Stir-Fried Ginger and Brandy Beef

This is a quick, simple stir-fry that turned out to be one of the best ones I have ever made. Next time I will be adding mushrooms and broccoli.

Ingredients:
16 oz sirloin steak, slightly frozen
2 inch ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
2 tbsp brandy
1 1/2 tbsp liquid aminos or soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white wine
2 tbsp beef broth
2 scallions, sliced
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions:
1. Slice the sirloin steak into thin strips, about 1/4" wide or less and put in a shallow bowl.
2. Add the ginger, brandy, liquid aminos, cornstarch, and pepper and coat the steak.
3. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat until very hot.
4. Add the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add in the wine and beef broth and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until done.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with scallions and cilantro.

This recipe was based on one in the 501 Recipes for  Low Carb Life book.

Grilled Asian Pork Patties

Dinner tonight was a great take on Asian Pork. The recipe was found by accident when my wife wrote down the wrong one out of a cookbook. I wanted the other one on the page. It turned out to be very good. It's very quick to make and very easy too.

Ingredients:

Patties:
2 lbs ground Pork
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tbsp chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 tsp chopped garlic

Sauce:
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp chopped green onions
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp chopped pealed fresh ginger
1 tsp chopped garlic
1/4 tsp sesame seeds

Directions.
1. Combine the patty ingredients into patties (anywhere from 6 to 10) and put in the fridge.
2. Combine the ingredients for the sauce and put in the fridge.
3. Cook the patties on the grill, griddle, frying pan, or broiler.
4. Serve the patties with the sauce on the top.

That's it. It's that simple and yet so tasty. This recipe was based on one in the Atkins Best Recipe Book.

Seriously Spicy Citrus Chicken

Wow, here's a nice simple dish that is very tasty and has a huge kick. Unless you like lots of heat, cut the red pepper flakes down to probably 1/3 of what they call for. It will still be spicy, but won't melt your mouth.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 tsp red pepper flakes
4 tsp garlic, minced
4 tsp grated gingerroot
1/4 cup Splenda (skipped this ingredient)
4 scallions, finely diced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Directions:
1. Cut chicken into 4 servings (or however many you are making) and saute in the olive oil over medium-high heat with a tilted lid.
2. While Sauteing, mix the lime juice, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, garlic, gingerroot, and Splenda (if using).
3. After the chicken has browned (about 4-5 minutes per side), add the mixture to the skillet, turning the chicken to coat both sides.
4. Saute for another 2-3 minutes per side or until chicken is done.
5. Place chicken on plates, pour mixture over top of chicken and scatter scallions and cilantro over each portion.

This recipe was from Dana Carpenders 15 Minute LC recipe book

Middle Eastern Skillet Chicken

Tonight was a very yummy middle eastern flavored chicken dish. There are quite a few ingredients, but it really is a very simple dish to make. It does taste wonderful though.

Ingredients:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Approx 2 pounds)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 small onions (or 1 medium/large one), chopped
1/2 tsp ground coriander (We used Mural of Flavor from Penzeys instead)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp ginger, fresh grated
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chicken broth

Directions:
1. Dice the chicken breasts.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and add in the chicken and onions.
3. Saute for a few minutes then stir in the spices: coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and pepper.
4. Cook until the chicken is white all over.
5. Add ginger, tomatoes, garlic, and broth and stir.
6. Cover and let simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.

Serve in bowls and top with some mozzarella cheese.

Recipe is from Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook

Asian Ginger Slaw

A very yummy slaw that tastes wonderful with ribs or other salty/spicy meats.

Ingredients:
4 cups cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup carrot, shredded
2 scallions, sliced thinly
1/2 cup celery, inner stalk, sliced thin
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp ginger, fresh grated
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos
1 tsp Splenda (optional)

Directions:
1. Combine cabbage, carrot, scallions, and celery in salad bowl.
2. In mixing bowl, combine the mayo, ginger, vinegar, and soy (or Braggs).
3. Taste the dressing and season to taste. If it is too tart, add more mayo. If it is not sweet enough, add in the Splenda.
4. Beat dressing until smooth and pour over veggies, toss, and serve.

From Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook

Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Here's a very simple stir fry when you don't have a lot of ingredients on hand. It also works when you don't have the exact right ingredients. We only had chopped broccoli instead of nice big pieces of cut broccoli, but it still worked ok. The walnuts gave it a great crunch, kind of like water chestnuts without the sugar in them.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
2 tbsp soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos
3 tbsp dry sherry
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 cups frozen crosscut green beans or frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
1 medium onion, sliced
1 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice
Peanut oil for stir-frying

Directions:
1. Get all ingredients ready and measured out. This is important in a stir-fry as it is a quick meal to make and it can get ahead of you.
2. Mix ground beef, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp sherry, garlic, and Chinese Five Spice in a large bowl. Mix like you would for making burgers.
3. Heat 2-3 tbsp peanut oil in wok or large skillet over high heat. Put in the walnuts and let them crisp up, but don't let them burn.
4. Remove walnuts and add ground beef. Break into nice bite-size pieces as it is cooking.
5. Remove beef and drain oil and fat (if you wish).
6. Add more fresh oil and stir-fry the onions, broccoli (or beans), and ginger.
7. When the veggies are done the way you like them, add the beef back in with the rest of the soy sauce and sherry.
8. Finish off the cooking and serve.
9. Sprinkle the walnuts over each dish as it is served and enjoy.

From Dana Carpender 500 LC Recipes Cookbook