Stir-Fried Broccoli with Brown Rice {Meat Optional}

By á-30663

Adding meat helps stretch the meal a bit but you could easily double the broccoli/sauce ingredients for a completely meatless meal. And I hope you noticed that it is shockingly quick to make (the brown rice will take much longer than the actual stir-fried broccoli so plan for that). Um, let’s see, what else? Oh, I’ve also served this with quinoa instead of brown rice. Delicious. Basmati rice? Fantastic. Or just whipped up as an amazing side dish. Unreal.
For the Thai chili sauce, you can substitute Asian chili-garlic sauce or hoisin sauce. I've used both before with good results, although the flavor is a bit different. When using meat, I usually cook about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of shrimp or chicken pieces lightly sprinkled with salt and pepper.

Ingredients

• Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable, canola or coconut oil
• 3-4 cups bite-size broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce (see note)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• For serving:
• Hot, cooked brown rice (

Details

Adapted from melskitchencafe.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat until hot and rippling. If using meat, add it now and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove the meat to a plate.
Add the broccoli to the hot skillet (you may need to add another teaspoon or so of oil if the skillet is completely dry) and cook, stirring often, until the broccoli has turned bright green and is lightly browned, 7-9 minutes. It won't cook much more after this so it should be crisp-tender. I like a bit of bite to the broccoli but if you want it more tender, add on a few minutes cooking time.
Stir in the garlic and cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring, for a minute or so.
Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and pour over the broccoli. Add the meat if you cooked it in step 1. Stir the ingredients together until well coated with the sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Serve immediately over hot, cooked rice.