Cooking for Real Season 5 Episode 12 Ordering In

In Cooking for Real season 5 episode 12, titled "Ordering In," host Sunny Anderson shows viewers how to recreate some of their favorite takeout dishes at home. Sunny begins the episode by explaining that while ordering in may seem like the easier option, it can often be expensive and not as healthy as cooking at home. She then shares her tips and tricks for making delicious Asian-inspired dishes, including chicken lo mein and vegetable fried rice.

First up, Sunny prepares chicken lo mein, a classic Chinese dish that is typically made with egg noodles, vegetables, and a protein such as chicken or shrimp. Sunny starts by stir-frying the chicken with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. She then adds in the vegetables, which include bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, and cooks them until they are tender. Finally, she adds in the cooked noodles and tosses everything together with a homemade sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. The result is a flavorful and filling dish that can be made in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Next, Sunny tackles vegetable fried rice, another popular dish found on many takeout menus. Sunny explains that fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. She starts by sautéing garlic, ginger, and chopped onion in a pan with a little oil. She then adds in the vegetables, which include carrots, peas, and corn, and cooks them until they are tender. Finally, she adds in the cooked rice and tosses everything together with a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be served as a side or a main course.

Throughout the episode, Sunny also shares her tips for making takeout favorites healthier and more nutritious. She suggests using brown rice instead of white rice, and swapping out high-sodium sauces for lower-sodium alternatives. She also emphasizes the importance of portion control, explaining that many takeout dishes are often much larger than a typical serving size.

Overall, "Ordering In" is a great episode for anyone looking to recreate their favorite takeout dishes at home. Sunny's easy-to-follow recipes and helpful tips make it simple to create flavorful and satisfying meals that are both healthier and more affordable than ordering in. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this episode is sure to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and try your hand at making some classic takeout dishes at home.