Thanks so much for the feedback and conversation on yesterday’s post on calorie counting. I found it really interesting to hear everyone’s responses, and although there were arguments from both sides, I think they overall consensus was that it’s ok to keep track of what you’re eating 🙂
Last night I was really craving some Chinese food. Unfortunately Chinese food is loaded with sodium and hidden fat… annnnnnnnd I’d have to get in my car and fight traffic to pick it up 😉 No thank you.
Instead I tried out an at-home version of General Tso’s Chicken. I know, YUM. The recipe I used was a lightened up, veggie loaded recipe based on a recipe from Martha Stewart. So without further adieu…
you will need:
- 1 1/4 c long grain brown rice (or whatever you have)
Go ahead and get the rice cooking while you start chopping your veggies.
- snow peas, broccoli, red peppers, or any other veggies you want to include… totally about 3 cups of veggies. Use more or less based on your preference.
I used what I had, which included a little leftover frozen broccoli.
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- WOW… ginger smells good!
You’ll always need…
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (I used light sodium)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 c corn starch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 large egg whites
- salt & pepper
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
In a big bowl, combine 1 Tbsp corn starch and 1/2 c cold water. Whisk together until smooth. Then add the brown sugar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, ginger, garlic, and your veggies. Toss to combine and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together egg whites and remaining 3 Tbsp of corn starch with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Once well combined, throw in your chicken and toss to coat.
If you have a very large pan, you can cook all the chicken at once, otherwise you can separate it into 2 batches. Use the 2 Tbsp of oil to cook the chicken over medium-high… about 8 minutes, until cooked through.
Once chicken is cooked, remove from pan and set aside.
In same pan, add your marinated veggies, sauce and all!
Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, until veggies are soft and the sauce begins to thicken. Add chicken and mix well.
Serve over rice!
YUM- O!!!! ….just kidding X-tina 😉 <–read this post… it’s hilarious!!
Dinner turned out delicious! We ate all of it, so if you are cooking for more than 2 people, you may want to double the recipe 🙂
What’s your favorite Chinese food?
Mine is hot & sour soup…. but I haven’t attempted to make that yet!
Have a great weekend!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Those last two pictures are beautiful. Now I’m craving Chinese.
At 8:14 AM.
Perhaps this is a sign I need to start making savory breakfasts?
christina says
hahahah you silly girl! that recipe does look yummers — hhahah
Melissa says
That looks great! I don’t know if I could choose one favorite Chinese food, but I do lean more toward chicken or shrimp dishes.
Carly says
I’m a such a sucker for mall Chinese food. I know it’s probably the absolute worst thing I can eat, but I cannot resist those free samples! Ha! However, this meal looks delicious. I’ll have to channel your cooking powers next time I have a craving for Chinese.
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
This looks yummy!!
John J. says
This “craving” is probably emanating from a deep unmet emotional need of your “Inner Child”! For a better understanding of this phenomenon go to:
http://www.drstathas.com
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I’ve never attempted homemade Chinese food but I think its a great idea. I also want to learn to make Indian, especially Tika Masala.
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
I really like Sizzling Rice Soup.
Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says
Yum! I need to buy corn starch so I can make things like this.
Enjoyed your cal-counting post yesterday – I think the bottom line is, it can be very useful if not taken to an extreme/obsession. Thanks for summarizing important topics for us 🙂
Alycia [Fit n Fresh] says
This is some fantastic looking in-home Chinese!! My favorite right now is Buddah’s Delight – but I suck at making tofu at home so I’ve never even tried lol
Melissa says
We had Chinese at home also; I made beef and broccoli. My favorite Chinese dish is probably kung bo chicken with lots of veggies and some spice. Good to know how to get that little crisp on the chicken using the cornstarch. I was asking my husband about that as we were eating our beef and broccoli.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
oh my goodness, I have to try this! I’m constantly craving Chinese knowing it’s terrible for me. way to go! 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Wow, that looks amazing!! Even better than from some of the restaurants! My favorite chinese dish is their mushrooms. Of course the fish, too..whatever they have that isn’t fried. But really, their mushrooms are addictive lil suckers.
Roz says
Your Chinese food looks a whole lot better than the take out at the restaurant around the corner. And SOOOO much healthier. Have a fantastic weekend!
erica @ fashionmeetsfood says
Well doesn’t this look beyond delish! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
xo
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
I’ve never been a huge fan of Chinese food because the sauces are usually super thick and completely dominate the food! However, I’ve found that I LOVE homemade Chinese…And I’m sure this recipe would be no exception.Yum! 🙂
When I do eat at Chinese restaurants, I always go for the veggie dishes, especially dry cooked string beans and asparagus. Mmm
Simply Life says
Oh that looks great!
Kelly @ Not So Rocky Road says
I made this last night and it was DELICIOUS!!! Thanks for sharing!