DIY Chinese Food Favorites for Christmas Day Feasting
Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
For many American Jews, waking up on Christmas morning doesn't mean opening presents, though it might with the holiday converging with Hanukkah this year. What it often does involve, however, is an annual Chinese food feast: bowls of sinus-tingling soups, egg rolls, heaping platters of fried rice and pillowy steamed dumplings. If this sounds a lot like your Christmas Day, do something a little different on the second night of Hanukkah and make Chinese favorites at home instead.
In addition to never having to get out of your PJs, another plus side of making this yearly feast at home is that you can make the dishes a little bit healthier too. Food Network Kitchen's meatless, 15-minute Pepper and Peanut Broccoli Stir-Fry is a better-for-you take on a nutty, spicy vegetable side.
Potato pancakes may be the Hanukkah tradition, but homemade Scallion Pancakes are a delectable way to cook with oil during the holiday too.
Matt
Stir-fried with soy sauce in sesame and peanut oils, Food Network Kitchen's Fried Rice features tender meat with eggs and veggies for a satisfying, savory comfort-food side.
Warm up the whole family with a chicken-and-vegetable Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry that's packing a nice, winter-defying heat thanks to a dollop of chile paste and Szechuan peppercorns.
Round out the table with a veggie side dish that will balance out the latke-induced indulgence of the first night of Hanukkah. Healthy Spicy Steamed Baby Bok Choy gets its dynamic flavor from soy sauce, lime juice and zest, sugar and just a touch of spicy sesame oil.
Get more ideas for cooking up Chinese favorites at home right here.