Monday, January 27, 2014

Asian Green Beans

When I lived in Oxford and went to school at The University of Mississippi, I would visit a Chinese restaurant there and we always got the green beans. My best friend and I would have an afternoon late lunch date there at least once a week. We would fill a plate with just green beans. They were so good. Unfortunately, I graduated and moved away. That the bad thing about graduating and moving away, you move away from the food that you come to know and love. I have been trying for a few years now to recreate those green beans and I think that I have done it now.

I hope that you enjoy! :D I know I did!


Asian Green Beans 

  • 1/2 lb of 'haricot vert' green beans
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp of ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp of butter
  • 2 tbsp of water
  • 3 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp of sugar
  • 1/2 tsp of black pepper
  • 1 pinch of red pepper flake
  • 1 tsp of onion powder



  1. Heat your skillet (medium) and melt 2 tbsp of butter with the garlic and ginger then, toss in your green beans and cook for a few minutes. 
  2. Add 2 tbsp of water, 3 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sugar, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, 1 pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp onion powder. 
  3. Cook of medium low until the beans are tender. 
  4. Enjoy! (This make 2 servings. Nutritional facts from caloriecount.com.)


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
1 serving (90.9 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories
149
Calories from Fat
104
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
11.6g
18%
Saturated Fat
7.3g
36%
Cholesterol
31mg
10%
Sodium
983mg
41%
Total Carbohydrates
10.6g
4%
Dietary Fiber
0.5g
2%
Sugars
7.2g
Protein
1.8g
Vitamin A 8%Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 2%Iron 4%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps




Allen and I had a serious craving for Chinese food. So, I decided to cook some for us. I'm trying to eat healthier and this was right up my ally.  I couldn't find a recipe I liked because I don't like mushrooms or water chestnuts. The recipe below is what I came up with. I had most of the ingredients on hand. This dish could be gluten free if gluten free items are bought. It was kinda spicy so go lighter on the chili paste or heavier if that's what you enjoy! 



Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
1/4

2
tablespoons  olive oil

2
tablespoons  teriyaki sauce

1
tablespoon  soy sauce

1
teaspoon  minced ginger

1
teaspoon  thai chili paste

1/4

2
cloves  minced garlic

1/3
teaspoon  salt

1/3
teaspoon  black pepper

1
teaspoon  sugar

1
head Lettuce, Butterhead

Directions
Heat pan with olive oil and brown chicken with minced onion. Add salt, pepper, and carrot and stir.


In a bowl mix the rest of the ingredients besides the lettuce,



Pour the mixture into the pan with the brown chicken and bring to a simmer.



Once most of the liquid is reduced. turn the chicken off and cool.



Wash and dry lettuce.


Fill lettuce leaf with a spoonful of mixture and enjoy!













Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
1 serving (177.8 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories
304
Calories from Fat
141
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
15.7g
24%
Saturated Fat
3.3g
17%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
101mg
34%
Sodium
882mg
37%
Total Carbohydrates
5.5g
2%
Dietary Fiber
0.5g
2%
Sugars
3.4g
Protein
33.9g
Vitamin A 4%Vitamin C 4%
Calcium 3%Iron 11%