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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!

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

Easy Green Thai Curry

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This Easy Green Thai Curry can be pulled together in less than 30 minutes! 

WHAT DOES GREEN THAI CURRY TASTE LIKE

Green Thai Curry has hints of spice, tang and sweet flavors. It really is something special and this recipe has all the same tastes that you would find at your local Thai restaurants too!

You may have thought that making Thai curry at home would be complicated, but I am here to tell you it is not. 

However I have found a healthy paste product that contains all those foreign ingredients that is out of this world amazing.

It will not only taste the exact same way as making it all from scratch, it will save you all the hassle of learning to do that and time.

What am I talking about? My favorite GREEN THAI CURRY PASTE! You can see that below!

Green Thai Curry is just a bit milder than Red Thai Curry, however both taste similar. There are plenty different ways to make Thai curry and that is because you can add just about any type of vegetable or meat protein to your dishes.

WHAT IS IN GREEN THAI CURRY

  • Thai Green Curry consists of some kind of protein, some kind of vegetable, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and Coconut milk and Green Curry Paste.
  • Traditionally that paste is made in a mortar and is comprised of shallots, garlic, green chilies, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves among some other ingredients and spices. 

This one here is made with Chicken breasts, Asparagus and Swiss Chard.

As you may know I love Thai food and make it a lot in our home. Actually I make it every week, because I crave it that much. With any of my Thai recipes, you will learn that you really only need a few ingredients in your fridge and pantry to make any of them easily.

And that is because, I have been making homemade Thai recipes for years. And have learned all the tricks to making it quickly and healthily for just about anyone who loves it. 

Making homemade Thai curry at home is really easy once you have all the basic ingredients! 

Once you picked your vegetable and protein you will simply want a quality coconut milk product (the less liquidity) the better and a pre-made green Thai curry paste along with some fish stock, sugar and salt. 

WHAT’S IN GREEN THAI CURRY PASTE

  • Fresh Green Chilli 
  • Lemongrass
  • Garlic
  • Shallots
  • Galangal
  • Cumin
  • Coriander seeds

HOW MUCH GREEN THAI CURRY PASTE TO USE

  • 2 tbsp per 400 grams of Coconut Milk

The ONLY brand I will use!!

IS GREEN THAI CURRY GLUTEN FREE

  • YES!

IS GREEN THAI CURRY KETO

  • Yes

VEGETABLES THAT GO GREAT IN GREEN THAI CURRY

  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Red, Green, Yellow or Orange peppers
  • Swiss chard 
  • Asparagus
  • Mushrooms

PROTEINS THAT GO GREAT IN GREEN THAI CURRY

  • Shrimp
  • Chicken
  • Tofu

IS GREEN THAI CURRY HEALTHY

  • YES, Thai Curry is very healthy for you!

So what are you waiting for?

Skip the takeout tonight and make this quick and easy dish right in the comfort of your own home. 

Something to be savored!

Some people like to use one can of coconut for their Thai curries. I will do that at times too, however for this recipe I used two cans of light coconut milk which helps to make this dish go father and serves more people.

One can typically serves two people for dinner, two can’s can serve three. Being I adore Thai food, I will eat it all to myself if I can.

Another reason I like to use light coconut milk is because it’s healthier and being that I eat this dish almost every other week. It works well for me! 

However if your wanting a thicker sauce, you can use full fat coconut milk. Both work really good in this recipe and is something I do use at times. 

Before you know it you will be a TOP CHEF in your kitchen, cooking Thai dishes like a Pro. 

WHAT GOES WITH GREEN THAI CURRY 

  • Jasmine Rice
  • Vermicelli Rice

If you love Thai food as much as me, then you will want to try my other thai dishes! All are AMAZING and really are some of the best ways to make Thai at home in a fraction of the time. 

Note: Want more heat, simply add in more Thai Green Curry Paste.

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you 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!

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes

Black Bean Pork Vegetables Stir fry

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Here a great recipe “Black Bean Pork Vegetables Stir fry “ it goes great alongside a warm bowl of Jasmine rice.

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN PORK 

  • Start by making the sauce, by adding 2 tbsp of cornstarch to 5 tbsp of water and blend.
  • Then add in the black bean sauce, honey, ginger, garlic chili and stir to combine.
  • Then slicing up the boneless pork, once that is done.
  • Heat up a wok or non stick frying pan with 2 tbsp of sesame oil and saute the pork till browned.
  • Then pour in the sauce and saute for another 2 minutes before adding in your vegetables of choice and sesame seeds.
  • Saute everything together for a remaining 15 minutes before serving as is or over a bed of jasmine rice.
  • Season with salt to taste, enjoy!

I tend to use broccoli most times for this recipe. However today I had a bag of frozen Asian vegetables that I used instead. 

Made with boneless pork tenderloin, black bean sauce, corn starch, honey a few spices. That you’re sure to enjoy, plus it’s quick and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

I like to use a frozen vegetable mixture on those days where I am pressed for time. 

So for this recipe, I have used one of my favorite frozen “Asian vegetable mixes” which has broccoli, carrots, green beans, water crescents in it.

However you can use whatever vegetables you like.

Fresh or frozen will work, just make sure that if your using frozen to defrost them prior to cooking.

If you end up giving this recipe a try, do let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear how you liked it ?

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

Note: Feel free to use broccoli asparagus or any other vegetables you like.

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!

 

Soups & Stews

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

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This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a family favorite in my house. I like to prepare a big pot of this soup and will enjoy it over a few days. 

WHAT IS CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

It has all the same ingredients that cabbage rolls would have with stock to make it a soup.

It basically a cabbage roll done the lazy way, meaning we are not rolling the ingredients into a pre cooked cabbage leaf.

Instead we are throwing all those ingredients into a soup rather than rolling them up neat and tidy.

CAN CABBAGE ROLL SOUP BE FROZEN

Yes, it stores well as leftovers and freezes very well!

Cabbage roll soup is one of those staple soups that everyone should have in there recipe books.

It can be very healthy for you depending on the quality of ingredients you choose to use.

WHAT IS IN CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

I like to use:

  • Organic grass fed beef
  • Beef Stock
  • Whole canned tomatoes
  • Cabbage
  • 1 fresh tomato
  • Tomato Juice
  • Rice
  • Spices 

Did you know whole canned tomatoes are much better than the chopped ones?

Yes it’s true. You can read learn more about that topic on thekitchn.com

This recipe can stretch too and feed allot of people, so feel free to make a few pots and freeze them for easy enjoyment over the colder months.

IS CABBAGE ROLL SOUP KETO FRIENDLY

Yes, it is low in carbs. 

HOW TO MAKE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

This soup can be done on the stove top as I did or if your pressed for time in your slow cooker. 

Whichever method you choose, I am sure this one will be something your family enjoys!

Also to save some times, feel free to use your food processor to chop the cabbage .

You can use the shred option which will give you more of  a shredded cabbage in the soup. 

Notes: Keep in mind, as with all my recipes. If you want to make more or less of this soup, simple adjust the serving size in the ingredients section above and the servings will automatically adjust for you. This soup can store in the fridge for up to 3 days and or freeze for up to 3 months.

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!

LOOKING FOR MORE CABBAGE RECIPES?

Date Night, Skip the takeout

Chinese Beef Pepper Steak

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Skip the takeout tonight and try this “Chinese Beef Pepper Steak” instead. 

It is absolutely delicious and so healthy for you. So feel free to indulge and sharing is not mandatory! 

I like good quality chinese food and will seek it out when the craving hits. 

I lean more towards those authentic type dishes than those americanized sweet ones.

This dish definitely delivers on those authentic flavors. 

So if your like me and prefer a more authentic stir fry too then you’re definitely going to want to add this recipe collection!

Sauteed in the most delicious sauce your family won’t believe this didn’t come from delivery.

So what is in that secret sauce anyway? Well it’s a simple combination of  oyster sauce, soya sauce, cornstarch, sugar, rice vinegar and some great spices.

You are sure to be reminded of your best dining experience at your favorite asian restaurant with this one.

Your wanting to use a fast fry steak here and simple marinade it for 15 minutes prior to ensure it is as tender as possible.

To do that slice the steak against the grain and marinade it in a bit of baking soda then after the 15 minutes is up your going to run that clean under cold water.

Then add all the “sauce” ingredients back into a bowl with the cleaned steak and now your ready to pull it all together in the wok!

Meanwhile, while the steak is marinating in the sauce you can get your rice going either on the stove or in your rice cooker and also chop up all the vegetables = Red and Green peppers, onions, garlic and ginger.

Then the rest of the dish takes less than 15 minutes to pull together, talk about easy enough eh? 

For this recipe you can throw in practically any type of vegetable in, sometimes will throw broccoli and snap peas for another version.

However this version is definitely my all time favorite, I could eat this once per week or more and sometimes i do 🙂

I like to serve this with some cooked jasmine rice on the side, I hope you give it I would love to know what you think?

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

Looking for more Chinese style recipes? search the blog’s “Skip The Takeout” section for some more inspiration. 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! 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!

 

 

 

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Quick Ginger Beef

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Who knew cooking chinese food at home would be this easy, I can make this Ginger Beef dish in under 15 minutes no problem as long as I prep a little prior. 

Preparing in advance takes no time at all, just tenderize the beef in some cornstarch and water and pre cook the rice.

To tenderize the beef, simply slice the flank steak across the grain and marinated it in a cornstarch water mixture prior. 

And then cook the rice in a rice cooker, once those step are done the rest of the dish takes literally less 15 minutes to pull together.

Ginger beef or Ginger chicken are popular dishes in many asian restaurants.

And is actually Jason’s favorite stir fry, so whenever I say I’m making it tonight! He gets excited and actually does all the dishes afterwards.

I read over a few dozen recipes and tested a few then came up with this method to cooking it to our liking.

This recipe is not only super delicious, it’s also quick and healthy for you, I hope you give it a try!

Also this dish can be made for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for takeout.

So if your trying to get your family to eat healthier, try this recipe tonight.

Sauteed in the most delicious sauce your family won’t believe this didn’t come from delivery. 

If you like this dish be sure to check out this website for more of my favorite asian dishes.

You can throw in practically any type of pepper in here green, orange, yellow.

Also some people like to add julienned carrots so do whatever works for you.

If you end up trying this I would love to know what you think, just let me know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to this blog for more Healthy Chinese Recipes to come in the following months 🙂


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! hank 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!

 

 

Skip the takeout

Chinese Black Bean Stir fry

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This Chinese Black Bean Stir fry is made with chicken breasts, green peppers, broccoli and onions. 

Looking for another Chinese side dish to go with this one? Try my Mushroom Fried Rice

So skip the takeout tonight and make this popular dish in the comfort of your own home. Full of fresh vegetables and flavorful you are sure to want to make this again and again.

I have found that most restaurants that serve similar dishes will just serve a black bean dish with just green peppers and onions. However I really like to add crispy broccoli as well to this dish. It all goes so well together with the black bean sauce.

This recipe has similarities to my other black bean recipes on this site. So if your looking for something with beef or shrimp, be sure to do a search in the bar above.

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too! So let’s get started. 

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

If you end up giving this recipe a try, do let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear how you liked it 🙂

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!