Karl’s Sichuan Dry Fried Long Beans

Adapted from an Appetite for China recipe

Chinese long bean is one of the vegetables that we were introduced to in our time in Chengdu (25 years ago). They are about two feet long and are thinner, tougher and have a rougher skin than Western green beans. Although most American Chinese restaurants use Western green beans in their dishes—because of availability and American tastes—this is the green bean called for in traditional recipes. Today, you can find them in most Chinese specialty stores.

Chinese Long Bean and Bluelake Green Bean

Chinese Long Bean
and Bluelake Green Bean

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Karl’s Stir-fried Mushrooms and Shrimp with Sichuan Garlic Sauce

The kid’s love mushrooms and, since son-in-law, Chris, is still avoiding noodles. I need to add a dish for Sunday’s dinner that will fill him up. Man does not live on meat alone, but he is trying with his keto diet.

Karl’s Stir-fried Mushrooms and Shrimp with Sichuan Garlic Sauce

Karl’s Stir-fried Mushrooms and Shrimp
with Sichuan Garlic Sauce

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Karl’s Pan Fried Sesame Noodles

Usually, when I make my pan fried noodles I serve them with a well sauced stir-fry. Today, I am making char siu, a dry barbecued pork. The noodles on their own would be too dry to eat, I would have to add some kind of moist sauce.

Karl’s Pan Fried Sesame Noodles

Karl’s Pan Fried Sesame Noodles

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Filed under Pasta, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Karl’s Salmon and Tofu Teriyaki with Six Pickles

Jan and Eilene have been on me to make meals are less heavy on the meat and starch. They want more vegetables. A simple green salad though is so boring.

Karl’s Salmon and Tofu Teriyaki with Six Pickles

Karl’s Salmon and Tofu Teriyaki
with Six Pickles

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Filed under Fish, Main Dishes, Pickles, Seafood, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Karl’s Peach Jam

Last weekend Eilene’s friends invaded the house for Fanime. This meant peaceful days, but a hungry horde descending upon the house at 10 PM. Eilene asked for fresh crackers as a snack when they arrived. While I was at the farmer’s market I saw some peaches. Peach jam and crackers seemed like just the thing for starving teenagers.

Karl’s Peach Jam

Karl’s Peach Jam

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Filed under Desserts & Treats, Sauces and Spices, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian

Karl’s Apple Wood Smoked Teriyaki Tri-tip

Fanime is this weekend, so we have had a bunch of teenagers camped out on our living room floor. Our usual Sunday dinner got pushed to Memorial Day. Traditionally this holiday means barbecue. Jan asked for tri-tip.

Karl’s Apple Wood Smoked Teriyaki Tri-tip

Karl’s Apple Wood Smoked Teriyaki Tri-tip

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Filed under Barbeque, Beef, Main Dishes, Sauces and Spices

Karl’s Teriyaki Sauce/ Marinade

This sauce goes well with any meat and many vegetables. If you leave out the cornstarch it is also a good marinade. This is my variation of the sauce my mother, Claudia, used in the 1950’s.

Karl’s Apple Wood Smoked Teriyaki Tri-tip

Karl’s Apple Wood Smoked Teriyaki Tri-tip

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Karl’s Japanese Chrysanthemum Greens with Sesame Dressing

I am making teriyaki tri-tip for Memorial Day. I want a Japanese vegetable side, besides all of the pickles I made. Chrysanthemum greens are an unusual vegetable that I discovered in making my Yosenabe.

Karl’s Japanese Chrysanthemum Greens with Sesame Dressing

Karl’s Japanese Chrysanthemum Greens
with Sesame Dressing

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Filed under Green Vegetables, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Karl’s Sesame Dressing

This sauce may be used on most steamed or boiled vegetables to add a Japanese flair to the dish.

Karl’s Japanese Chrysanthemum Greens with Sesame Dressing

Karl’s Japanese Chrysanthemum Greens
with Sesame Dressing

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Karl’s Teriyaki Shitaki Mushrooms

Miriam and Chris love any kind of mushroom. I saw some fresh shitaki mushrooms while I was buying my Chrysanthemum greens. I decided that they would be perfect for barbecuing with my teriyaki sauce.

Karl’s Teriyaki Shitaki Mushrooms

Karl’s Teriyaki Shitaki Mushrooms

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Filed under Barbeque, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian