Growing up in Bushwick, New York, I was a frequent flyer at the Chinese restaurant. My mom and I, favorite meal was chicken and broccoli with white rice. She would usually purchase large portions. There were certainly a generous amount of Chinese fast-food restaurant in the area to choose from. Busy, on the go and not in the mood to cook, it was a no brainer. Growing up in a West Indian household it sure was not something you tried to make. I am craving those same flavors, yet there are no Chinese restaurants calling my tastebuds in my current town.
To enjoy Chinese takeout what better than to try my cook skills. Sharing below with you is my American-Chinese version of chicken and broccoli stir-fry. It will awaken your taste buds and tantalize your nose with the aromas.
Ingredient Choice
Chicken: Lean skinless boneless breast (white meat) is used, but boneless thigh (dark meat) can be substitute if preferred.
Cornstarch: Dissolves easily in ice cold water. It’s then used to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Garlic: Fresh pungent yet not overpowering. It bring balance to the ginger.
Ginger: Brighten up the dish without being too intense.
Oil: Toasted sesame seed brings a subtle deep nuttiness to the dish.
Soy sauce: It brings a slight acidic and salty taste to the dish. Reason for omitting salt from the recipe. Tried to keep this dish gluten free so we went with one labeled gluten free. Most all soy sauce will contain wheat ingredient.
Cooking wine: Dry sherry adds a light acidic yet sweeter taste.
Sugar: Brown contains cane molasses. This reduces some of the acidity and saltness balancing out the stir-fry sauce.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breast, 2-inch thin slice
- 3 cups fresh broccoli, florets
- ⅓ cup toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsps ice cold water + ¼ cup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Marinade
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup dry sherry cooking wine (Holland House)
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic cloves (2), minced
- 2 tbsps fresh ginger, peel & minced
- 3 tbsps gluten-free soy sauce (Kikkoman)
Instructions
- In a cup mix 3 tablespoons ice cold water and cornstarch making sure its thoroughly incorporated, then set aside.
- In a medium sized bowl add brown sugar, dry sherry cooking wine, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil then stir. (You can also put all ingredients in a blender after mincing).
- Next, slice chicken breast into thin 2-inch strips then place it into bowl with marinade. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Place frying pan over medium heat, add ¼ cup water and broccoli, cover pan. Allow broccoli florets to steam for 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the broccoli as the water evaporated pretty quickly. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside in a bowl.
- Next, make sure all water is removed from pan. Add remaining toasted sesame oil to pan and allow to heat for 1 minute. Add chicken without the marinade to pan and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add reserved cornstarch mixture into leftover marinade, mix well.
- Then add marinade and broccoli in with chicken, sauté for another 2 minutes. Sauce will slightly thicken. Serve over rice and enjoy the tangy savory flavors.
Nutrients
Get your protein and nine essential amino acids from the lean chicken breasts.
Broccoli is proven to have antioxidants, anti-cancerous, and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, along with vitamin A, C, and K.
Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have indicated it has a positive effect on decreasing blood pressure, while being heart healthy. It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus zinc, potassium, selenium, sulfur, vitamin A, vitamin C and B-complex.
Ginger contains anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger assist in maintaining healthy blood circulation while promoting good digestive function.
Purchasing Ingredients
Choosing ingredients for this recipe was due to all of them being easily accessible. Mostly all local market should have all the ingredients listed. So you can make one stop and shop for the ingredients.
Therefore why not indulge your tastebuds with the umami flavors of this stir fry. It was a must for me and a childhood food memory brought to life. Dive into the ingredient choices and there role in the dish. Explore the dish’s ingredients which provide a combination of nutrients. The ingredients can be purchased in nearly any local supermarket. It also a great way to enjoy National Chinese Takeout Day.