Forces have aligned to make this an auspicious year for accomplishing resolutions! Here’s greeting the Year of the Ox with Kung Hei Fat Choy, which means good luck, prosperity and longevity. The Year of the Ox, begins Monday, January 26, 2009 and signifies a time to sweep away old habits and start anew. What better way than to jumpstart the process with a healthy, easy and delicious Pineapple Fried Rice using my simple stir fry technique.
Some of my fondest childhood memories of growing up in Hong Kong include the rituals, ceremonies and foods during Chinese New Year’s two week celebrations. Many traditional dishes are served because they symbolize good luck like uncut noodles represent long life, dumplings represent good luck packaged inside, and fried rice signifies prosperity. In Asia, fried rice is either an elegant banquet dish or a homestyle staple which uses leftovers. Fried rice is an all-time favorite Chinese dish in America and the most requested dish I get asked in my Wok Star Cooking Class. Even picky eaters and kids love it because it’s a one-dish wok meal combining tasty flavors, different textures and rainbow colors.
I realize it takes more than willpower to fulfill resolutions so to help make it happen, I’ve also got a video for Pineapple Fried Rice (a joint video project with Del Monte Fresh). In this video, you’ll discover the simple secrets to achieving perfect fried rice. The most common complaints I hear are, “sticky” rice and “soupy” veggies, so it’s important to use the right wok and technique to guarantee success. And that’s why I put together a Wok Star Kit to demystify the art of stir frying with all the essentials to help you succeed.
Here’s the recipe but remember…
Create your own variations by substituting ingredients. That’s what being a Wok Star is all about!
What you’ll need
3/4 lb ham, cubed
4 cups day old, white rice, break up lumps
1 cup pineapple, cubed, save juice for sauce
1 red bell pepper, cubed
3/4 cup frozen peas
2 scallions, thin rounds
3 eggs with dash of San-J tamari
2 cloves garlic, peeled and diced
2 slices fresh ginger, diced
2 1/2 tbsp. canola oil for frying
Sauce:
2-3 tbsp. San-J tamari
2 tsp. medium drinking sherry
dash of white pepper
Juice from pineapple
Directions:
Gather all prepped ingredients (including eggs and sauce) around wok. Here’s order for stir frying :
First, fry vegetables…Heat wok till you see a wisp of smoke (for cast iron woks only.) Add 1 tbsp. of oil, then add half of the diced garlic and ginger. Add vegetables and pineapple, stir fry quickly. Add scallions at the very end so they don’t overcook. Remove ingredients and put them on a serving platter.
Next, fry eggs…Heat wok till hot, add 1/2 tbsp. oil, add the eggs and scramble, keeping the eggs soft (use low heat so they don’t overcook). Set aside with veggies. If wok has eggs stuck to it, wash out and dry.
Then fry rice and ham…Heat wok till hot, add 1 tbsp. oil, add garlic and ginger, then add rice and ham. Warm thoroughly. Add vegetables, then sauce, and combine thoroughly by stir frying. Last, add eggs and break up as you mix but don’t overcook them. They should remain soft and fluffy.
Pineapple is what makes this Fried Rice so special and sweet. Enjoy!…
This new year, instead of being a spectator watching chefs cook on television or being a passive diner, my mantra is ANYONE can be a Wok Star and make healthy, tasty, sizzling, wok creations right in your own home! Wok Stars agree my Kit is the solution to achieving their resolutions for longevity, prosperity and good luck.
You can find out more about Year of the Ox, predictions and horoscopes, celebrities and compatibility.
For a lot more about Chinese New Year traditions on what to eat, wear and how to decorate your home.
You can also subscribe in right sidebar to my FREE newsletter focusing on meal ideas, resources, tips and techniques and where to eat good Asian food and beyond.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Year of Ox Predictions and Horoscopes
Year of Ox predictions and horoscope:
Chinese New Year is early, Jan. 26 is the start of Year of the Ox. My sister, Valerie is an Ox and boy, this is so ACCURATE!
If you are visiting South Florida and want to take my Chinese New Year Wok Star Cooking Class, I’ll be giving two classes:
Arclinea Miami in Coral Gables, Sat. Jan.10, 12pm-3pm
Gibson Guitar Showroom in Design District, Wed. Jan.21, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Here are a few dishes I served in 2008, Year of Rat. Keep it simple and have everyone bring a dish.
Stir Fry Beef with Pineapple and scallions and Shrimp with snow peas and red bell peppers
Desserts always includes tangerines or oranges, Chinese cakes and candied dried fruit served in a red lacquer box. Traditionally, red packets are exchanged with good luck money inside. Instead of money, I always give a little buddha that brings luck all year round, especially if you rub his tummy everyday.
Characteristics of Ox:
They are steady, honest, gentle and reliable. Patience and hard work bring success to the Ox. They can become hotheaded, inflexible and stubborn when pushed. They are often very skilled with their hands.
Celebrities include:
Jane Fonda, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby, Kate Moss, Jack Nicholson, Margaret Thatcher, Meg Ryan, Princess Diana and George Clooney.
Compatible with:
Snake, Rooster, Rat, Dog Less Compatible with : Dragon, Monkey, Pig, Ox, Tiger Least Compatible with : Ram
Forecast for Ox:
The Year of the Earth Ox is predicted to be an exciting year full of new beginnings. This is also a year for stability, growth and building for the future, as the elements of Earth and Water come together. For your predictions and horoscopes.
How others fare:
Aside from the Snake, the Rooster (my eldest sister Cynthia, this is your year too!) has the best prospects in the year of the Ox. Everything seems to go your way. Things you may have thought not possible will become a reality for you in this positive year.
For a lot more about Chinese New Year traditions on what to eat, wear and how to decorate your home.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Year of Ox Predictions and Horoscopes
Year of Ox predictions and horoscope:
Chinese New Year is early, Jan. 26 is the start of Year of the Ox. My sister, Valerie is an Ox and boy, this is so ACCURATE!
If you are visiting South Florida and want to take my Chinese New Year Wok Star Cooking Class, I’ll be giving two classes:
Arclinea Miami in Coral Gables, Sat. Jan.10, 12pm-3pm
Gibson Guitar Showroom in Design District, Wed. Jan.21, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Here are a few dishes I served in 2008, Year of Rat. Keep it simple and have everyone bring a dish.
Stir Fry Beef with Pineapple and scallions and Shrimp with snow peas and red bell peppers
Desserts always includes tangerines or oranges, Chinese cakes and candied dried fruit served in a red lacquer box. Traditionally, red packets are exchanged with good luck money inside. Instead of money, I always give a little buddha that brings luck all year round, especially if you rub his tummy everyday.
Characteristics of Ox:
They are steady, honest, gentle and reliable. Patience and hard work bring success to the Ox. They can become hotheaded, inflexible and stubborn when pushed. They are often very skilled with their hands.
Celebrities include:
Jane Fonda, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby, Kate Moss, Jack Nicholson, Margaret Thatcher, Meg Ryan, Princess Diana and George Clooney.
Compatible with:
Snake, Rooster, Rat, Dog Less Compatible with : Dragon, Monkey, Pig, Ox, Tiger Least Compatible with : Ram
Forecast for Ox:
The Year of the Earth Ox is predicted to be an exciting year full of new beginnings. This is also a year for stability, growth and building for the future, as the elements of Earth and Water come together. For your predictions and horoscopes.
How others fare:
Aside from the Snake, the Rooster (my eldest sister Cynthia, this is your year too!) has the best prospects in the year of the Ox. Everything seems to go your way. Things you may have thought not possible will become a reality for you in this positive year.
For a lot more about Chinese New Year traditions on what to eat, wear and how to decorate your home.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!