Beef and Broccoli . . . Combo Special Number 9

I wouldn't like to call myself predictable, but I guess there are some choices which I obsess on choose predictably identically all the time every time.  Things like always sleeping on the left hand side of the bed . . .  or getting up at the same time each morning and going to bed at the same time each night . . . drinking diet coke as the drink of choice when we go out for dinner, or always having Turkey for Christmas  . . . I suppose we all have our own individual quirks and obsessions!




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 favourite 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 favourite Chinese Meal and it's my favourite 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 favourite 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 4

Printable 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 sugar

1 TBS corn flour (corn starch)

1 TBS soy sauce (low sodium)

1 TBS cold water

2 TBS vegetable oil

1 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 minced

2 TBS plain flour

2 TBS soft light brown sugar

1 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!