Five-spice powder gives this stir-fry its intriguing taste. The flavors delicately glaze the ingredients. The spice is a pungent mixture of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed and Szechwan peppercorns. You can use it to add a different flavor to other rice or vegetable dishes.
The dish has several ingredients, but once they're assembled they take only a few minutes to cook. This stir-fry takes only 6 to 7 minutes once in the wok. You can even prepare the ingredients the night before for a quick dinner the next day.
Helpful Hints:
_ Minced garlic can be found in the produce section. Four crushed garlic cloves can be used instead.
_ Chinese five-spice powder can be found in the spice section or sometimes in the ethnic section of the market.
_ Slice all vegetables in a food processor fitted with a thin slicing blade.
Countdown:
_ Make rice.
_ Prepare all ingredients.
_ Make Five Spice Stir-Fry.
Shopping List:
To buy: { pound pork tenderloin, 1 medium red bell pepper, 1 small jar Chinese five-spice powder, 1 small package slivered almonds, 1 package microwaveable brown rice, 1 container sliced baby bello mushrooms, 1 package frozen corn kernels, 1 jar minced garlic, 1 package sliced carrots,1 small bottle low-sodium soy sauce and 1 small bottle rice wine vinegar.
Staples: onion, cornstarch, fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth, canola oil, salt and black peppercorns.
