29 May
Lifestyle

Homemade Chinese Food in Under 30 Min.

I don’t know about you but I’m always trying to find a healthy alternative when it comes to “not-so-healthy” foods. Sometimes all we want to do is lay on the couch, order Chinese, and watch a good movie (especially on rainy days). Where I live, it takes about an hour to have Chinese food delivered AND it’s always a million times greasier than it has to be.

I find it much easier, faster, and guilt-free (!!) to quickly make everything at home. It’s even better if you pick up these items during your next grocery trip and save it for that rainy day, since most of the items are kept in the freezer!

So, let’s get started. As many of you know, I am obsessed with Trader Joe’s. My boyfriend and I are moving to D.C. within the next few months and the first thing I look up when browsing for an apartment is yup.. “How far is the closest Trader Joe’s?” To that point, most, if not all (except one item), of the ingredients are from Trader Joe’s!

The Menu

Miso Soup

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Vegetable Fried Rice

Mongolian “Beef” and Broccoli

Vegetable Spring rolls

The vegetable spring rolls can be found at Trader Joe’s in the frozen isle. I suggest getting these in the oven first. They take about 15-20 minutes so by the time they are done cooking, everything else should be ready!

Serve these with the Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce and you will not be disappointed.

miso soup

Depending on my mood, I sometimes want a soup to start. On this day, I so happened to want Miso soup :). Fairly straightforward as well.

Follow this Miso Soup recipe

Then, replace the Nori with Trader Joe’s Wasabi Roasted Seaweed Snack for a little kick 😉

Vegetable Fried Rice

This is also found in the frozen isle at Trader Joe’s. Literally the easiest thing in the world to cook. If you’re feeling lazy like I was, just pop the rice into a microwave safe bowl, cover and cook on high for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, add the following for additional flavor:
  • 1 TBS Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1 TSP Sriracha

Mongolian "Beef" and Broccoli

If you aren’t plant-based, then use the recipe as is (unless you want to use my suggested tips below to cut out all the sugar). However, if you are, then simply use the below ingredient list and follow the steps listed in the recipe linked here. 

*I added about 10 oz (almost 1 small bag) of fresh broccoli florets and made 1.5 servings of the Mongolian beef sauce.

Adjustments for Plant-Based Mongolian Beef:

  • 1 package of Gardein Beefless Strips, no sauce
  • 3 TBS olive oil
  • ½ cup coconut aminos
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 TSP minced ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • green onions, sliced for garnish

Wine paring

Did you really think I was going to end this without suggesting a wine? Hah. If you enjoy reds, then this meal goes great with a glass of Zinfandel or a spicy Syrah.

If you enjoy whites and want to be bold, then pair this with a Sauvignon Blanc. Feeling lighter? Try a crisp Riesling.

You honestly can’t go wrong with either!

notable ingredients

Vegetable-Spring-Rolls Trader-Joes-Vegetable-Fried-Rice beefless
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