Stir-fried Broccoli and Carrots

Stir-fried Broccoli and Carrots Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried broccoli and carrots is a delicious and nutritious dish that is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe combines the crunchiness of fresh vegetables with the savory flavors of ginger, garlic, and oyster sauce.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to create flavorful and healthy dishes. This recipe for stir-fried broccoli and carrots is a modern twist on traditional stir-fry recipes, incorporating a variety of vegetables and seasonings to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 tsp finely chopped gingerroot
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1.5 cups small broccoli flowerets
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 small onion, sliced and separated into rings
0.75 cup chicken broth
0.25 tsp salt
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp cold water
1 can (8 oz (227 g)) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 cup sliced fresh mushroom (3 oz (85 g))
2 tbsp oyster sauce

How to prepare

Spray a wok or a 12-inch skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
Add gingerroot and garlic, and stir-fry for about 1 minute or until light brown.
Add broccoli, carrots, and onion, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Stir in broth and salt.
Cover and cook for about 3 minutes or until carrots are crisp-tender.
Mix cornstarch and cold water, and stir into the vegetable mixture.
Cook and stir for about 10 seconds or until thickened.
Add water chestnuts, mushrooms, and oyster sauce, and cook and stir for 30 seconds.

Variations

To make this recipe a meatless main course, add some toasted whole almonds or cashews and serve it over brown rice.
For planned-overs, stir in some chopped cooked chicken or beef into the leftover stir-fry and use it as a filling for pita sandwiches.
Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for additional color and crunch.
Substitute tofu or chicken for a vegetarian or protein-packed option.
Use different sauces such as teriyaki or hoisin for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry over high heat to quickly cook the vegetables while maintaining their crisp texture.

- Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve stir-fried broccoli and carrots over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking food quickly over high heat in a wok or skillet while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking. This technique helps to retain the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute broccoli with cauliflower or green beans.

- Use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce for a different flavor.

- Replace water chestnuts with bamboo shoots or baby corn.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply stir-fry the vegetables and add the sauce for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve stir-fried broccoli and carrots in a colorful bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds. Arrange the vegetables in an attractive pattern for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair stir-fried broccoli and carrots with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. Serve with a side of egg rolls or potstickers for a delicious Asian-inspired feast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 22g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 110% DV

- Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains soy (oyster sauce)

Summary

This stir-fried broccoli and carrots recipe is low in fat and calories, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Stir-fried broccoli and carrots is a versatile and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet carrots, and savory oyster sauce in this satisfying stir-fry.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer evening, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed and tattered cards, my eyes landed on a simple yet intriguing recipe for Stir-fried Broccoli and Carrots.

I could almost smell the fragrant aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen as I read through the ingredients and instructions. It was like a blast from the past, transporting me back to my childhood when my grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious and comforting meals for our family.

I knew I had to give this recipe a try, not only for the nostalgia it brought me, but also because it sounded like a healthy and flavorful dish that I could enjoy with my own family. So, armed with the recipe card and a bag of fresh broccoli and carrots from the farmer's market, I set out to recreate this beloved dish.

The first step was to chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the carrots into thin strips. As I worked, memories of my grandmother teaching me how to properly wield a knife flooded back to me. She would always remind me to keep my fingers tucked in and to use a rocking motion when chopping. I could almost hear her voice in my ear, guiding me through each precise cut.

Next, I heated a wok on the stove and added a generous splash of sesame oil. The familiar sizzle of the hot oil brought a smile to my face as I added minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. The fragrance that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a heady mix of earthy garlic and spicy ginger that instantly made my mouth water.

I tossed in the broccoli and carrots, stirring them constantly to ensure they cooked evenly. The vibrant colors of the vegetables against the dark backdrop of the wok were a sight to behold, a beautiful symphony of green and orange that promised a flavorful and nutritious meal.

As the vegetables began to soften, I added a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to the mix. The soy sauce added a salty umami flavor that complemented the sweetness of the carrots, while the sugar caramelized and coated the vegetables in a sticky glaze that was simply irresistible.

I couldn't help but sneak a taste as I stirred the vegetables, the crunch of the broccoli and carrots mingling with the savory-sweet sauce in a perfect harmony of flavors. It was just as I remembered from my grandmother's kitchen, a dish that was simple yet satisfying, nourishing both body and soul.

When the vegetables were tender but still slightly crisp, I transferred them to a serving dish and garnished them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. The final touch was a scattering of fresh chopped scallions, their bright green color a pop of freshness against the rich brown of the stir-fry.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family, to pass down the recipe and the memories that came with it. As we sat down to dinner that evening, the aroma of Stir-fried Broccoli and Carrots filling the air, I felt a deep sense of connection to my past and my heritage.

With each bite, I could taste the love and care that had gone into creating this dish, a labor of love passed down through generations. And as my family savored the flavors of the stir-fry, I knew that this recipe would continue to hold a special place in our hearts for years to come.