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Did you know in the Chinese Culture, 2016 is the year of the Monkey?

When the kids were younger Handsome and I would use different culture’s holidays to teach our children a little about that culture.  I would always make my version of their traditional meal (ok, sometimes my version of Chinese food would be take-out).

Chinese New Year has always been a favorite of mine, it’s what I call my Chinese New Years Eats!  We love the food and it’s fun finding out what animal will represent the year.

Chinese New Year is represented by one of 12 different animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12, just like our zodiac, but with one major difference, each zodiac sign reigns for 1 year instead of one month.

Your sign is decided by the year you were born in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Which Chinese zodiac sign are you?
Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971

Would you like to know what I’m making for dinner to celebrate the year of the monkey celebration day?

Shrimp Fried Rice!

It all came to me when I was shopping at my local Walmart.  The Minute Rice and the Kikkoman Soy Sauce were in the same aisle and the Dole Pineapple Chunks were just 2 aisles down, so it was simple to gather all my ingredients for the shrimp fried rice.

Kikkoman, Minute Rice, Dole Pineapple, Sriracha, S&W, Fried Rice, La Coy, Mahatma rice, DelMonte

One of my family’s favorite Chinese take-out food has always been shrimp fried rice.  The recipe I’m going to show you is so delicious and it’s also deliciously simple.  After the first time I made it from scratch I knew I would never need to order take-out, again (they never give you enough shrimp anyways)!

The Year of the Monkey

It seems like a complicated dish to make, but it’s not, it’s actually quite easy! I love that you can switch the protein around in this dish.  Instead of shrimp you could use chicken, beef or pork, or for a meatless monday dish you don’t need to add the protein at all!

Here’s how I make it:

I cook the Minute Whole Grain Brown Rice according to the package directions, and set it aside.

Then I mix the sauce, I use Kikkoman Soy Sauce and 2 other ingredients and set the sauce aside.

I cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, once done set the shrimp aside on a paper towel lined plate.

Then I add the veggies to the skillet.

The year of the Monkey

Add everything back into the skillet including the Dole Pineapple Chunks.  I love that the Pineapple adds the bit of sweetness and is rich in vitamin C, low in sodium and naturally cholesterol free.

Heat through and you have a delicious 2 pot meal!

 See complete recipe below…The Year of the Monkey, kikkoman, minute rice

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The Year Of The Monkey!
Author: 
 
No need to order take-out any longer!
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Minute Brown Rice, cooked
  • 4 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon Sriracha sauce
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • ½ white onion, chopped finely
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup frozen carrots
  • ½ cup frozen corn
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 8oz. can of Dole Pineapple Chunks in 100% Pineapple Juice, cut in quarters
Instructions
  1. Cook Minute Rice and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl combine Kikkoman soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce, set aside.
  3. In a frying pan or wok heat 1½ teaspoon of butter over medium high heat, add shrimp an cook until shrimp turn pink and curl into a circle, set aside.
  4. Add remaining 1½ teaspoon of butter, garlic, white onion, peas, carrots, and corn. Saute for about 5 minutes until veggies are soft.
  5. Stir into vegetables, rice, green onions, shrimp, Dole Pineapple Chunks, and soy sauce mixture. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  6. Enjoy!
  7. Optional: add a scrambled egg

I always make extra so I can have it for lunch the next day!

The Year of the Monkey

Please click on the links for a coupon from some of my favorite brands.

Kikkoman     Dole

For more Asian-inspired recipe inspiration, visit the Chinese New Year Eats social hub.

Enjoy!

Until Next Time…

XOXO