Ernie's Chicken & Broccoli

A couple of nights ago we attempted a new-to-us recipe. Chris had eaten this dish several times before when his dad had made it and he always talked about making it himself. Finally, after a special trip to the asian market for salted black beans, the recipe came out of the binder.



There are many steps in this recipe, everything is cooked in stages and then melded together at the end. We prepped all of the ingredients before getting the Wok hot since there is no slowing down once you start the stir-frying.



Chris said it came close, but didn't come out exactly the same as his dad's...
But we both agreed it was delicious and I'm sure we will be making it again soon!

Ernie's Chicken & Broccoli

Ingredients:

2 cloves of garlic, minced

4 thin slices of fresh garlic root

2 T salted black beans

corn starch

peanut oil

2 boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces

1 container of extra-firm Tofu, drained & cubed

2 Cups broccoli, flowerets cut and stems sliced on the diagonal

Sherry, white wine or vermouth

1 can chicken broth

Directions:

1. Soak black beans in warm water (just enough to cover) for about 10 minutes

2. Marinate chicken in sherry (enough to cover) and mix in 1-2 T corn starch to coat for about 20 minutes

3. Drain, then mince black beans

4. Combine black beans and garlic

5. Heat Wok as hot as can be

6. Add 1 T peanut oil

7. When oil is hot, add 1/2 of the bean & garlic mixture

8. Stir Vigorously

9.Add chicken (already drained)

10. Stir briskly until chicken is well browned, about 4 minutes

11. Remove contents of pan and set aside on a plate

12. Add 1 T of peanut oil (do not clean pan in between)

13. Add the other 1/2 bean & garlic mixture

14. Heat until smoking, stir to avoid fire

15. Add tofu and stir briskly for about 2 minutes

16. Remove tofu, add to chicken set aside

17. Add 1 T peanut oil and heat

18. Add ginger slices, cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove ginger from oil (keep oil in pan)

19. Add broccoli and stir vigorously

20. Add chicken broth and simmer for about 2 minutes

21. Add chicken, tofu, and garlic/black bean combo back to broccoli in pan

22. Cook (simmer on HI) until chicken is done

23. Mix 2T of corn starch and 1/4 cup water

24. Add corn start mixture to thicken if needed

Flavor with soy sauce & serve over rice.