Five-Spice Shrimp with Chinese Noodles.

The pungent flavors of Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar and soy sauce combine to create this quick shrimp dinner.

Chinese five-spice powder is used in many Asian dishes and includes cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. It can be found in the spice section of the supermarket. It can also be used to flavor cooked rice or sprinkle on cooked vegetables.

Keep a bag of peeled, frozen shrimp in the freezer for quick dinners. They only take about 5 minutes to defrost in a bowl of cold water.

Helpful Hints

n Buy peeled, raw shrimp.

n White vinegar diluted with a little water can be used instead of rice vinegar.

n Dried Chinese noodles or angel hair pasta can be used instead of fresh Chinese noodles.

n A wok or skillet can be used to make the shrimp.

n The quickest way to slice scallions is to snip them with a scissors.

Countdown

n Place water on to boil for noodles.

n Make shrimp.

n Boil noodles.

Shopping List

To buy: 3/4 pound peeled shrimp, 1 bottle Chinese rice vinegar, 1 bottle Chinese five-spice powder, 1 bottle low-salt, soy sauce, 1 bottle sesame oil, 1 package fresh or steamed Chinese noodles, 1/4 pound broccoli florets and 1 small bunch scallions.

Staples: garlic, salt and black peppercorns.