightly fry until golden.

2. Dice the tomatoes and set aside.

3. Blanch the green beans in boiling water and set aside.

4. Heat a non-stick pan with two tablespoons of oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant. Then, quickly stir-fry the tofu, green beans, and tomatoes. Add the sauce and increase the heat. Cook until the sauce thickens.

5. Garnish with green onions and cilantro and serve with white rice.

 To make stir-fried sauce:

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

 2 tsp sugar

 2 tsp mushroom seasoning

 4 tbsp water

One-Bowl Apple Cake: A Delightful Mix of Simplicity and Flavor

Baking can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience, especially when the recipe calls for a simple process with delicious results. This recipe is diving into a delightful one-bowl apple cake that promises a hassle-free baking experience and a scrumptious outcome. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a few common ingredients and a straightforward method, anyone can whip up this treat without the dread of extensive cleanup. The star of the show is, of course, the apple – a fruit that brings a natural sweetness and a slight tartness, complementing the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla and the walnut provides a satisfying crunch.

Baking this cake is a waiting game filled with anticipation. As the timer ticks, the cake rises, and the golden-brown crust forms, signaling that it's almost time to indulge. The final product is a testament to the joy of baking – a moist, flavorful cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

 

This one-bowl apple cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of the simple pleasures in life. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things come from the least complicated processes. So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 medium-sized apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

 

Directions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2.    In a large mixing bowl, use handheld mixer to whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3.    Gradually add the self-rising flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

4.    Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5.    Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.

6.    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

7.    Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

8.    Enjoy your delicious and easy apple cake! It's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you're craving something sweet with a hint of tartness from the apples.

Sautéed Chicken with Soy Sauce: A Weekend Delight

Looking for a simple yet delicious meal to whip up over the weekend? Sautéed chicken with soy sauce is a fantastic choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a rich blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

The key to this dish is using chicken thighs instead of breast meat. Thighs are known for their deeper flavor and tenderness, making them the perfect candidate for sautéing. For those mindful of their fat intake, the skin can be removed, but keeping it on will contribute a delightful richness to the dish.

This dish is a testament to the beauty of simple cooking. With just a few ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a meal that's both comforting and elegant. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful weekend dinner that's sure to impress. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

- 4 Boneless chicken legs or thighs

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1/2 white onion, sliced

- Juice and zest of 1 lemon

- Oil for stir-frying

Sauce ingredients:

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1/4 cup water

- 1 tsp chicken powder

Directions:

1. Begin by cutting the chicken into 2-inch cubes.

2. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides for about 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Remove the chicken and lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and onions, sauteing for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, water, chicken powder, and lemon zest.

5. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Finish by adding the lemon juice and turning off the heat.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve the sautéed chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tip:

Enhance the flavor by substituting water with white wine if you have some to spare. It adds a lovely aroma and depth to the sauce.

The Secret Sauce of "Vietnam Little Home"

There's something magical about a family recipe that has been passed down through generations. It's not just the ingredients or the method, but the stories and memories that come with each spoonful. Today, I'm excited to share with you a piece of my family's heart: the versatile sauce that has been the cornerstone of our beloved Vietnamese restaurant, "Vietnam Little Home."

This sauce is more than just a condiment; it's a symphony of flavors that can elevate any dish to a work of art. Whether you're marinating meat, seasoning fish, or giving life to a stir-fry, this sauce is your culinary ally. It's the secret behind the exclusive dishes that once graced the tables of our restaurant, and now, it can be a part of your kitchen repertoire.

This sauce is best when allowed to sit for a few hours, letting the flavors meld and mature. It's a versatile base that can be tweaked to your liking—add more sugar for sweetness, more chili for heat, or more lime for tanginess.

What makes this sauce truly special is its adaptability. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the Vietnamese cuisine, which is all about balance and harmony. This sauce represents the soul of the "Vietnam Little Home," a place where every meal was an expression of our family's love and dedication.

As you try this recipe, remember that each ingredient carries a story, and now, you're a part of it. Use it to create new memories with your loved ones and let the spirit of the "Vietnam Little Home" live on in your dishes.

Happy cooking, and may your meals be as full of joy as our restaurant once was. Bon appétit!

 

Ingredients:

1 cup soy sauce

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 cups dark soy sauce

1 cup oyster sauce

1/3 cup mushroom seasoning

1/4 cup black pepper

Directions:

Put all this mixture in a pot and let it cool. Put it in a jar with a lid and put it in the refrigerator.

When you marinate meat or fish or stir-fry, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to each serving.

Following is the recipe for grilled salmon:

1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz.)

1/4 cup sauce

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp sesame oil

1/4 cup sliced white onion

Put everything in a baking tray for one person. Bake in a small countertop oven for 15 minutes.