Stir fry Archives - Life Bites

Mahi-mahi and vegetable stir-fry

Mahi-mahi works well in stir-fry since it has a sturdy texture that can withstand some stirring without excessive flaking. However, it is a lean fish, so it can be dry when overcooked. To prevent this, we will use butter and pan-fry the fish prior to mixing it with the vegetables. For this recipe, I am using Chinese wood ear mushrooms. Wood ear is a dark, crunchy mushroom easily found in Asian markets or online. It must be rehydrated prior to stir-frying (see preparation). However, any type of edible mushroom will work with this recipe. This is a simple dish that…

Kielbasa sausage stir-fry

If you're a kielbasa sausage fan, chances are you've had it with pasta, mash potatoes, or even breakfast; but have you tried it on stir-fry? I will be using snow peas, carrots and bell peppers for this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite vegetables, paying attention to varying cooking times. If this is the first time you make a stir-fry, here are my tips for crisp, delicious vegetables and authentic stir-fry. Kielbasa sausage stir-fry 1 link Kielbasa sausage3 cups snow peas1 unit medium to large carrot2 units yellow or red bell peppers 4 cloves garlic2 tbsp cooking oil 1…

Stir fried eggplant with pork

Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables. When I was growing up in the Dominican Republic, it was used as a meat substitute, usually braised or fried. After being introduced to Thai and Chinese eggplant dishes, I have also been enjoying eggplant with a variety of meats in stir-fries. This eggplant with pork recipe can be made with either Italian eggplant or Chinese eggplant. It uses a garlic and ginger sauce and a cilantro garnish. This dish is best served with plain rice. Stir fried eggplant with pork 1.5 lbs of pork chop cutlets1 big Italian eggplant or 3 medium…

Pork primavera: Ground pork with mixed vegetables

Ground pork is one of my favorite ingredients in the kitchen because it is easy to work with, cooks quickly and pairs well with grains, vegetables and legumes. Ground pork is also one of the few meats my daughter, who is a picky eater, will eat. I get it, it is easy to chew :-). This pork with mixed vegetables recipe gets the nickname "primavera" because the assortment of colors in this dish reminds me of Spring. Another one of my recipes that uses ground pork and mixed vegetables is Mapo Tofu Rainbow. Ground pork with mixed vegetables 1…

Spicy tofu with snow peas recipe

For this spicy tofu recipe, I am using a hot black bean sauce that can be found at your local Asian markets, or at local/online specialty shops by the names "spicy bean", "chili bean" or "black bean sauce". Being a bean fan, black bean sauce is a regular in my spicy dishes. But do not let the word bean discourage you from using this sauce if you do not like legumes. Black bean sauce tastes mildly earthy and spicy (from the chili peppers). It makes a great companion sauce for tofu, mushrooms and bell peppers, as well as meats.…

Purple cauliflower with shrimp and tofu

If you follow this site, you might be familiar with my cooking motto: your body likes a rainbow and your eyes do too! That is why I was happy to stumble upon purple cauliflower at the supermarket recently. While I tolerate cauliflower in its usual white color, it was thrilling to throw a head of purple cauliflower in a wok for this fun, delicious stir-fry. Purple cauliflower is similar in flavor and texture to white cauliflower, however the extra color may account for some additional nutritional benefits. I like cooking tofu with cauliflower, something about combining these two textures is…

How to cook authentic Chinese stir fry

In this post, I will share the "secrets" on how to cook authentic Chinese stir fry. If you have tried all the right sauces, but your stir fries are still soggy and taste nothing like you thought, this guide is for you. The first time my Chinese-American husband complimented my stir fry, I figured he was just being nice. It must have made him happy I cared enough to learn. But when my father-in-law stated at the dinner table that my food tasted "authentic", I knew my years of observation had paid off. I had learned the techniques my husband and…

Stir fried earwood mushroom with chicken and vegetables

This earwood mushroom recipe includes chicken, and a mix of carrots, celery and bell pepper stir fried in a ginger and garlic sauce. Earwood mushroom, also known as "black fungus", is popular in China for its flavor and crisp texture, as well as for its nutritional and medicinal properties. As a specialty item, earwood mushroom can be found in the dry food section of Asian grocery stores or in Chinese herbal medicine stores. Earwood mushrooms are versatile and can be added to soups, stir fries and cold salad dishes. I like to soak the earwood mushrooms in cool filtered water the…