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Dinner ideas, Easy Ramen Recipes, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Easy Beef Ramen recipe

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You can skip the takeout tonight and make this Easy Beef Ramen recipe noodle stir fry instead. It is super easy to make as it uses instant noodles and sliced beef, green onions and peppers. 

This dish can be ready in less than 20 minutes, easy and delicious! 

This dish is made with flank steak, red bell peppers, green onions.

Along with Ichiban ramen noodles that are simmered in a garlic, ginger sauce that you’re sure to enjoy.

HOW TO MAKE this Beef Ramen recipe

  • My recipe calls for allot less oil than most recipes out there, you really don’t need a lot anyway.
  • That is unless you want super crispy beef? I find the tender beef to be best for this recipe.
  • Also you can use plain ramen noodles instead of the Ichiban variety. However if you do then you will want to use beef stock in replace of the water along with 1 tbsp of soya sauce.
  • That is because I mix the pre packaged ichiban seasoning with 2 cups of water for this recipe.

Your method to preparing this is totally up to you!! 

The kind I used – feel free to use plain ramen noodles and omit the water for beef stock.

I have always loved ramen noodles, I have tried almost every kind. My favorite is ichiban and that is why I used them in this recipe.

However if your trying to limit your salt intake then you can substitute the seasoning that comes in that ramen package and use beef stock  instead. 

Whichever method you choose you still can have dinner on the table tonight in under 30 minutes time. It doesn’t get any easier or tastier than this for beef ramen noodles. 

The origins of ramen noodles originated from Japan however the chinese are the ones who brought it over in the mid 1800’s making this recipe more chinese. 

It’s absolutely delicious!

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

This super satisfying recipe is sure to hit the spot tonight!

You can always skip the chicken and make this a vegan dish. I hope you give it a try, Bon Appetit!

Note: Want a spicer Beef stir fry? Simply add in more “Red Pepper Flakes” 

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

This recipe feeds four, so if your wanting more? Simply adjust the recipe above with my simple recipe adjuster.

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

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 give a 5 star rating below if would make it again. 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!

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

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein

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Skip the takeout tonight and make this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein in less than 30 minutes! 

Looking for another dish to serve alongside this? Try my Peppered Beef Steak or my Black Pepper Shrimp

What makes my Chicken Chow Mein authentic? Well you are just going to have to read on to find out. The hardest part about making homemade Chow Mein is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, along with marinating the chicken.

WHERE TO BUY CHOW MEIN NOODLES

Typically fresh Chow Mein noodles can be found in the fresh isles of your supermarket and the dry in the international isle.  This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as Chinese pork, beef or shrimp. OR make it vegetarian, which is also fantastic too!

Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add some red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste during the cooking process.

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

It contains a few fresh ingredients such as whole chicken breasts, shredded cabbage, Bok choy, green onions, carrots and fresh Cho Mein noodles.

You can always use dried Chow Mein noodles those will produce a more crispy chow Mein. I like to make it both ways so that part is up to you!

So what makes this Chow Mein authentic?

It is the fresh Cho Mein noodles which are tossed in the most delicious sauce. Along with the shredded ingredients! You may be more familiar with chopped carrots, however most authentic dishes call for those carrots to be shredded. 

Chow Mein is one of my favorite Asian dishes, I will order it Everytime I go to my favorite Asian restaurant and I will also order it when I try new Asian restaurants.

Some restaurants make their Chow Mein better than others, typically it has allot to do with the type of ingredients that are added to the noodles.

My all time favorite Chow Mein dish would have to be seafood then chicken, today I am sharing the chicken one.

Very soon I will share how I make the seafood one, which contains fresh calamari and shrimp.

I like to make my Chow Mein with fresh steamed noodles sometime and did for this recipe. However both steamed and dry are good and will work well for this recipe.

Note: Using a low sodium chicken stock and soya sauce will cut down on the salt intake for this dish.

Also if your wanting a crispy chow mein stir fry, then see this recipe below will suit your taste!

The Vegetables are also chopped different and their is broccoli added: Spicy Crispy Chicken Chow Mein

Serve this Chow Mein alongside this popular “Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe”

The best way to get ahold of me is through the comments! I absolutely love hearing from my readers, and I respond to each and every comment I receive.

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

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!

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!

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!

Pasta, Salads

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

This Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe is just like a BLT sandwich however it has no bread in it. It’s a great recipe for anytime of the year. 

My Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is made with fresh romaine lettuce, bacon, green onions, bowtie pasta, baby tomatoes and is tossed in a healthy ranch dressing.

I like to use fresh multi colored baby tomatoes in this salad, it gives it that extra special flavor.  Serve this as a side dish at any potluck or as the main course if you choose.

I highly recommend using multi colored baby tomatoes in this salad, it gives it that extra special flavor and looks so pretty.  Also be sure to look for a good quality bacon the less fat the better.

BEST RANCH SALAD DRESSING

Litehouse Homestyle Ranch, which can be found in the refrigerator section and is the only ranch dressing I will ever use. So good!

 

I like to make and enjoy my pasta salads all summer long and this one is up there on the list of my top 10 favorites. 

Nothing says summer to me more than a fresh salad made with baby tomatoes from either my garden.

Trust me everyone is going to LOVE IT!

BACON LETTUCE TOMATO PASTA SALAD

Looking for a cooling drink? Why not enjoy this salad along with some “Raspberry sweet tea“.

Go ahead and treat yourself you definitely deserve it. My Raspberry sweet tea is not made with any refined sugar, so go check it out it’s not only super healthy for you it’s also super delicious!

Feel free to add a pre-cooked shredded chicken breast to this salad along with the bacon if desired.

I sometimes will do that when serving this for dinner to guests, however if it’s just me and my partner then we like to have it just like this.

WANT TO MAKE THIS SALAD HEALTHIER?

Add a GREEK BASED salad dressing!

What are some of your favorite summer time salads? 

Looking for more Summertime salads? 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, I appreciate every single one of you! 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!

Appetizers & Sides, Christmas & Thanksgiving, Game Day, New Year's, Seafood

Smoked Oyster Dip

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This creamy Smoked Oyster dip is made with cream cheese and sour cream and it is the perfect appetizer for the holidays or any large gathering. Plus it is super easy to make guy’s as it takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

Looking for more dip recipes? You defiantly should check out my Canned Smoked Sardine Dip, Garlic Hummus, Jalapeno Peach Salsa.

What is in this dip besides Smoked Oysters? Sour cream, cream cheese, capers, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice along with some other seasonings. Make sure to add the juice from the smoked oysters this makes for an extra tasty and creamy dip.

If you are anything like me and love smoked oysters then you are going to love this dip.
I like to make this dip whenever I have guests coming over, typically around the busy holiday season and or around game day. 

HOLIDAY DIP RECIPE

You can eat this all to yourself or make a bowl for a group of guests. Think Christmas, Thanksgiving or even the Super Bowl Party!

The nice thing is it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, doesn’t get any easier than that right?

CANNED SMOKED OYSTER DIP

HOW TO MAKE SMOKED OYSTER DIP

  • Combine all your ingredients in food processor and blend everything together.
  • Chill for one hour before serving.
  • Sprinkle a little seasoning salt over top and serve with some light crackers for dipping. Enjoy!

I’m aware that this is something not everyone has tried before, because they simply don’t sell this dip pre-made in the stores.

But trust me it is a WINNER! 

Feel free to omit placing a whole oyster on top before serving, so they know what is really in this dip. Not every one likes Oysters, but I am more than certain if they don’t and try this recipe.

They may have a change of taste!

 
Most people’s first reaction is what is that? And then well, the rest is history because everyone wants the recipe. It’s that good, and simple to make.
Which will allow you to focus all your attention on the main course.
 
Plus it’s makes for an interesting appetizer around the living room table. Simply chill in the fridge right before serving and let the snacking begin.
 
Serve with some light crackers and watch it disappear before your eyes.
 
This recipe serves around a group of 10 people, if your feeding less or just making it for yourself then you can cut the recipe in half.
 
I hope you give it a try! I would love to know how you like it.

Note: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

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.

Appetizers & Sides, Dinner ideas, Salads, Seafood

Crab Potato Salad

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This Crab Potato Salad is made with imitation crab meat, potatoes, mayo, onions and a few secret spices. So follow along for this unique yet classic recipe that your sure to love. 

The kick off to Summer has begun. And you know what that means? 

Canada Day is right around the corner as well as BBQ’s and picnics. 

And of course getting together more with people in the great outdoors. Yippy! 

My Crab Potato salad is not only super unique! It is inexpensive and satisfying meal option for any type of gathering. 

This Crab Potato Salad is just like any other Potato Salad except it showcases our Canadian Snow Crab and is so delicious.

You can use real snow crab for this potato salad or imitation crab meat.

Both will work amazing in this recipe, so it really depends on your preference. 

This potato salad will leave your guests wanting seconds and most likely asking you for the recipe!

So if you’re looking for a unique summertime potato salad, then why not surprise everyone with this “Amazing Crab Potato Salad”.

Fresh crab works amazing in here, however you can always substitute for imitation crab which we did today and works just as good. 

This potato salad has just a hint of sweetness from the snow crab and red peppers, however it has a balance of flavors that also come from the old bay seasoning, salt, pepper and lemon juice.

I came up with this recipe a few years back and have been making every June long weekend every since for the family.

You can choose to add imitation crab meat or real crab.

Did you know that most of the Worlds snow crab comes from our Atlantic Provinces?

Yup it’s true, the best quality snow crab comes from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Newfoundland and Labrador

So it is only appropriate that it this potato salad be listed under Canadian cuisine, right? 

We hope you enjoy this potato salad as much as we do:)

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUMMER SALAD RECIPES?

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, I appreciate every single one of you! 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, Skip the takeout

Asian Chicken Drumsticks

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These Asian Chicken Drumsticks are baked in the oven in their own marinated. Which produces a tender and juicy chicken that is served best over rice. 

I really like to make these asian chicken drumsticks in my “dutch oven”.

The reason I do this is because the chicken cooks in the juices and never becomes dry.

Which works so well because this recipe is served over a bed of Jasmine rice and their is even leftover juice remaining that is uses as a sauce.

This is really a set it and forget it type recipe too, simply marinade the chicken in your dutch oven the night prior.

And take it out of the fridge and place in directly into a preheated oven at 425 f for 45 minutes. 

Meanwhile, cook some rice on the side in a rice cooker and your ready to eat a satisfying meal that the whole family is sure to love.

As with all my recipes, if you want to serve more people.

Simply double the recipe ingredients up.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Absolutely! However keep in mind they won’t be juicy and their will be no sauce for the rice. 

How to make the best baked asian chicken drumsticks

  1. Marinade– You want to marinate them overnight.
  2. Time – You do not want to bake them for more than 45 minutes.

This marinade consists of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper.

If you follow those two tips alone you are sure to prepare the best baked chicken drumsticks. Also feel free to use bone in chicken thighs as well, those work for this recipe too

Looking for another popular chicken breast recipe?  try my “Oven Baked Chicken Breasts”? It’s a another popular one on this blog. 

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