Quick Dish!

After a long, long, long day and into the wee hours, I hear hallmates next door fumbling for their phones and the Chinese take-out number. It’s not hard to find since the vendors wickedly slide the ad underneath our doors or stick them on the handles. Weren’t thinking about an eggroll? Well, you are now!

Not only does ordering out start wasting your wallet, but it can also start wasting your health. From the inhuman portion sizes to the plates that become dump sites for sodium and oils, many factors go into the food we often think little of consuming. To avoid ODing on unknown dishes, try making your own with this easy, healthier basic Asian-influenced dish.

1. A package of tofu shirataki noodles or instant brown rice, such as Uncle Ben’s brand.

2. A bag of frozen Asian vegetables (often includes edamame, red peppers, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, baby corn, snap peas, pearl onions, etc.) or an array of pre-cut or rinsed canned vegetables, if you are without a fridge/freezer.

3. Low-sodium soy sauce, a low-sodium/low-fat Asian ginger salad dressing, or other similar sauce of choice.

First, all you have to do is drain and rinse the noodles in a sink. Microwave them for about one minute and they come out steaming hot. Pat them dry with a paper towel. (If making brown rice, follow package directions.)

Next, steam the bag of frozen veggies in the microwave according to package directions. Remove from microwave and toss however much you desire in a bowl with the tofu shirataki noodles or brown rice.

Last, lightly drizzle your Asian sauce of choice.

To fancify your experience, use chopsticks and microwave yourself a hot mug of green tea, like Bigelow’s or Celestial Seasonings. I love chopsticks because they make me slow down and concentrate on what I’m eating; that way, I don’t overdo it. (If you are talented with chopsticks, then that may not make a difference.) I also love green tea because it is flavorful, energizing, no-calorie, and contains antioxidants. After a long day, you just might need it to keep up!