feel like chinese

I was feeling like Chinese food the other day... I think it was because I walked past China Grille, the Panda Express knock-off in the mall food court. And they were making that delectable crispy orange chicken that I crave every now and then... It's SO good, but you just know it's going to clog an artery.

So rather than give in to my nose, I attempted to create healthier versions of some Chinese lunch-counter specials. But there was no way I was going to try making orange chicken. Some things are best left untouched.

Marinated beef stir fried with mustard cabbage and bok choi

1. Cube beef and marinate over night with green onions, soy sauce, bourbon, sugar, milk
2. The next day, heat oil and add garlic and lightly saute chopped bok choi and mustard cabbage with a dash of garlic salt
3. Remove cooked greens and strain. Set aside
4. In same pot, heat oil and add marinated meat (strained from sauce) and brown until edges are slightly crisp.
5. Add strained greens and stir fry together added garlic chili sauce, julienned ginger, and oyster sauce to taste.

Spicy eggplant

1. Wash and slice Asian eggplant and fresh garlic
2. Saute garlic and add eggplant (prior to this step, if you chose, saute ground beef or pork in oil)
3. Add season packet of sauce-concentrate
4. Stir fry and mix well

Dishes are best eaten together to balance the flavors. Enjoy!