Stir-Fried Broccoli with Japanese Tofu and Oyster Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli (cut and washed)
- 3 pieces of Japanese tofu (sliced into 1.5 cm thick pieces)
- 2 pieces of King Oyster mushrooms (sliced thickly)
- 5 seafood meatballs (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1 piece of ginger (peeled and thinly sliced)
- Salt, pepper, and sugar (or MSG) to taste
- Oyster sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Cornstarch or potato starch (for thickening)
- Cooking oil
Steps:
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Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to preserve their color, texture, and nutrients.
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Fry the Tofu: Heat oil in a pan until it is very hot. Fry the Japanese tofu slices until they are golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
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Cook the Meatballs (Optional): In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, and cook the seafood meatballs until they are slightly browned. This step enhances the flavor and adds a bit of char, following the principle of “No Color, No Flavor” as Chef Gordon Ramsay famously says.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped garlic and sliced ginger to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and the garlic starts to turn golden.
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Prepare the Sauce: Pour in 300 ml of water and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and dark soy sauce to taste. Stir in the oyster sauce.
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Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch or potato starch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the pan while stirring to thicken the sauce. Potato starch tends to provide a better consistency compared to cornstarch, resulting in a sauce that remains thicker and does not thin out as quickly.
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Add Mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced King Oyster mushrooms into the pan. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
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Combine and Serve: Arrange the blanched broccoli and fried tofu on a serving plate. Pour the hot sauce mixture with mushrooms over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious stir-fry!
This recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
