Can We Enjoy The Fine Foods...Home-Made ?
Most of us probably think it would be difficult to replicate what is put together and served in many Chinese restaurants and understandably so. We probably figure that the ingredients used must be imported and the fact that the cost of most of the meals on the menu are considered very reasonable, so why trouble ourselves trying to make it at home. Then again, if we have a family of 5, it might be worth looking into. Let's just consider the most popular meal eaten at a Chinese restaurant...Subgum Fried Rice. It is probably the most take-out item also. Rice is very inexpensive and to make enough for a family of five requires slightly less than a pound. That's less than 50 cents at today's prices. The full recipe, with some personal modification, goes something like this:
Subgum Fried Rice
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 3/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon low sodium Soy sauce, with no MSG
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 medium green pepper, medium chopped
- 1 large onion ( preferably yellow ), medium chopped
- 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 pound bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped Ginger root
- Microwave
Prior to cooking, place rice in a 1 1/2 to 2-quart Microwave safe Pyrex ovenware
Add 2 3/4 cups water, 1 tablespoons Soy sauce
Place in microwave on High, uncovered for 15 minutes
5 more minutes, covered, let stand 5 minutes and scoop out into 4 quart plastic or glass container.
Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon Peanut oil to large, preferably non-stick pre-heated skillet, set on medium high, place peppers and onion, stirring regularly until onions and peppers begin to brown. Next, add mushroom and cook until soft. Add bean sprouts, garlic and ginger. Stir for 2 minutes. Add the 2 eggs and stir about 3 minutes. Let cool about 5 minutes and pour over rice. Add more Soy and Sesame oil to taste.
Total Cost to feed 5 people, not counting labor... $ 3.00, Cost per serving $ .60
