Chow Gai Lan (Jade Green Broccoli)

Description: Adapted from a Chinese cookbook by Jim Lee that was published around 1970. This is one of my all-time favorite cookbooks; I was introduced to it by friends who were Chinese students I knew at University of Virginia. This is traditionally made with gai lan, or Chinese broccoli, but the recipe works well with any broccoli you can find.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 lbs gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or 2 lbs broccoli, rinsed and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sherry wine or 2 tablespoons rice wine

Steps:

1. Mix together sugar through soy sauce plus 1/2 cup water and put aside.
2. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat and add the garlic.
3. When garlic is golden brown, add the broccoli.
4. Turn the heat up and stir-fry 2 minutes.
5. Add sherry, cover quickly and cook 2 minutes.
6. Lift cover& add the soy sauce mixture.
7. When sauce thickens, remove and serve.