Experience the Exotic Tastes of Asia: Hoisin Shrimp with Bok Choy

If you have ever had the pleasure of touring the myraid of countries which constitute Asia, no doubt one of your fonest memories is walking the streets and smelling the wafting aromas of the various food stands and kiosks. The spices and the sauces blending with the meats and various portions of seafood and shellfish are enough to send a mortal human being into a totally different stratosphere!

I first had a version of this dish in Taiwan. It was a restaurant with three walls, a thatched roof and an open fire pit. Not really a place you'd think would serve something so incredible but this is the magic of the food and Asia. To bring this dish to the American kitchen, I had to do a little adapting and I must confess, the taste testing truly was my pleasure.

So now here is your chance to experience something truly unique in America -- real Asian cooking. Don't be afraid to try this dish at home. It is very simple, quite economic and downright delicious. To help you along on this culinary journey, the slideshow will give you pictures of each step.

Ingredients needed to make Hoisin Shrimp with Bok Choy (serves 2 as an entree):

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp. Chinese 5-spice powder
• 2 Tbs. peanut oil
• 1 12-oz. package of bean sprouts
• 1 pound bok choy, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 1 Tbs. hoisin sauce
• 2 Tbs. oyster sauce
• 2 Tbs. sherry
• 1 tsp. Chinese chili sauce

Steps:

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat dry.
2. Into a wok add the peanut oil and heat over medium high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and the 5-spice powder and stir-fry 3 minutes.
4. Add all the remaining ingredients and stir-fry 5 minutes.
5. Serve with either steamed rice or sobo noodles.