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Easy Family Recipes From A Chinese American Childhood

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Celebration Is In The Air. Or Is That Just Snow? NPR
Celebration Is In The Air. Or Is That Just Snow? NPR from www.npr.org
Growing up in a Chinese American household, food was an important part of our family culture. My mom would spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals, and my siblings and I would eagerly await the delicious aromas that wafted through the house. Over the years, I've learned to cook many of these easy family recipes myself, and I want to share them with you. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and they're sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

Description

These easy family recipes are inspired by my childhood in a Chinese American household. They're simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. From savory stir-fries to comforting soups, these recipes are sure to please everyone in your family.

Prep Time

Prep time for these recipes varies, but most can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. Some recipes require marinating or soaking time, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Cook Time

Cook time for these recipes varies, but most can be cooked in 30 minutes or less. Some recipes require simmering or baking time, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Ingredients

The ingredients for these recipes are easy to find at your local grocery store or Asian market. You'll need basic pantry staples like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, as well as fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and scallions. You'll also need proteins like chicken, beef, and shrimp, as well as vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.

Equipment

You'll need basic kitchen equipment like a wok or large skillet, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. Some recipes require a blender or food processor, and others require a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Method

The method for these recipes is straightforward and easy to follow. Most recipes require you to sauté vegetables and protein, then add sauces and seasonings. Some recipes require marinating or soaking, while others require simmering or baking.

Notes

These easy family recipes are customizable to your family's tastes and preferences. You can adjust the amount of spice, sweetness, or saltiness to your liking. You can also substitute proteins and vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Nutrition Info

The nutrition information for these recipes varies, but most are low in calories and high in protein and vegetables. You can make these recipes even healthier by using lean proteins and reducing the amount of oil and salt.

Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time? A: Yes, most of these recipes can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Q: Can I freeze these recipes? A: Yes, most of these recipes can be frozen for later use. Be sure to label and date them. Q: Can I make these recipes vegetarian or vegan? A: Yes, most of these recipes can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting proteins with tofu or tempeh, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.

Recipe Tips

Tip 1: To save time, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Tip 2: Use a nonstick pan or wok to prevent sticking and burning. Tip 3: Don't overcook your vegetables to retain their texture and color. Tip 4: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Recipes

1. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic Chinese American dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

  1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  3. Add beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
  4. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes:

You can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 326 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 4g

2. Hot and Sour Soup

This comforting soup is easy to make and perfect for a chilly night. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 4 ounces tofu, cubed
  • 1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, drained and sliced
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions

Method:

  1. In a pot, bring chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and white pepper to a boil.
  2. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Slowly pour into the pot and stir until soup thickens.
  3. Add tofu and bamboo shoots and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Gradually pour in whisked eggs while stirring the soup in one direction.
  5. Stir in scallions and serve hot.

Notes:

You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. You can also adjust the amount of vinegar and pepper to your liking.

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 117 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 11g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 1g

3. Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry

This light and flavorful stir-fry is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups snow peas, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method:

  1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  3. Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink.
  4. Add snow peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes:

You can substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 173 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 3g | Fiber: 3g

4. Chinese BBQ Pork

This sweet and savory pork is a Chinese American classic. Serves 4.

Ingredients


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