Hoisin and Honey-Glazed Pork with Bok Choy and Noodles

Hoisin and Honey Glazed Pork with Bok Choy and Noodles

adapted from Food Network.com

Using the flavors of char sui (Chinese barbecue pork), this recipe uses a ginger -five spice powder infused hoisin glaze to bring richness with a slightly sweet flavor to the pork tenderloin. 

Makes 2 servings                                                                7 WW pts / serving

1 Tbsp. honey
1 1/2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp. oyster sauce
1 1/2 tsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
1/8 tsp. five-spice powder
1/2 pork tenderloin (about 1/2 pound)
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt 

pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2 heads baby bok choy (about 6 ounces), leaves separated
4 oz. dried Udon noodles or your noodle of choice
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
Sliced scallions, for topping
Kosher salt and Szechuan pepper or freshly ground black pepper 

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.; Set a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet; set aside. 
2. Combine the honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger and five-spice powder in a small bowl. Prick all over with a fork; rub with 1 Tbsp. of the honey-hoisin marinade, 1/4 tsp. salt and a few grinds of pepper. Place on the wire rack.
3. Roast the pork until the surface looks dry, about 10 minutes. 
4. Remove 3 more tablespoons of the marinade to a separate bowl and brush all over the pork (save the remaining marinade for topping); Return the roast to the oven and cook until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 145 degrees F, 16 to 18 more minutes. 
5. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil; Add the bok choy and boil until crisp-tender, about 30 seconds; Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. 
7. Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook as the label directs. Drain thoroughly, then toss with the sesame oil and season with salt and Szechuan pepper or freshly ground black pepper 
8. Slice the pork; Divide the noodles among shallow bowls;Top with the pork and bok choy. 
9. Drizzle with the reserved honey-hoisin marinade and top with scallions prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Chicken Wonton Tacos

Chicken Wonton Tacos

adapted from Taste of Home

Applebee's™ served a variation of this dish until about 2020 when they downsized their menu due to the pandemic.

To make the recipe a little easier, replace the red & green cabbage and carrot with bagged coleslaw mix.

Makes 8 tacos                                                                    1.5 WW pts / taco

1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp.  minced fresh ginger
1/4 lb. ground chicken

Slaw
1/2 cup shredded green cabbage

1/2 cup shredded red cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 scallion, shredded
3/4 tsp. rice vinegar
3/4 tsp. soy sauce
3/4 tsp. sesame oil
3/4 tsp. honey
8 wonton wrappers
Cooking spray
1 Tbsp. Sweet chili sauce
Chopped fresh cilantro

1. In a bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until blended. 
2. Add the chicken to the bowl chicken and toss to coat; Let stand 15 minutes. 
3. Preheat oven to 375º. 
4. In another bowl, combine the cabbages, carrot, green onions, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and honey and toss to coat.
5. Cover the slaw and refrigerate until serving.
6. Drape the wonton wrappers over edges of a 13x9-in. baking pan; Spritz with cooking spray. 
7. Bake until lightly browned, about 7 minutes.
8. While the wontons are baking, cook the chicken mixture until chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
9. Fill wonton shells with chicken mixture. 
10. Top with coleslaw, chili sauce and cilantro prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Hoisin Grilled Chicken

Hoisin Grilled Chicken

adapted from Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2014

Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce originating in China which is featured in many Chinese cuisines, but is most prominently in Cantonese cuisine. It is readily available in supermarkets, Walmart and Amazon.

Makes 2 servings                                                       1 WW pt. / serving                

1 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce

3/4 tsp. balsamic vinegar

3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. five-spice powder

2 (6 ounce) boneless. skinless chicken breasts

1 scallion, thinly sliced

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Hoisin sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and five spice powder.
2. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat.
3. Heat a grill pan over medium high heat; Coat it with cooking spray.
4. Add the chicken and cook 5 minutes, turn the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes; Top with scallions prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Hoisin Wings

Hoisin Wings

adapted from Food Network

Baking the wings makes them a little healthier than frying them. Putting them back into the oven after tossing them with the glaze makes them a little less sticky.

You can also make boneless wings by cutting up a boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cook it for about 15 minutes (only 3 WW pts / serving).

Makes 2 servings                                                                21 WW pts / serving

1 lb. split chicken wings 
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tsp. sesame oil
Freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 clove garlic, finely grated
1 1/2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar free orange marmalade
1 Tbsp. ketchup
2 tsp. rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. sriracha
1 scallions, thinly sliced

1. Combine the wings, 1/4 cup soy sauce and the sesame oil in a large bowl. 
2. Season generously with pepper and toss to coat; set aside to marinate at least 15 minutes.
3. Preheat a convention oven or air-frier to 400F; If using conventional oven preheat to 425F.
4. Whisk together the ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce, marmalade, ketchup, vinegar, sriracha and remaining 2 Tbsp. soy sauce in a bowl until smooth; set aside.
5. Arrange the chicken wings on a baking sheet; Cook flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp, 16 to 20 minutes for convention or 3--45 minutes for conventional. 
6. Remove the wings, add them to the bowl with the glaze and toss to coat. 
7. Return the wings to the oven and cook until sticky and glazed, 4 to 6 minutes. 
8. Transfer to a serving platter and top with the toasted sesame seeds and scallions.

Enjoy!

Barefoot Contessa's BBQ Sauce

Barefoot Contessa's BBQ Sauce

adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook©

Ina Garten is one of my favorite chefs. I wish I could have gotten to Long Island before she sold The Barefoot Contessa store in 1996.

Makes 1 1/2 quarts

1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup tomato paste 
1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 cup hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1. In a saucepan on low heat, saute the onions and garlic with the vegetable oil until the onions are translucent but not browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. 
3. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. 
4. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Hoisin Five-Spice Chicken Drumsticks

Hoisin Five-Spice Chicken Drumsticks

adapted from Gourmet, March 2000

I am forever trying to find new way of cooking chicken. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones. With only three ingredients, it is simple to make and very tasty.

It is sticky but not too sweet chicken that pairs well with rice and steamed veggies.

4 chicken drumsticks
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

1. Preheat oven to 500°F.
2. Combine the hoisin sauce and five spice powder in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. 
3. Line the pan with foil otherwise you will have a very sticky clean up.
4. Place the chicken drumsticks on a rack over the lined baking pan .  
5. Brush the chicken liberally with the hoisin mixture. 
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the skin is browned and chicken is cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Szechuan Style Country Pork Ribs

Szechwan Style Country Pork Ribs

adapted from a recipe from Publix which is no longer available

Taking a few pre-made sauces together make a wonderful marinade / glaze for these pork ribs. Use it on a leaner piece of meat  to bring down the point value. You can also replace the honey with sugar substitute.

Makes 2 servings                                                            13 WW points / serving

Cooking spray
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp sambal
1/2 Tbsp. honey
3/4 lb. pork country style ribs

1. Combine hoisin sauce, sambal and honey in a bowl. Add ribs and turn to coat.
2. Let marinade for at least 10 minutes. (If longer place in the refrigerator).
3. Heat a grill or grill pan. Spray with cooking spray.
4. Using tongs, place the ribs on the grill. Reserve the marinade. Cover with the lid or foil.
5. Brush with the reserved marinade every 3 minutes until the ribs are cooked through, 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature is 145F.
6. Let rest covered for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy !

Chinese BBQ Pork

Chinese BBQ Pork

adapted from Sara's Weeknight Meals

This tastes like the pork I could get at Asian restaurants when I lived in Massachusetts but without all the red food coloring. Since moving to Central Pennsylvania, I can not find it at anywhere.

According to Marion's Kitchen, "[t]he difference between light soy sauce and dark soy sauce is mainly what they are used for. Light soy sauce is saltier and used more for flavour, and dark soy sauce is generally thicker, less salty and slightly sweeter than light soy sauce, so ideal for adding colour."

If the pork is getting too charred while broiling, cover it with a piece of foil.

Makes 4 servings                                                              6 WW points / serving

1 lb. boneless pork butt, well trimmed, cut in half lengthwise

1 Tbsp. sugar substitute

1 Tbsp. light soy sauce

1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce

1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce

1 Tbsp dry sherry

1 Tbsp. black bean sauce

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/8 tsp white ground pepper

1 tsp. honey

Cooking spray

Combine all of the ingredients except the pork into a storage container that will accommodate the pork.

Add the pork turning to coat; Cover and refrigerate over night.

Preheat the broiler.

Line a roasting pan with foil for easier clean up.

Place a rack coated with cooking spray on top of of the prepared pan; add about 1/4 inch of water to the pan.

Remove the roast from the marinade; microwave the remaining marinade for about a minute to kill off any microbes that me be contained within.

Place the pork on the prepared rack; place in over; The pork should be about 4 inches from heat element.

Broil until the pork is beginning to char, about 8 minutes; turn the pork.

Brush with reserved heated marinade; Continuing cooking about another 8 minutes until an instant read thermometer registers 155F.

Remove the pork to a cutting board; Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Cut the pork thinly, about 1/4 inch think, prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Asian Style Spicy Green Beans

Asian Style Spicy Green Beans

adapted frim Bon Appetit, March 1998

The mildly spicy sauce on the beans would make them a great accompaniment  for any Asian flavored dish.

1/4 lb. steamed green beans, drained well.
1/2 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
3/4 tsp. chili-garlic paste
1 scallion, chopped

1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Combine water and cornstarch in small bowl, until dissolved; set aside
3. Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce and chili-garlic paste to the skillet.
4. Add the green beans to the skillet; toss to coat.
5. Cook until the beans are heated through and the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
6. Toss in the scallions.
7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Chicken and Watercress Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette

Chicken and Watercress Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette

adapted from epicurious.com

The hoisin pairs nicely with the pepperiness of the watercress.

Makes 2 servings                                                                  2 WW pp / Tbsp.

1/2-inch-long piece fresh ginger, peeled, thinly sliced
2 scallions, coarsely chopped and separated
2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1 bunches fresh watercress
2 poached chicken breasts, sliced
2 mini bell peppers, thinly sliced

1. Whisk together the ginger, scallions, hoisin sauce, vinegar, oil, water and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Divide the watercress between 2 plates.
3. Mix chicken and 2/3 of bell pepper slices in bowl. 
4. Arrange chicken atop watercress. 
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. 
6. Top with remaining green onions and bell pepper slices prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Fake Chicken Pho

Fake Chicken Pho

adapted from Rachael Ray in Season

Since moving to Philadelphia, one of my son's favorite food is Pho. Traditional Vietnamese Pho takes hours to make. This can be made in about 30 minutes. 

The carbs are also reduced by replacing half of the traditional rice noodles with spiralized zucchini.

Makes 4 servings                                                    6 WW Blue points / serving

8 oz. thin, flat rice noodles

2 large poached chicken breasts, leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced

1 inch cinnamon stick

3 star anise pods

1/8 tsp. rounded ground cardamom

2 quarts homemade chicken stock or canned broth

2 inch piece of ginger, peeled and cut into matchstick size pieces

1 bunch of scallions, trimmed and sliced on a bias

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Hoisin sauce or Sriracha (optional) for drizzling

Thinly sliced jalapenos, julienned basil, cilantro leaves and bean sprouts for garnish

1. In a large bowl, soak the noodles in warm water until pliable, 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water; Drain well; Return to the bowl.
3. In a large pot, toast the spices, stirring frequently until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the stock, ginger and garlic; Bring to a boil; Cook until the stock is infused, about 5 minutes.
5. Strain the broth into the bowl with the noodles. Discard the solids.
6. Return the broth and noodles to the pot; Add the zucchini, scallions and soy sauce; Simmer until scallions wilt and the zucchini is cooked, about 2 - 3 minutes.
7. Use tongs to divide the noodles and zoodles among bowl. Top with chicken.
8. Divide the broth among the bowls.
9. Serve allowing individuals to garnish their plates and add hoisin sauce and /or sriracha as desired.

Enjoy!

Asian BBQ Sauce

 Asian BBQ Sauce

adapted from Food & Wine March 2000

This sauce has a little bit of a kick. If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce replace the Sriracha with 1 1/2 tsp. honey.

Makes  about 1/2 cup                                                    1 WW Blue point / Tbsp.

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce

2 Tbsp. ketchup

1 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce

1. Combine all ingredients and wish to combine.

Enjoy!

Pork Medallions Asian Style

 Pork Medallions Asian Style

Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Pork Medallions Asian Style with California Blend Veggies

Serves 2        3 Blue WW points

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp Truvia Brown Sugar Blend

1/2 Tbsp Hoisin sauce

1 garlic clove, minced

pinch of cayenne pepper

1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

1/2 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2 inch slices

2 sliced scallions, green part only

1. Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, Truvia brown sugar blend, Hoisin sauce, garlic, cayenne and sesame oil in a small bowl and whisk until combined. Add pork slices and marinate 4 hours to overnight.
2. Bring the pork to room temperature. Remove the pork from the marinade and reserve the marinade.
3. Heat a skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Cook the pork until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
4. Pour the marinade into the skillet and bring to a boil, stirring until thickened, just a couple of minutes.
5. Return the pork to the pan and heat through.
6. Serve topped with sliced scallion greens.