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Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout, Vegetarian

Mushroom Chow Mein

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Skip the takeout and make your own Mushroom Chow Mein Noodles at home for a fraction of the cost.

Serve this alongside some Peppered Steak to make a whole Chinese inspired dinner experience. 

WHAT IS MUSHROOM CHOW MEIN

It is made with white or brown mushrooms and Chinese chow mein noodles.

If you follow my blog at all you will know that I love to make takeout inspired recipes often. I test and test them to ensure I am coming up with the healthiest and best version for my readers. 

I used to spend a lot of money on takeout, now I just make it at home. Pretty much every other day, depending on how I’m feeling. Asian cuisine has to be one of my favorites, however I do love Indian and other cuisines nearly as much.

What I like about making Chow Mein at home is that I can remove the msgs that are in most takeout dishes, while saving a ton of money cooking them at home. 

IS MUSHROOM CHOW MEIN VEGAN

Not if you put Oyster sauce in it, if you want you can use Hoisin instead then it would be.

However this recipe is 100% vegetarian as it is made with just Mushrooms and Chinese bok choy. 

Trust me, you won’t miss the meat with this one. It’s so satisfying, you’ll be craving it time and time again.

However if you want to add meat, go ahead and pick up some fast fry beef or chicken and saute that right along side the mushrooms. 

Once you learn to make this simple chow mein dish, you will be making it more often Guaranteed!

I’m the type of lady that has to try every chow mein dish whenever we go to the chinese restaurants. I do this to compare really, just kidding.

Well kinda, I mean some restaurants do it right and others so wrong. Right? It’s not always easy to find a good chow mein these days. 

But with my recipe it’s foolproof, if you follow it to a tea you will be in Chow Mein Heaven!

HOW TO MAKE MUSHROOM CHOW MEIN

  • Start by boiling the chow mein noodles, then strain and set aside. The brand I like to use can be seen below, it is very low in sodium!

  • Next, fry the chow mein noodles in a little bit of vegetable oil. 
  • In a separate pan, fry the mushrooms and bok choy till soft.
  • Make the sauce and add the mushrooms and bok choy to the noodles.
  • Pour in the sauce and add some sesame seed oil and saute for a few minutes till everything is combined and hot.
  • Serve and enjoy!

The broccoli is tossed together in the most delicious asian inspired sauce. And the chow mein noodles are fried just a bit to give it the perfect amount of cripsyness. 

The hardest part about making homemade chow mein is “chopping those vegetables”.

Once you have that part done, the rest comes together in a snap.

I have experimented with a few chow mein recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

If you liked this dish, then stay tuned to this blog as I will be sharing my all time favorite recipe for seafood chow mein very soon, which contains fresh calamari and shrimp.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Notes: This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as chinese pork, beef or shrimp.  Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add more red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste. You know make it your own 🙂 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Chicken, Curries, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Chicken Vermicelli

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This Chicken Vermicelli dish is inexpensive to make and is ready in less than 30 minutes! 

Wanting another Vermicelli rice dish? Try my Singapore Shrimp Noodles

This Chicken Vermicelli recipe can be served with just about any type of vegetable you have on hand. Traditionally though it typically has julienned carrots, Bok choy and green onions.

is chicken vermicelli healthy

IS CHICKEN VERMICELLI HEALTHY

Yes, it has carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. 

Chicken Vermicelli is also known as Singapore Noodles

Where do Singapore Noodles Originate

Despite it’s name it was not created in Singapore.

Singapore is known to be the hub of many cultures and many of their dishes today have been influenced by many different types of foreigners over the centuries.

Today you can find many different types of dishes eaten in Singapore. These noodles however are well known worldwide and are eaten by all types of people.

Some like them with meat such as shrimp, chicken, pork or beef.  And others like it purely vegetarian, which is good also.  

This dish is also very easy to prepare and can be ready to serve in under 30 minutes.

I used to order this often from my local Chinese restaurant, now I make it myself. 

Singapore noodles are made with vermicelli rice noodles, chicken breasts and seasoned with curry powder, and some other popular Asian ingredients. 

You will want to start with sauteing the chicken first, and meanwhile soaking the vermicelli noodles around the same time.

Preparing the vegetables ahead of time, and setting aside when you’re ready to make the dish.

The fantastic flavors of this dish is what has made it so popular all across singapore and now internationally.

The balance of flavors is so good here, and even though we are adding minced red chili paste for a little heat.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add that heat.

Feel like adding shrimp, go ahead it’s your dinner after all! 

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, some people like to add red peppers but that is so wrong if you ask me.

The varieties of vermicelli rice noodles are endless, so choose your favorite brand and let’s get to cooking this delicious recipe!

You may want to add more soya sauce near the end, stir everything together well and taste before adjusting the flavor.

Looking for some added heat? Simply add in more of the minced chili paste, but be careful you only want a little more, it’s hot stuff.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Note:  You can make this with beef, Chinese pork, chicken if you prefer or just vegetables.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

 

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Bean Beef Stir fry

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This Black Bean Beef Stir fry is made with a pre-made black bean sauce making it an easy dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. 

Want another Black Bean recipe? Try my black bean chicken stir fry

Making this Black Bean Beef Stir fry is easy because it uses a pre-made sauce. There are a few pre-made black bean sauces on the market. My favorite is Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. 

I used to order this dish every time from our local Chinese restaurant,

Making at home myself save a ton of money vs ordering takeout. Plus, I like to add more peppers than most restaurants add, making it all the more better. 

You can add more peppers or onions as desired. Make them thin or thick as preferred!

WHAT IS BLACK BEAN BEEF

It is a popular Chinese dish that has marinated beef and vegetables all cooked together in fermented black bean sauce. 

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN BEEF

  • You want to use either a Wok or Large frying pan
  • Then you will want to either have sliced beef or slice it yourself and place it into a shallow bowl to marinade (see recipe card below for marinating instructions) 
  • Once the beef has marinaded add it to the wok and sauté till cooked, remove and set aside
  • Add in the vegetables along with beef stock and black bean sauce and sauté on medium heat till the vegetables are tender
  • Toss back in the beef and toss all together to serve!

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too, so what are you waiting for.

IS BLACK BEAN BEEF HEALTHY

Yes, it is packed full of fermented black beans, veggies and lean beef. 

Follow along for a mouthwatering dinner that everyone is sure to love.

This dish can be made with shrimp or chicken too which is also amazing. I had to do this dish right, so I tried it a couple dozen recipes from many sources to come up with my favorite version.

It has all the flavors you have come to know and love in a black bean sauce, and goes great served over rice.

Start by cooking your rice, because the rest takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use a mini rice cooker, just set it and forget it.

Then you will want to start with chopping the vegetables first, then setting them aside. Cut your steak into slices and place in a large frying pan or wok, sauteing till the beef is no longer pink. 

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, some people like to add snow peas, and other veggies but that is not very authentic if you ask me. This is one of my favorite dishes and healthy too! 

The fantastic flavors of garlic and black bean sauce gives this dish it’s amazing flavor, and the cornstarch helps to thicken it up just right. Even though there is garlic already in the black bean sauce, it is still nice to add 2 more cloves.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add more garlic.

I hope you give it a try. There really isn’t much too it!

This healthy meal is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters, serve alongside a big bowl of jasmine rice. 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet is an easy low carb meal made with shrimp, chorizo sausage, bell peppers, kale and is ready in less than 30 minutes! 

The combination of Cajun and old bay seasoning provides a wonderful combination of flavors that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Quick and easy to prepare too, and is a healthy choice to refuel your body after a long hard day.

Absolutely delicious and healthy stir fry! 

This dish can be on the table in less than 20 minutes, I kid you not!

I like to use green and orange bell peppers along with kale to give this dish it’s beautiful vibrant colors, however you can use pretty much any vegetable you have on hand for this dish.

Simply sauté some sausage and shrimp on the side first, then the vegetables separately. Bring everything back together and sauté to combine the flavors for the most delicious skillet dinner. 

Can weeknight dinners get any better than this?

Bursting with flavor this skillet is sure to become on of your family’s favorite meals!

 

Note: You can also add celery, spinach or snow peas and can be served over rice if desired.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out.Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

 

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Bean Chicken Stir Fry

Skip the takeout tonight and try making this Black Bean Chicken Stir Fry instead. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and is inexpensive to make.

Wanting another popular Chinese recipes to serve alongside this dish? Try my Chinese Squid or my Mushroom Fried Rice

Skip the take out, this tasty dish can be served in under 30 minutes.

Making this Black Bean Beef Stir fry is easy because it uses a pre-made sauce. There are a few pre-made black bean sauces on the market. My favorite is Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. 

WHAT IS BLACK BEAN CHICKEN

It is a popular Chinese dish that has marinated chicken and vegetables all cooked together in fermented black bean sauce. 

My dish here is made with red and green peppers, onions and chicken and then is tossed in a tasty black bean sauce.

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, however you can add mushrooms, broccoli or snow peas if you like too!

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN CHICKEN 

You will want to start by cooking your rice, and then marinating your chicken.

Because the rest takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use a mini rice cooker, just set it and forget it.

  • Start by marinating he chicken first in water and cornstarch mixture then fry it in oil over medium heat just enough to cook it.
  • Next remove it from the wok/pan to sauté the vegetables in a black bean sauce mixture for a while.
  • Just before adding back together with the cooked chicken sauté all together for a few minutes before serving. Pretty easy huh!

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too, so what are you waiting for. 

Follow along for a mouthwatering dinner that everyone is sure to love.

Then simply chop up all the vegetables and cook according to the instructions below. 

The fantastic flavors of garlic and black bean sauce gives this dish it’s amazing flavor, and the cornstarch helps to thicken it up just right.

Even though there is garlic already in the black bean sauce, it is still nice to add 2 more cloves.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add more garlic.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

I’m so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

This one pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tortellini is sauteed in light cheese sauce and goes so well tossed with pasta.

Looking for another Tortellini recipe? Try my so tasty Mushroom Balsamic Tortellini

This Lemon Garlic Tortellini is super easy to make and can be on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes. It’s comfort food meets healthy food, and yes this is surely possible. 

My mom used to make tortellini often for me as a kid and I typically order Tortellini whenever I go to those Italian restaurants, I just love it.

I’m fancying it up a bit today by adding asparagus and shrimp. This dish has become our all time favorite shrimp pasta recipe.

If you end up giving it a try, I would love to hear what you think of it in the comments below.

Super satisfying this is sure to hit the spot if your craving something fancy for dinner tonight and comforting at the same time. You can always add chicken if desired, however I like shrimp best for this recipe.

You can use just about any pasta for this recipe, however I really like the tortellini. You will want to start by cooking the tortellini first in a pot of boiling water.

Then saute the asparagus till slightly tender along with the shrimp beforeing bringing everything back together to merge in the pan. Season with salt and pepper, lemon juice and white cheddar cheese before serving! Bon Appetit!

MEAL PREP IDEA: Make enough to create a few meal preps bowls for the week ahead!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out.Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Other pasta Dishes you will love

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Christmas & Thanksgiving, Dinner ideas

Best Tourtiere Recipe

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This Best Tourtiere Recipe also know as Tourtiere de Maman is a Canadian meat pie that is spiced. And is the perfect recipe to accompany your holiday festivities. 

Looking for another festive dish? Then your gonna want to try my Baked Holiday Ham dish or my Beef Mushroom Wellington or even my Recette Sheppard’s Pie.

Gather your friends and family to enjoy a stress-free comfort meal, with my French Canadian Tourtière 

WHERE DID TOURTIERE ORIGINATE

Tourtiere originated from Quebec from as early as 1600.

And is traditional served during the Christmas holidays. 

IS TOURTIERE FRENCH

Yes, French Canadian.

WHEN IS TOURTIERE EATEN

Nothing beats this pie on the table on Christmas day, well next to some mashed potatoes and gravy of course. Or my popular Shredded Brussel Sprouts recipe!

Tourtiere spices

  • 1 tbsp Savory
  • 1 tsp Ground cloves
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Sage
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Celery Salt
  • 1 tsp Season with salt and pepper

Note: not everyone likes Cinnamon in there meat pies, so to each there own. 

How To Make Canadian Tourtière 

  • Start with a pyrex baking dish that is 9.5 x 1.6 deep.
  • Then make the butter crust (see recipe card)
  • And the pie filling
  • Stuff the Tourtière and bake at 375 f for 45 minutes till golden brown.

CAN TOURTIERE BE FROZEN

Yes, as long as the meat that was used was fresh not frozen to begin with. 

So how do I know how to make a traditional Tourtière you may be asking?

Well, I am Canadian, but not Acadian. And have strong French roots on one side of my family.

What is Acadian you may be asking? Acadian peoples originate from eastern Canada.

They actually are the ones who created this recipe to begin with. Then the French out there ran with it and it is now known as a French Canadian or Acadian dish.

This particular recipe for my best Tourtière Pie has been past down from my Great Grandma who was 100% French Canadian. And her ancestors are all from Newfoundland and Labrador territories. 

I have been gifted with her original recipe which was hand written by her a few decades ago.

And, so I had to share it all with you here. 

Growing up Canadian, I was influenced by many cultural groups and thus foods so it wasn’t like I stuck to just one type of food then or now.

However I’ve appreciated all that was taught to me along the way.

One fond memory I do have is that of my great grandma and grandma both in the kitchen together making Tourtière right before Christmas.

I must have been somewhere from 5-10 years old then. And I never knew how precious that memory would be for me as my great grandmother past shortly after. 

I also remember enjoying this dish during Christmas dinner over the years as my aunts always carried the tradition of making it. 

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES A TOURTIERE MEAT PIE SERVE

One pie typically serves 8-10.

Over the years this recipe has been changed across the generations and each family does prepare it somewhat differently. In eastern Canada, most people there use pork or even rabbit in this pie. 

Oh and be sure to serve this CANADIAN TOURTIÈRE with a dollop of Ketchup. The kids will love that addition too.

PS: don’t skip on the potatoes they really help to hold the pie together. I hope you give it a try this holidays season and let me know what you think.

Could you serve a traditional French Canadian meat pie this Christmas? Could your family like it more than the more traditional Turkey? I would love to know.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

WHICH WINE WITH TOURTIERE

Whites, sparkling or reds all go with them a tourtière pie.

Note: You can freeze this ahead of time, and bring it to any gathering to bake fresh.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOURTIERE

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

Beef and Mushroom Wellington

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

 CRANBERRY STUFFING RECIPE!

Be sure to try these tasty recipes below!

  1. Pork Chops with maple syrup and apples
  2. Maple Bourbon Glaze Ham
  3. Brussel Sprouts with bacon
  4. Butter Herb & Parmesan Mushrooms
  5. Turkey Pot Pies
  6. Creamy Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  7. Honey Mustard Brussel Sprouts
  8. Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
  9. Canadian Maple Butter
  10. Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures. 

Stay connected and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

Barbeque, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes

Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe

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These Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe are pan fried on the stove-top and served with fresh Homemade Peach Jalapeno Salsa. 

My Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe may look a bit  fancy, but trust me it really takes no special technique to prepare at all. 

If you like pork with a hint of sweet/spicy flavors then you can’t go wrong with this recipe here. These pork chops go great even without the peach salsa, but if you can get your hands on in season fresh peaches then go for it! 

HOW TO PAN FRY PORK CHOPS? 

The trick to cooking the best pan fried pork chops is to use ample butter, because you are going to be basting the pork chops in the butter while it cooks. 

The second trick is to season the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and pepper prior to cooking. If you follow those two tips alone you are sure to prepare the best pork chops ever. 

These chops can be done on the grill as well, they just won’t be as juicy. Also feel free to use pineapple in replace of peaches if desired.

WHAT TYPE OF PORK CHOP IS GOOD FOR FRYING?

Feel free to use bone in pork chops, pork loin or ribs. All work well for frying!

Go ahead and serve these pork chops with mash potatoes or a salad of your liking. They really go well with either option or just enjoy as is with lots of peach salsa.

I just love the way the rosemary and garlic butter flavors the pork, it melts in your mouth and to be honest I have yet to try something this good in the restaurants.

First you will want to prepare the salsa in advance and store it in the fridge for more than one hour.

This really helps the flavors to set into the peaches and makes for an excellent topping to these pork chops.

To prepare the pork you will want to sear chops in a non stick frying pan with a little butter, rosemary and seasonings.

Each side will take about 8 minutes to cook, while cooking baste with butter in the pan.

Jalapeno Peach Salsa

LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES FOR PORK CHOPS? 

Below you will find some side dish recipes that would go so well with these “Pork Chops” 

Meal Prep Inspiration: Make more pork chops and slice them once cooked and place over some creamed corn and add the peach salsa. Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, your visits and your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!