Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thigh), sliced thin against the grain
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken into thin bite-sized pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. Place in a medium bowl and add 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch completely and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: Bring 1/3 cup water to a boil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped broccoli, cover, and steam until just tender and the water evaporates, about 40 to 50 seconds. Remove broccoli and set aside. Wipe the skillet dry with a paper towel if necessary.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil in the skillet. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 30 seconds until the bottom is browned. Flip the pieces and cook for a few more seconds until lightly charred but still slightly pink inside. Stir to continue cooking for a short time.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the chicken. Stir a few times to release their fragrance and flavor, cooking briefly until aromatic.
- Combine broccoli and sauce: Return the steamed broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again to ensure cornstarch is dissolved, then pour into the skillet. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the chicken and broccoli to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice or boiled noodles.
Notes
- For best results, slice chicken thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
- Adjust the level of soy sauce and salt to taste depending on your soy sauce’s saltiness.
- Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bok choy if desired.
- Use peanut or vegetable oil for a neutral fried flavor, but sesame oil can be added at the end for aroma.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the broccoli and fresh flavor of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese