• Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura (see recipe below)
• Napa Cabbage Cucumber Carrot Slaw
• Peanut Rice
• Sesame Chicken Kabobs

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura can be a main course or a starter in this Japanese-themed meal. Adding salad like Napa Cabbage Cucumber Carrot Slaw provides an element of fresh crunch, while Peanut Rice and Sesame Chicken Kabobs can turn dinner into a party. Look for preskewered kabobs -- any chicken and veggie combo will be fine as long as it isnt preseasoned. Letting the butcher at the supermarket do the work is a real time-saver. A bottle of Asian ginger dressing works for salad and as a marinade.

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura recipe

Toss together thinly sliced Napa cabbage, sliced cucumber, and shredded carrots. Stir in Asian ginger-sesame dressing to taste.

Chop dry roasted peanuts and stir into hot rice. Add thinly sliced scallions if desired.

Brush chicken on skewers with either Asian ginger-sesame dressing or teriyaki sauce. Grill in a countertop grilling machine, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.