Eggplant, Steam Fish and Green Beans!

eggplant with spicy bean sauce




steamed fish w/ soy sauce






string green beans
w/ garlic






Ok, I admit.. I don't exactly love the photo of the fish or the eggplant above, but damn it tasted good !

I love making steamed fish with soy sauce, garlic and green onions -- and this time I added some mirin to give it a little sweetness. Its such a simple dish that is savory and sweet. Traditionally I steam this fish, but I tried a new method... the microwave! Wahhh??? -- some may say ... but, try it for yourself! I put the fish in the microwave for about 5-7 minutes and I would have to say, it came out more juicy and less watery than the steamed method.

Advantage: Juicy, more flavorful (sauce is not as water downed as the steamed method b/c of the steam), and easier clean up (one dish vs. pot, steamer rack and dish)

Disadvantage: I used saran wrap to keep the moisture in as it cooks. And I am not sure if there are any toxins are released since I remember hearing that saran wrap in the microwave is not a good thing.

all the other dishes were quite easy.

Eggplant -- I cooked this with the spicy bean sauce from Lee Kum Kee ... and the sauce is not as spicy as the label states (thank goodness b/c i don't eat spicy)... so you just fry the eggplant, put in some water so the eggplant can cook in it. After a few minutes, you'll notice the eggplant soften and then I add in the sauce (do it to your taste)... and wah-lah, all done. Feel free to cook some ground pork or beef beforehand and mix it in once the eggplant is cooked..

String Beans - I love them crunchy, but for some reason, when you fry them -- it takes a long time and doesn't get the "crunchiness" that I like. My trick? Boil some water on the side, when its boiling -- throw in the string beans, add some salt, wait for 2 minutes or less -- just let it "blanche" for a bit.. while that is getting ready, get the frying pan hot and ready. Put some oil on the pan and when its hot, throw in some garlic ... let it cook until you smell the "garlic" and then throw in the blanched string beans and fry for a few minutes... and you're done! yum yum yum!

happy cooking!