Quinoa Pilaf "Rice" Plate

So how about pairing the kale and mushrooms with spiced quinoa, topped with a fried egg?

Would you fancy a rice plate like this?


In some Chinese restaurants in the US, you find rice plate combinations in the menu. We have heard before that the Chinese themselves will not order rice plate items (usually rice combined with roast/BBQ meat) from the menu as we know how to order the each individual from the menu and always make sure all the dishes go well together.

Also common in the Asian grocery stores (those with delis) in the US, the rice plate system works this way: fixed price and "buffet-style".

For example, at USD7.99, as long as you are able to fill up the white Styrofoam meal box (without "overflowing" of food; make sure the box can be closed too!) with the food items you choose/want (e.g. meat, seafood, vegetables, and carbs selection of rice and/or noodles), you get to eat it! (photo on left)

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Satay-Spiced Chicken Chops

When I see cucumbers and peanut sauce, there is usually one dish I think of. Satay! Spice-marinated chicken on skewers barbequed over charcoal fire! Grilling over charcoal fire is a dream, at least for now, until I get a charcoal grill.

I do not have the patience for the "S"-actions:

Soak the bamboo skewers;
Start up the outdoor grill;
Slice the meat;
Skewer the meat.


But THIS "S"-action is my forte.

Shortcuts!

So as I teach myself the shortcut to satisfying satay cravings, I hope you find it useful. Those of you who enjoy outdoor BBQ in summer can try this too.

Make Satay Chicken Chops!

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Vegetables and Mushrooms Medley Noodles 蔬菜蘑菇炒面

This is a typical all-vegetable-and-mushroom noodle that I cook at least once every week, and double-portioned to make sure there is enough for an additional meal in the same week.


I have since refused to order any vegetable noodles take-out that is always improperly balanced on the vegetables, noodles (always more noodles with few strands of vegetables) and high on the GREASE and SODIUM!!

Ahhh...the beauty of simple home-cooked food that relies solely on fresh whole ingredients.

Spot the vegetables! Can you see Napa cabbage, baby Bok Choy, green beans, carrots and a medley of fresh crimini, shiitake and beech mushrooms?

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