Weeknight Dinner: Easy Pork & Ginger Stir-Fry

Simple, fast, and full of flavor—your family will thank you.

There’s something about a quick stir-fry that just works. It’s colorful, it’s simple, and it’s fast. You’ve got tender pork, bright peppers, and a zing of ginger to keep things interesting. Best of all? It’s ready in a flash. Perfect for those nights when time is short, but you still want something homemade. Plus, it’s a great way to switch things up, whether you’re serving it for dinner or stashing leftovers for lunch. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds pork

1 red bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

1 yellow onion

3/4 pound matchstick carrots

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

3 knobs fresh ginger

3 tablespoons minced garlic 

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

Black pepper, to taste

Tools:

Knife

Cutting board 

Wok or heavy bottomed frying pan

Measuring spoons 

Tongs

Serving spoon

Meat thermometer

As everyone who's read one of these before already knows, we're going to ask you to wash your produce before we do anything else. Granddad may have said dirt is good for you, but he didn't mean as part of your dinner.

As your ginger will likely be the most time consuming part of this - especially if you're not very familiar with fresh ginger - it's easiest to start with it.

What we're calling a "knob" of ginger is a sizeable lump, a bit larger than an inch and a half in length. Ginger root is irregularly shaped and honestly kind of weird to peel. If you're not unhappy with the idea of eating the skin, you can skip the peeling step. Most people will tell you to peel it with a spoon. We find this too time consuming, so we just trim with a knife. It wastes a bit of the ginger, but it saves time, and we had an extra ginger root on hand if we fell a little short and found ourselves wanting more.

If you want to dice or mince or crush your ginger, go right ahead, but we like the zing of larger pieces of ginger interspersed in the food. We chose to cut it into matchsticks, to match the carrots, which we purchased pre-cut for convenience.

(While adding a starch is totally optional, we served this dish with rice. If you want some and don't have any ready to go, this is an ideal time to start it.)

Slice your two peppers and single onion into whatever shape you like. We chose thin strips for the peppers and slightly wider pieces for the onion to ensure quick cook time. Set them aside with the carrots because it will be a couple minutes before you add them to the pan.

Heat your vegetable oil in the pan, then measure in your minced garlic and the ginger you just crushed/minced/diced/julienned. Let it get fragrant and sear over medium heat.

Use the time waiting for the garlic and ginger to heat up to trim up your pork. Trim any bones and excess fat, then chop it down to bite size chunks. We cut the pork into one inch pieces, again to ensure a faster cook time. Quick dinners are the best dinners during the school year.

As the garlic browns up, toss in the pork and give it a minute to sear. Use a pair of tongs to flip it around so another surface of the meat is in contact with the bottom of the pan, put the lid on the pan and wait two minutes.

Lift the lid, add your onions and carrots, stir, and replace the lid. Wait another two minutes with the lid on before lifting the lid to add the peppers.

Measure in your soy sauce and fish sauce, crack a little bit of black pepper over it if you like, and stir it all again. Reduce the heat to low and replace the lid. Set a timer to check on it every three minutes or so until you're satisfied with the doneness of the veggies and the pork has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 145 degrees (check with a thermometer if you're unsure).

Remove the lid, cut the heat, and let it rest uncovered for two minutes before serving. This quick pause allows the flavors to settle and gives the veggies a perfect texture—still crisp but tender. Whether you’re spooning it over a bed of rice or enjoying it as is, this dish is sure to hit the spot. And just like that, dinner’s done.. 

Just like this recipe comes together quickly, taking care of your home can be simple too. If any of your appliances are giving you trouble, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule, so you can get back to what matters most—your family. Give us a call or schedule an appointment on our website, and we’ll handle the rest. Let us focus on your appliances, while you focus on enjoying your home.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

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The Risks of DIY Appliance Repairs and How to Avoid Them

DIY repair might seem tempting, but knowing your limits can save you time, money, and headaches.

In today’s age of DIY everything, many homeowners take pride in at least trying to tackle their own household projects. Thanks to shows like This Old House and Fixer to Fabulous, we often think it’s possible to fix just about anything. And the sense of accomplishment is wonderful. But it’s crucial to recognize when a repair is beyond your skill level, especially when it comes to appliances. Understanding your limits can save you not only time and money but also prevent potential hazards to your health or home. In this post, we’ll walk through when it’s best to put down the toolbox and pick up the phone.

Assessing Your Skills

Before you dive into a repair, the most crucial step is to reflect on your current skills. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I successfully repaired an appliance before? Think about the different things you’ve fixed or replaced. Fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a light bulb are examples of minor repairs.

• Are you comfortable working with electrical components? If you have a solid understanding of how to read an electrical diagram and how wiring works, you might be able to tackle simpler electrical issues. However, if electricity is intimidating, it’s best to leave this to the pros.

• Do you understand the finer points of your appliance's inner workings? Many of today’s major appliances are complex. If you struggle to identify parts or keep track of how they fit together, professional help is likely necessary.

It isn’t a mark against you if you find yourself hesitating or feeling uncertain about any of these questions. It’s just a sign to reconsider your approach. Rather than causing yourself stress or potential harm, you can shift tactics now.

When to Call a Professional

Certain appliance repairs should always be left to the experts. Here are five scenarios where it is essential to get professional help:

1. Complex electrical issues
   If you’re fighting with the wiring in your oven, refrigerator, or washing machine, please call an expert. These appliances can pose significant risks. If you believe you’re dealing with a short circuit or damaged wires, that’s when you need a professional. Complex wiring issues can lead to electric shocks, fires, or even a total failure of the appliance.

2. Gas appliance repairs
   We all know that gas appliances can be dangerous if not treated with the proper respect. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, you need to evacuate immediately and call a professional. Gas leaks not only pose the risk of fires but can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In the worst-case scenario, there could be an explosion. Gas appliance repairs are best left to those trained to handle such risks.

3. Refrigerant leaks
   Refrigerant leaks are just as dangerous. If you suspect your refrigerator is leaking coolant, do not attempt to fix it on your own. Handling refrigerants without proper training is hazardous, not only to your health but also to anyone else in your household. Professionals have the necessary training and equipment to safely manage refrigerant leaks.

4. Smart appliance troubleshooting
   Smart appliances often have complex software and connectivity features in addition to their hardware. If you’re encountering connectivity issues or software glitches, a professional can diagnose and repair the problem more effectively. Attempting to fix smart appliances on your own could void the warranty, making professional help a smart option.

5. Persistent problems after multiple DIY attempts
   If you’ve tried to fix an appliance several times without success, it’s time to step back. Continuing to attempt repairs can lead to lost parts or make the underlying problem worse. Both will result in a higher bill when you finally call a professional—compared to if you had done so from the start.

Risks of DIY Repairs

While we support doing basic maintenance tasks on your own, repairs come with risks. Here are a few:

• Safety hazards: As we’ve discussed in many of our articles, electrical shocks and gas leaks are serious dangers. If something isn’t repaired properly, it’s all too easy to get hurt. The risk simply isn’t worth it when compared to the safety of you and your family.

• Voiding warranties: As mentioned in last week’s article, appliances often come with warranties. Attempting repairs yourself can easily void these warranties. Always check the fine print to see if your appliance is still covered before diving into a project. It’s much cheaper to have it fixed under warranty than to attempt a DIY repair.

• Costly mistakes: An incorrect repair can lead to further damage and higher costs. It’s all too easy to try fixing one thing and end up damaging other parts, which will then also need repairs. This ends up being much more expensive than calling a professional in the first place.

Tips for DIY Success

If you’re determined to tackle appliance repairs on your own, here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

• Do your research: Make sure you’re thoroughly familiar with your appliance's manual and any online troubleshooting guides. Websites like RepairClinic or YouTube offer step-by-step instructions for many common repairs. The more expert knowledge you gather, the less likely you are to hit a wall.

• Start small: Don’t dive into the deep end. Begin with simple tasks, like replacing bulbs, clamps, or cleaning out the lint duct in your dryer. This will help you build your skills and confidence.

• Know when to stop: The most important skill in DIY repairs is knowing when to stop. If you start feeling overwhelmed or unsure if you’re doing the right thing, take a step back. It’s okay to consult a professional before creating a bigger problem. A good time to stop is if you’ve taken apart your appliance and can’t remember how to reassemble it.

Remember, your time is valuable. Weigh the potential costs of time and materials for a DIY repair against the time you could spend doing other things. There’s also peace of mind in hiring a professional. By understanding when to seek help, you can maintain your appliances efficiently, prolong their lifespan, and ensure a safe environment for you and your family.

Recognizing your limits is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner. While tackling DIY repairs can be fulfilling, there are times when it’s best to call in the experts. If you find yourself facing a challenging appliance issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to Appliance Rescue Service. Our team of skilled technicians is here to help ensure your home runs smoothly and safely.

Website

Call: ( (214) 599-0055)

Additional Reading
Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Test Your Refrigerator IQ

Unlocking Your Dishwasher: A Troubleshooting Guide

DIY Repairs vs. Your Appliance Warranty: What’s the Real Cost?

Discover why DIY repairs might end up costing you more than hiring a professional.

We’ve all been there—your dishwasher stops draining, or your washing machine begins to leak water just as you’re about to leave for work. Thanks to the rise of online tutorials, it's tempting to say I'll fix it! After all all you need is a few basic tools and a video right?  So why wait for a technician when you can DIY? Pause the moment though before you grab that wrench. It's important to ask: is it really worth the risk? While talking repair on your own seems like a great idea in the moment, One missed step or unaccounted for fact, can end up costing you much more than you think. And your appliance warranty is only the start.

The Safety Net of Appliance Warranties

Appliance warranties are a safety net many of us don't think about right until we need it. The standard warranty you will get, should cover the cost of repairs and replacements for major parts and labor. This gives you peace of mind if something happens within a specific time frame. If for instance your refrigerator is compressor gives out within the warranty period,  you can save hundreds of dollars. Without that warranty? It comes out of your pocket.

A warranty will typically extend from 1 to 5 years depending on the manufacturer. Whether something broke in transit, came off the manufacturing line with something wrong, or it just breaks, that warranty is your lifeline. However warranties also come with strict rules that you have to adhere to. This includes that all repairs are done by licensed professionals. So this means that any DIY attempts can immediately void your safety net.

The True Cost of DIY Repairs

It's so easy to fall into the trap of DIY appliance repairs. You don't want to wait for someone else to have to come, and having to take time off from work in order to be there, and then pay them on top of it. We get that. Especially with online repairs promising it's a quick 5 minute fix and you get the rush of satisfaction knowing you fixed it yourself. 

However, many warranties explicitly state that if you attempt to repair the appliance yourself, it voids the warranty. So, even if you do repair the faulty thermostat in your oven, if you break another sensor in the process of doing it? Your warranty is gone and all future repairs are paid for out of pocket, and that's even if you should have had another four years under the warranty.

You're smart though, you wouldn't try replacing the thermostat in your oven. What about a hose on your washer though? Imagine that you're washing machine starts leaking. After all, in several of our articles we tell you to pay attention to the hoses on your washing machine and to replace as needed,  so you're just trusting us. But in this case, the issue isn't on the outside. It's not easily visible by eye, and all you know is that the washer is leaking. So you find an instructional video online, and you open up the machine. That's where you find a cracked hose. At this point the video has been great so you replace the hose, but you accidentally damaged a small sensor that's needed for telling if the drum is full or not. Well since you opened up your washer, you voided your warranty. This means that you're stuck with the repair bill for the sensor as well as the hose.

This isn't just about your warranties though. Homeowner insurance policies don't always cover DIY repairs either. So this means that Financial risk can go beyond just the appliance. If our washing machine from our last example, continues to leak and damages your floor, you could be on the hook for that. Which then doubles your costs.

Safety and Hidden Risks

We've talked about your warranty and about your homeowners insurance, but doing DIY repairs can also put you at risk. Appliances like an electric dryer or a gas oven serious personal risks. If improperly handled, you can easily be shocked, start a gas leak, or a fire. There is a reason that we always say that if you don't have the proper training or if you're even a little uncertain, to call in a professional. 

A professional will have the proper training, to handle high voltage appliances. Professionals also have to know how to properly disengage gas appliances to safely fix them, without leading to gas or fire hazards.

What's more, many DIY attempts are due to misdiagnosed problems. It's easy to mistake one issue for another without professional training. This leads to improper repairs that not only can worsen the initial problem but they end up costing you time and money. And because it's difficult to get hold of the actual parts you need most fixes end up being temporary at best.

Why Professional Repairs Are Worth It

While DIY repairs may seem like a cost-effective solution at first, the risks involved usually make professional repairs the smarter choice. Licensed technicians are trained to diagnose and fix problems without causing additional damage. More importantly, hiring a professional ensures that your warranty remains intact, allowing you to take full advantage of any future coverage if needed.

Professional repair services also save you time and frustration. They also keep you from the potential of medical bills if something goes wrong. What would take one of us several hours to disassemble research and troubleshoot, is fixed by a technician in a fraction of that time. Certified professionals also have access to trademarked tools and original parts to ensure that the repair is done correctly the first time.

Conclusion: Protect Your Warranty, Protect Your Home

In the end, your appliance warranty is a valuable asset that you shouldn’t risk on a DIY gamble. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to fix things yourself, the potential costs of voiding your warranty and causing further damage simply aren’t worth it. By trusting professional repair services like Appliance Rescue Service, you can rest assured that your appliances will be fixed correctly, keeping your warranty intact and your home running smoothly.

If you do have something that has gone wrong around your home, we hope you'll give us a call. You can reach us through our website or our offices where we will work with you to set up a time and date that fits your schedule. 

Website

Call ((214) 599-0055)

Additional Reading
Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly

A Taste of Autumn: Easy Chicken Bake with Spinach and Artichokes

A quick, comforting recipe that brings the essence of fall to your dinner table.

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that captures the essence of fall? This creamy chicken bake is not only packed with savory flavors but also brings a touch of autumn warmth to your table. With its blend of artichokes, spinach, and comforting cheese, this dish combines the richness of fall with the ease of a one-dish meal. Perfect for those crisp evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying, here’s how to make it:

Ingredients 

3-4 thawed chicken breasts

1/2 cup sour cream

6 ounces chicken broth

1 can quartered artichoke hearts

2 generous handfuls fresh baby spinach

1 teaspoon parsley

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon Kinder's onion-butter seasoning 

2 oz grated mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Olive oil spray

Salt and pepper to taste

Tools

Square baking dish

Measuring cups and spoons

Bowl

Spoon

Aluminum foil

If your spinach isn't already washed, please take a minute to get that done. Baby spinach can harbor some hitchhikers in our experience. Let it drain out any excess water while you divert your attention to other things.

Preheat the oven to 450.

Sprinkle a little bit of salt on your chicken breasts, but leave them where they are for now. 

Spray the bottom of your baking dish with the olive oil spray and set it aside. (The olive oil will make it that much easier to clean up later.) 

Thin 1/4 cup of sour cream with two to three ounces of chicken broth. At first, it will look like it will never mix, but just keep stirring. You'll get there. Once it's combined, transfer it into the oiled baking dish.

Pop the can of artichoke hearts and drain the water. Then give it a shake and drain it again. You might be surprised how much water hides out in the can even after you've flipped it completely upside-down. Layer the artichoke pieces into the sour cream.

Grab your spinach and place it in an even layer over the artichoke hearts. 

Thin the remaining 1/4 cup of sour cream the same way you did before, and drizzle just a little of it over the spinach. 

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on top to weigh down the spinach, then drizzle the remaining sour cream mixture over the top of everything. 

Sprinkle everything with salt and black pepper (if desired), oregano, parsley, and onion butter seasoning.

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This step keeps the moisture in, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy while it bakes. Bake for 20-40 minutes at 450. Thinner pieces of chicken will, of course, be done quicker. We had a pretty hefty chunk and ended up baking for close to 45 minutes to make sure it was done.

When time is up, remove the pan from the oven and take off the foil. Test for doneness (chicken's safe internal temperature is 165). Move the oven rack closer to the broiler and reset the oven to broil.

Top the chicken with a layer of grated mozzarella, sprinkle the dried parmesan on top of that, and return to oven for 10 more minutes to broil.

This creamy chicken bake is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. With its hearty ingredients and comforting, cheesy topping, it’s a meal that will warm you up on those cooler evenings. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete, seasonal dinner. Enjoy the cozy, fall-inspired flavors in every bite!

As you enjoy this comforting fall dish, it’s a great time to think about preparing your home for the season ahead. Just as hearty meals warm you from the inside out, well-maintained appliances keep your household running smoothly and efficiently as the temperatures drop. Fall is the ideal season to check off those important maintenance tasks, like cleaning out vents, checking seals on your fridge, and making sure your oven is ready for holiday cooking. These small efforts now can prevent bigger issues later, giving you peace of mind as you settle into the cozy comfort of autumn evenings.

If you do run into any issues or need professional assistance, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Whether it’s a quick repair or a thorough appliance check-up, our technicians are equipped to handle it all, ensuring your home stays functional and cozy throughout the season. There’s no need to let appliance troubles disrupt your fall festivities. Call on us for reliable, expert service, so you can focus on savoring your fall meals and the warmth of home without worry. Let us handle the hard work so you can enjoy the season to its fullest.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

From Summer to Fall: Thai Curry Sweet Potatoes You’ll Love

Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

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Keep Your Dishwasher in Top Shape: Maintenance Tips and Tricks

 Are You Maintaining Your Dishwasher Properly?

Have you been taking your dishwasher for granted lately? Just tossing dishes in and not really paying attention to where they go or how they come out? Many of us do it it's easy to forget how useful this workout is. At least until you pull out the dishes and find that they're covered with lime scale or grease. If you would rather not deal with that take this as your sign to go do some TLC for your dishwasher. We will guide you through the steps necessary to keep your dishwasher in prime condition. Fortunately they're so quick and easy you can get them done before bedtime and still have plenty of evening to enjoy.

Debunking the Myth

Let's start with the most common misconception we run into about dishwashers. Doesn't it keep itself clean? The short answer, is no. Many homeowners believe that since the dishwasher is already keeping everything inside it clean that also applies to the dishwasher itself. However without attention from you food particles, grease and hard water residue build up. This reduces your dishwashers efficiency and ability to keep anything else clean. To ensure that your dishwasher performs at its best it's essential to understand how you can clean and maintain it properly.

How to Tell if Your Dishwasher Needs to Be Cleaned

Courtesy of alla-kemelmakher

Of course the first question, is whether or not your dishwasher even needs to be cleaned. This isn't something that needs to be done on a nightly or even weekly basis. 

1. Unpleasant Smells

If a way of stench rolls out of your dishwasher when you open the door that is a clear sign that it needs to be cleaned. Food particles and residue have accumulated somewhere even if it doesn't look obvious. This unpleasant smell can stick around even after you've run a load. 

2. Residual Food or Grease on Dishes

Have you started noticing food or grease left on your dishes even after you've run a wash cycle? This can indicate that your dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning.

3. Clogged Sprayer Arms

If you notice after running your dishwasher that the top specifically is not coming clean you might have an issue with your dishwasher sprayer arm. Food can get clogged in the Jets as can hard water buildup. The sprayer arms are responsible for distributing water and detergent evenly so if they become clogged the dishwasher won't clean effectively.

4. Mold or Mildew

It's unfortunate but mold and mildew can develop inside your dishwasher particularly around seals and in hidden corners. Naturally these create unsanitary conditions which contribute to smells.

Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New

If you have noticed any of these signs, or you're just thinking it's about time to clean your dishwasher here's your checklist.

Courtesy of Achim Thiemerma

1. Remove the Racks

Start by taking all of the rocks out of your dishwasher. This might be just two or you might have three of them. Either way all of them need to come out, to give you easy access to the inside. Take the time to check all of the wheels both that they spin easily and aren't damaged. 

2. Clean the Filter

Most dishwashers, if not all at this point, have a filter that captures food particles and debris. Check your manual or go online to find it, to find its location. If it's removable, take it out and clean it with warm soapy water. If anything is caked on, you can let it soak for 10 minutes and then scrub carefully with baking soda. Make sure to rinse thoroughly before replacing.

3. Clean the Door and Seals

Mix up a solution of vinegar and dish soap and grab a soft cloth. You're going to gently wipe down the rubber seals around your door to clean up any grime or soil buildup.

4. Clean the Sprayer Arms

Inspect to the sprayer arms of your dishwasher for any blockages. If you find any you can use a toothpick or a similar tool to gently remove debris from the spray holes. You can also wipe the spray arms down with a diluted bleach solution to sanitize them.

5. Scrub Out the Dishwasher

Next up mix a diluted bleach solution to scrub the interior of your dishwasher. At this stage you'll want to use a sponge but not the scrubby side. Using the bleach will help remove any mold or mildew, so make sure to pay attention to nooks and crannies like the tracks that the rack slide on, and the connections for the sprayer arms. 

An important note if you have a stainless steel interior, do not do this. This will damage the interior of your dishwasher if you do so

6. Run a Vinegar Cycle

Put your rocks back into the dishwasher now that they're clean, and pour two cups of white vinegar into a dishwasher safe container. Place that on the top rack where it won't get knocked over. Run the dishwasher on a short or energy saving cycle. If you have the option pause the cycle halfway through so that the vinegar will eat away at any debris or buildup. Let it sit for 20 minutes before finishing the cycle.

7. Schedule Regular Cleanings

Our final step is to look at your schedule and write down the next time you need to do this. But we walked you through today is a thorough cleaning, which should be done every 2 to 4 months depending on how heavily you use your dishwasher. If you only use it once a week, you can do it once every 4 months. If you're running your dishwasher every night, you'll need to do it every 2 months. In between those times a simple vinegar soak like we did in step 6 is enough to keep your dishwasher fresh.

Maintaining your dishwasher is about more than cleaning dishes. It also ensures the long life span of the dishwasher. Regular cleaning and proper care are the key to avoiding any unpleasant surprises as well as keeping it in top shape.

If these steps weren't enough to solve your problems with your dishwasher it might be time to call in a professional. At that point we hope that you remember that our team is here to help. Clients rescue service offers expert repair and maintenance services to keep your home running smoothly. You can reach out to us via our website or by giving us a call to schedule an appointment to keep your dishwasher and your other major appliances performing at their best.

Website

Call: ((214) 599-0055)

Additional Reading

Dishwasher Deep Dive

Why Fall Is the Best Time For a Maintenance Check 

Revolutionizing Kitchen Chores: The Water-Saving Benefits of Dishwashers