Chinese Barbecue Sauce

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup ginger ale
• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. five-spice powder
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Makes 12 Servings (2 tablespoons per serving)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until simmering.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, or longer for desired thickness. Cool 10 minutes before using (or cool and store in a plastic or glass container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks).

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com.  This easy version of Chinese BBQ sauce can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes and it is great on shrimp, scallops or lobster tails, as well as lean pork tenderloin and pork chops. Once prepared, the sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up two weeks so plan to keep it handy so you can pull together a variety of quick meals on time-pressed evenings. The sauce gets its Asian flavors primarily from hoisin sauce and five spice powder, which is made from a combination of star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves and Szechuan peppercorns. Look for it on the international food aisle at your supermarket.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tsp. canola oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 lb. snow peas, sliced on diagonal
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups leftover cooked brown rice
• 1 (10 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 8 oz. firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 3 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil

Makes 6 Servings (1 1/4 cups per serving)

1. Heat wok over medium-high heat until drop of water sizzles. Add 1 teaspoon of canola oil. Add eggs and stir-fry until set; transfer to plate. 
2. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon canola oil to wok; add scallions, ginger and garlic; stir-fry until fragrant. Add snow peas and bell pepper; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add rice, mixed vegetables. and tofu; stir-fry until heated through. Return eggs to wok along with soy sauce and sesame oil; stir-fry until mixed well. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. Chinese food is so delicious. If you're craving Chinese takeout, don't go out and/or don't pick up the phone and order Chinese food. You can make this dish in 20 minutes or less and it will taste just as delicious as what you would order. This dish is filled with colorful vegetables and it's flavorful too. The three ingredients in Chinese cuisine are scallions, ginger and garlic. Mixed vegetables can include broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. You can have this dish as a full vegetarian dish or as a side dish and it will still be delicious. 

Sesame Lo Mein with Chicken & Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. lo mein noodles
• 1 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• 1/4 lb. shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
• 1/4 lb. snow peas
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Makes 4 Serving (1 cup)

1. Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain in colander under cold water. Drain again. Transfer to medium bowl and toss with sesame oil. Combine broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons rice wine in cup.
2. Combine chicken pieces with remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce in another bowl and toss. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3-4 minutes; transfer to plate.
3. Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until softened, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add cabbage, snow peas, and remaining 1 tablespoon rice wine; stir-fry until cabbage has wilted and snow peas are bright green, 2-3 minutes. Stir in noodles, chicken, and soy sauce mixture and cook, tossing, until heated thoroughly through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Who does not crave Chinese food once in a while? I do enjoy Chinese food but not the takeout version because it has so much stuff in it I can't pronounce it. Plus there is too mush salt  and MSG in Chinese takeout food. This version of a classic Chinese dish can be made in 30 minutes or less it's tastier and good for you. Plus it's easier on your wallet and the environment without all the boxes you have to throw out. If you don't have snow peas on hand, substitute broccoli and it will taste just as good. This dish was succulent and juicy. You don't need to add salt to this dish because there is some saltiness in the soy sauce. You can also use steak, pork or shrimp in place of the chicken and it will still be delicious.

Chicken Chop Suey

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. arrowroot
• 2 tbsp. gluten-free reduced sodium tamari soy sauce
• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 10 oz. white mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 large celery stalks with leaves, thinly sliced on the bias
• 1 cup slivered red onion (1 cup)
• 1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts, drained & rinsed
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups fresh mung bean sprouts (about 10 oz.)

Makes 4 Servings (scant 2 cups per serving)

1. In a cup, combine the arrowroot, tamari soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon water. Stir well and set aside.
2. Halve the chicken breasts lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise.
3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cooik, stirring, until just beginning to brown but still very pink, about 1 minute.
4. Reduce the to medium-high and add the mushrooms, celery, onion, water chestnuts, and pepper. Stir to combine, cover, and cook until the mushrooms have softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the bean sprouts over mixture. Re-Stir the arrowroot mixture, add to the pan, and stir to combine. Cook, uncovered, until the sauce thickens, 1-2 minutes. Divide the chop suey among 4 bowls and serve hot.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Gluten Solution Cookbook. Chop suey is a classic American-Chinese restaurant dish that loosely translates to bits and pieces or a little of this, a little of that. Chop suey was reportedly popular in early 1900's America but may or may not have been invented in the USA and there even entire restaurants called "chop suey joints" that specialized in this dish. Asian food does quickly fill you up and this dish doe that. I didn't like it but I didn't dislike it. I did eat this dish but I wouldn't eat it again because the texture dud nothing for me.

Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup sake or mirin
• 3 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 3 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 tbsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1/4  tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 1 /4 cups unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

Makes 8 Servings (3/4 cup per serving)

1. Combine the broth, sake, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and honey in a bowl; mix well.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles. Pour in 2 teaspoons of the oil and swirl to coat the pan, then add the chicken. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the pan. Add the scallions, ginger, and pepper flakes; stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water chestnuts and peanuts; stir-fry until heated through, about 1 minute. Add the broth mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook until heated through, about 1 minutes longer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. Who does not love Chinese food once in a while? Kung Pao chicken is a Chinese takeout classic and can be made at home in less time it takes for you to call the restaurant and pick up your order. This version of the Chinese classic gets is bursting flavor from Sake (Japanese rice wine) hoisin sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes. I highly recommend adding a touch of garlic because garlic ALWAYS makes every savory meal taste better. To make this meal even more authentically Chinese, serve on top of a 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice for an additional 2-3 points a serving. Once you learn to cook this takeout classic, you'll never order Chinese takeout again.

Flank Steak Stir-Fry with Ginger & Scallions

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 3/4-lb. flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 4 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp. peanut oil
• 1 tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 5 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Makes 4 Servings (3/4 cup beef mixture & 1/4 cup rice  mixture per serving)

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Combine steak, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons soy sauce in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Combine remaining 2 teaspoons soy sauce with hoisin in small bowl.
3. Heat oil in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, just until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add ginger and cook 30 seconds. Stir in bell peppers and cook, stirring often, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add hoisin mixture, stirring, 30 seconds. Remove from heat; stir in scallions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Divide beef mixture and rice among 4 plates.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. This is what I call gourmet Chinese food. I've said it once and I'll say it over  and over again: if you're thinking about ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE!! You can make this elegant meal in 20 minutes or less and it will taste just as good as takeout. You can use any cut of beef (porterhouse, sirloin, skirt, etc.) and this meal will be delicious. I highly recommend seasoning the beef with freshly ground pepper as and minced garlic to enhance the flavor. You don't need salt because the soy sauce is already salty. Any kind of vegetable such as broccoli, snap peas, or shitake mushrooms will work just as well too.

Poached Chicken with Asparagus & Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup rice wine or dry sherry
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 large garlic cloves
• pinch red pepper flakes
• 4 (5 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb. slender asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil

Makes 4 Servings

1. Stir together the hoisin sauce, rice wine, water, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper flakes in a large skillet; bring to a boil. Add the chicken; reduce the heat and simmer, covered, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through, 10-12 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook just until crisp-tender; about 3 minutes; drain.
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat; boil until slightly thickened and reduced to 1/2 cup, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sesame oil and any accumulated chicken juices. Cut the chicken crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Divide the chicken and asparagus among 4 plates. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and asparagus.

WW POINTS VALUE:6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This quick and easy dinner is tastier than takeout and tastes just as delicious. This chicken is succulently juicy and melts in your mouth. Cooking chicken in a liquid over medium and gently heat will guarantee that your chicken will be moist, while slicing it on a bias makes it tender and delicious. Hoisin sauce is found is the Asian and international isle of most supermarkets. Hoisin sauce is made from soybeans, chiles, garlic, and spices. If you're ever in the mood for Asian takeout, don't pick up the phone, just get the ingredients and cook this dish.

 



Mandarin Stir-Fried Pork Tenderloin & Broccolli

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. Chinese rice wine
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1 egg white, slightly beaten
• 12 oz. pork tenderloin, sliced 1/8-inch thick X 1-inch wide
• 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp. oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp. low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
• 1 tbsp. garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp. ginger, chopped
• 3 cups broccoli cut in florets, stems peeled and sliced
• 2 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp. water
• 2 tbsp. scallions, chopped
• 2 cups brown rice, cooked
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Combine rice wine, cornstarch and egg white. Mix in 1 pinch salt and pepper. Add pork. Let sit for 20 minutes or overnight.
2. Combine hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and sesame oil; set aside.
3. heat a wok or a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic and ginger. Stir until aromatic. Add pork and turn up the heat. Saute 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli and toss. Add sauce mixture and bring to a simmer; cover and cook until the broccoli mixture is al dente. Stir in cornstarch mixture. Bring to a simmer and stir in scallions.
4. Serve with brown rice.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. If you're thinking about ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE! You can make this meal in the same amount of time you order it and it comes to your door. The key to cooking good Chinese food are three ingredients: scallions, ginger and garlic. Broccoli is a key ingredient in stir-fries. If you don't have broccoli on hand, use sugar snap peas or baby bok choy and it will taste just as good. Chinese food is also sweet and spicy and if you want to add extra spice to this dish, add 2 teaspoons of chile paste. The pork issucculent and juicy in this dish and it makes a great leftover for lunch the next day.

Five-Spice Duck Breast with Steamed Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 (6 oz.) boneless duck breast halves, skin removed and discarded
• 1 tsp. Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 tsp. canola oil
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1/3 cup no-sugar-added apricot fruit spread
• 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

Makes 4 Servings

1. Steam broccoli in vegetable steamer until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, sprinkle duck with five-spice powder and salt. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add duck and cook, turning once, until browned and medium -rare, about 6 minutes. Transfer to plate and keep warm. Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add shallot, garlic, and ginger; cook, stirring, until very fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in wine or sherry and cook until nearly evaporated. Add fruit spread and soy sauce and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
3. Thinly slice duck and fan on 4 plates, Divide broccoli among plates; spoon sauce over duck.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Duck is a wonderful protein that's fatty and full of flavor. You can enjoy duck at home without breaking the bank like you would at a restaurant. Duck may be expensive at a restaurant but if you can buy a 1-pound duck breast for less than what you'd pay for a restaurant meal, you save money. This dish may look like a hot mess but it's really delicious. You can enjoy Chinese food without having to call for takeout and it can be good for you when it's done right. I know you can't get this quality meal when you go to your local Chinese takeout venue. The sauce is so delicious you can put it on chicken, beef, turkey, pork and even certain kinds of fish. If you don't have Chinese Five-Spice in your pantry, make it yourself. use equal portions of ground cinnamon, star anise, fennel seeds, Szechuan pepper and ground cloves for that sweet and savory flavor. One bite of this dish and you'll find yourself parting ways with the takeout menu.

 



Sweet-and-Sour Jumbo Shrimp with Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
• 3 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 3 tsp. canola oil
• 1 1/2 lbs. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Makes 4 Servings

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Meanwhile, combine reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar in medium bowl.
3. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook, turning once, until just opaque, 4-5 minutes; transfer to plate. Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add bell pepper and carrot and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add pineapple chunks and cook 1 minute. Add pineapple juice mixture and shrimp; bring to boil and cook until sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Divide shrimp and rice among 4 plates or bowls and sprinkle with scallions. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. (1 1/2 cups shrimp & 1/2 cup rice)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Are you a fan  of Chinese takeout? If so, this dish is for you. You can have healthy Chinese meals at home without ordering from your takeout menu. Plus, there is no MSG or any other mystery ingredients in this Chinese meal. This dish literally is sweet-and-sour and so colorful you'll forget it's healthy for you. This meal is also packed with flavor you'll want to eat it again and again. You can also use chicken, turkey, pork or tofu in this recipe and it will still be delicious. If you're thinking about ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE and cook this. You  and your guests will be very happy, trust me. 

Spicy Szechuan Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 2 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1 tbsp. + 2 tsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• 1 tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 bunch broccoli, cut into florets (3 cups)
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced on the bias

Makes 4 Servings

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Meanwhile, combine chicken, orange zest, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a large bowl and toss to coat. Combine orange juice, broth, honey sesame oil, pepper flakes, remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a small bowl.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 3 minutes; transfer to plate. Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil. Add ginger and garlic; stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in broccoli and carrots and stir-fry until broccoli is bright green, about 2 minutes. Pour in orange juice mixture; bring to boil and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Divide chicken mixture and rice among 4 plates.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. (1 cup chicken mixture & 1/2 cup rice per serving)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Who doesn't love Chinese takeout once in a while? I love Chinese food because it's so flavorful and filling you never get hungry an hour later. Don't be intimidated if it doesn't look beautiful. This dish has bold flavors and will quickly fill you up. This dish is just as delicious without the rice but the rice helps soak up all the orange flavors. The combination of ginger, garlic, orange, honey and red pepper flakes give this dish the bold heat in its name. You can use, turkey, pork, or even duck as the protein in this dish and your dish will still be delicious. The next time you're craving Chinese, PUT DOWN  THE TAKEOUT MENU!!! Cook this classic dish in 30 minutes or less and you'll be very happy.



Curried Singapore Noodles with Lobster

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. rice vermicelli
• 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 2 (8-ounce) thawed frozen lobster tails
• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 2 tsp. curry powder
• 4 scallions, sliced on the bias

Makes 4 Servings (1 1/2 cups per serving)

1. Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain in colander under cold running water . Drain again. Meanwhile, combine broth, soy sauce, wine and sugar in small bowl.
2. Remove lobster meat from shells and cut it into chunks. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add lobster and cook, stirring until just opaque, about 3 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; stir-fry 1 minute. Add bell pepper and stir-fry until softened, about 1 minute. Add curry powder and stir-fry 15 seconds. Stir in noodles and broth mixture. cook, tossing, until liquid evaporates and noodles are hot, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in scallions.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier that Takeout Cookbook. This dish is for anyone who loves Chinese food. It's quick, easy and packed with bold flavors. It's also a very colorful dish that's very filling. Cooking lobster is not as intimidating as you may think. You can find frozen lobster tails at your local fish market and at some grocery stores. The best way to cook lobster is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook them for 4 minutes. Take them out of the pot and let them cool for 1 minute. Then take a knife and cut through the tail and pull out the meat and toss the shells. You can then cook the lobster according to the directions. The key to making really good Chinese food are the 3 main ingredients: scallions, ginger and garlic. Garlic always makes everything better. Don't be intimidated when cooking this dish. Chinese cooking may look challenging but it's very simple. it's like Italian cooking but with different noodles and spices. My mom and I had this dish for dinner this evening and it was so delicious. The lobster, noodles and vegetables really filled me up so I wasn't hungry 1 hour later. If you can't find or afford lobster, you can instead use shrimp, chicken, turkey, pork or beef and it will still be delicious. If you're thinking about ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE! Make this dinner in 30 minutes or less and you'll be just as happy.