Take Out Woes

 It has been a busy day, you're exhausted, want something delicious for supper, but don't want to lift a finger. Oh look, that take-out menu from your favorite Chinese restaurant is staring at you from where it hangs on the fridge. Yes! Problem solved. 

So you get everyone's orders, call it in and tell the hubby to pick it up on his way home from work (This is how it works in my house, you can mold the details to fit your story...) Yay! He's home! Bring on the hot and sour soup, noodles, crab ragoon....oh I'm drooling just thinking about it. 

But you know what takes the joy out of this tale? The total! Whew...even our "hole in the wall" Chinese place has had to raise their prices in today's economy and the cheap take-out isn't so cheap anymore. 

I am in no way complaining about them having to do what they need to, we are all feeling the pinch in our wallets. The price of everything is going up every single day, and nobody is immune. I completely understand why that container of Pad Thai is a few dollars more than it was just a few months ago; but it makes me sad. Sad for the restaurant, because you know they are probably struggling, still feeling the effect of the pandemic on top of everything else. Sad for us because we can't support them as much as we would like to. Sad for my stomach because I can't fill that craving as often as I want! 

One way to enjoy the take-out dishes we love and stay on budget is to make them at home. It's not a new concept, just something many people are getting back to lately. I know the restaurant copycat recipes on this blog have been getting a LOT of views! 

My Shrimp Fried Rice has always been a popular recipe, so I know this sweet version will be a hit too! Pineapple Fried Rice is a great side dish with some store bough frozen egg rolls, or add some protein (chicken, shrimp or pork) for a full meal. 

The sweetness of the pineapple really adds a depth of flavor to a savory dish. If you're a fan of sweet and salty, you know what I'm talking about!

Put that take-out menu back in the junk drawer. I promise this is almost as easy as picking up the phone, and will definitely save you a few bucks in the long run. 

Pineapple Fried Rice

3 cups cooked brown rice

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 green onions, chopped

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen peas and carrots, partially thawed

1-2 TBS sesame oil

3 TBS soy sauce

1/2 tsp dried ginger

2 TBS olive oil

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, well drained

Black Pepper, to taste

In a small bowl whisk together soy, sesame oil, ginger and black pepper. Set aside. In a large skillet or wok over medium hit heat, sauté onions and garlic in oil until soft, about 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add peas and carrots and cook 2-3 minutes. Add cooked rice and soy sauce mixture. Stir well and cook 7 minutes until flavors combine. Lower heat to medium low. Add pineapple and green onions. Stir gently to combine. Serve immediately with extra soy on the side.