Sweet Chili Roasted Broccoli

Ever had P.F. Chang's Spicy Green Bean appetizer?  If you haven't, you should.  Or you can just make this broccoli and not go through the trouble of getting off the couch, changing out of your sweatpants, and driving to your local P.F. Changs.  Wait, you're not wearing sweatpants, you say?  Well, the kitchen is still closer than P.F. Changs.  This broccoli has all the same delicious flavors of their green beans; the sweetness balances impeccably with the salty spiciness of the chili paste.  This broccoli makes an excellent side, or if you're not a carnivore like me, a healthy serving of this deliciousness over brown rice makes an incredibly satisfying meal.  Now, how do I say "bon apétite" in Chinese?

 

Tofu (or insert meat here) with Broccoli

So, as of late I have been lacking meat in my apartment, but I have a lot of tofu, so that has been the protein component of main dishes... hence instead of beef with broccoli, its Tofu with broccoli.

• 1/3 cups oyster sauce*
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 Tbs white sugar
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 14-19 oz firm tofu, cubed
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 lb broccoli, in florets
• 1 can water chestnuts (optional)
• 1 can baby corn (optional)
• 3 Tbs vegetable oil
• Pepper, to taste

1. In a small bowl whisk the oyster sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch until fully incorporated.
2. In a large skillet, or wok heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the cubed tofu, pepper, ginger, and garlic powder.
4. Cook the tofu 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Add the broccoli, water chestnuts, and baby corn, cooking another 3-5 minutes, until vegetables are heated through and the broccoli is fork tender.
6. Add sauce, and reduce heat to medium, stirring until evenly coated and heated through. Serve over brown or white rice.

Notes:

• Basically any meat can be subbed for tofu, it is traditionally cooked with beef.
• Oyster sauce can be found at any oriental market, and frequently in the Asian section of the grocery store. Read the ingredients, often there is MSG, so shoot for one without it if you can help it.