I wouldn't like to call myself predictable, but I guess there are some choices which I
I guess I am a woman who knows what she likes and likes what she knows! I am like my mother in that way to a degree I suppose. She is a woman who knows what she likes and likes what she knows too!
When we think of a celebratory meal in my family . . . it's always fish and chips. It wins hands down every time . . . and if its not fish and chips its a meal at the local Chinese restaurant. I have never been to a Chinese restaurant over here . . . truth. But it is one of my favorite types of foreign food. Back home we have a little Chinese restaurant in town that my mom favours and whenever we go there I can always predict that she will have the Combo Special Number 9. . . and predicatably . . . so will I.
Egg Roll, Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls, Egg Fried Rice . . . and Beef and Broccoli. It's mom's favorite Chinese Meal and it's my favorite too. You can keep your garlic spare ribs and your chop suey . . . I like my chicken balls and my beef and broccoli.
I think broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables . . . and I love the sauce that goes with beef and broccoli. I was really craving a Number 9 today . . . actually I've been craving one for a while now. But alas . . . there is no House of Cheng here in Chester, or even in the UK. Not that serves food that tastes like what I am craving at any rate!
And so today I did what any good cook who is craving something that she cannot possibly buy ready made . . . I made my own. And it was every bit as good as the dish from the House of Cheng. Oh, I had to do a lot more work to get it . . . and there was no fortune cookie waiting for me at the end of it all, but I was happy nonetheless. The Number 9 Special . . . Part One . . . Beef and Broccoli.
*Chinese Beef and Broccoli*Serves 4Printable Recipe
Just as delicious as the Chinese Take away, maybe even better. It only takes a short time for the beef to marinate and become fork tender.
For the meat and marinade:1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)1 tsp sugar1 TBS corn flour (corn starch)1 TBS soy sauce (low sodium)1 TBS cold water2 TBS vegetable oil1 1/2 pound lean beef frying steak, cut into thin strips
You will also need 2 broccoli crowns (florets only)
For the sauce:120ml of low sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup)4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced2 TBS plain flour2 TBS soft light brown sugar1 TBS sweet sherry
You will also need about 3 TBS vegetable oil for cooking
Whisk together all of the marinade ingredients until smooth. Stir in the meat and mix to coat well. Set aside covered to marinate for about an hour.
When you are ready to cook, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Heat 2 TBS of the oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the broccoli florets. Saute for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until crispy tender. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Add the marinated meat and half of the sauce mixture. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the meat is cooked through. Stir in the broccoli and remaining sauce. Cook for about a minute longer, stirring frequently. Serve hot.
Tune in tomorrow for Part Two . . . The Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls, not to be missed!
