Every once in a while, I get a craving for Chinese food. What I do not crave, however, is the MSG and other generally yucky stuff in Chinese takeout. I’d also prefer not to spend a third of our weekly grocery budget on one meal.
We found this recipe one night when I was craving Chinese, and it’s since been added to our regular meal rotation. We modified it to cut out some of the pricier ingredients. It seems like a long list, but most of these ingredients are things we keep around the house anyway. Since it requires such a small amount of Hoisin, a single bottle (purchased from the international food aisle in the grocery store for around $3) can be used for several different meals.
This homemade version is healthier than Chinese takeout, and even more delicious. Enjoy!
Chicken and broccoli stir fry
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 bunch of broccoli
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch of ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 Tbsp. corn starch
- 2 Tsp. hoisin sauce
- 2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce, plus more for marinating
- ½ cup vegetable stock (or water)
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flake (adjust for taste)
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp. brown sugar (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Cut the chicken into cubes and marinate in a small portion of soy sauce (approximately 2 Tbsp). Set aside. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, then peel the stems, cutting the stems into half-moons. Stir together the corn starch, vegetable stock, soy sauce, hoisin, red pepper flake, and brown sugar.
Heat 1 Tbsp. of vegetable oil in the bottom of a wide skillet or wok. Put the chicken into the skillet, sprinkle with black pepper, and cook until entirely done. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the other 1 Tbsp. of vegetable oil if necessary and sauté the broccoli, stirring constantly. When the broccoli begins to turn bright green, add the garlic and ginger. Continue stirring until the broccoli is slightly softened, bon’t overcook the broccoli or allow the garlic to burn. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the sauce to the skillet and allow it to come to a simmer. Once the sauce is thickened, stir in the broccoli and chicken and cover in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.