Broccoli with Egg White Chinese Recipe: Delicious Cooking Made Easy
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy broccoli, look no further than this Chinese recipe that features egg whites. This dish is packed with protein and flavour, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal that is also good for you.
To make this dish, you'll need just a few simple ingredients, including broccoli, egg whites, garlic, and oyster sauce. You can also add seafood to the recipe, such as diced crab meat or sautéed dried scallops, to give it an extra boost of flavour and nutrition.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make a delicious and healthy broccoli with egg white Chinese recipe that is sure to become a favourite in your household.
Key Takeaways
- Broccoli with egg white Chinese recipe is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
- You can add seafood to the recipe, such as diced crab meat or sautéed dried scallops, to give it an extra boost of flavour and nutrition.
- Follow the simple steps to make this dish and enjoy a quick and easy meal that is also good for you.
Understanding the Ingredients
When it comes to the Chinese recipe for broccoli with egg whites, there are several key ingredients that you need to be aware of. Understanding the role that each of these ingredients plays in the recipe is essential in ensuring that you are able to create a delicious and authentic dish.
Types of Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and fibre. In this recipe, you can use any type of broccoli, including Chinese broccoli (gai lan), broccolini, or regular broccoli. Chinese broccoli is a popular choice for this recipe as it has a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with the sweet and savoury flavours of the sauce.
Egg Whites and Their Role
Egg whites are used in this recipe to create a light and fluffy sauce that complements the broccoli perfectly. They are also a great source of protein and low in calories. Make sure to beat the egg whites until they are stiff peaks to achieve the desired texture.
Sauces and Seasonings
The sauce is what really brings this dish together. Oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil are the main ingredients used to create a savoury and slightly sweet sauce that is poured over the broccoli and egg whites. Shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, sugar, salt, and white pepper are also used to add depth and flavour to the sauce. Cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce, while chicken stock or vegetable stock is used to create a more complex flavour. If you are looking to add seafood to this recipe, diced crab meat is a great option that pairs well with the other flavours.
Now that you understand the key ingredients in this recipe, you are ready to start cooking. With a little bit of practice, you will be able to create a delicious and authentic Chinese broccoli with egg whites dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation Techniques
Blanching Broccoli
To start preparing your Broccoli with Egg White Chinese Recipe, you will need to blanch your broccoli. Blanching is a cooking method that involves briefly boiling vegetables in water, and then immediately plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
To blanch your broccoli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn bright green and are soft and moist. Once done, remove the broccoli from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help to preserve the bright green colour of your broccoli.
Preparing Egg Whites
The next step in preparing your Broccoli with Egg White Chinese Recipe is to prepare your egg whites. To do this, separate the egg whites from the yolks and discard the yolks. Beat the egg whites until they are frothy and set them aside.
Mixing the Sauce
To make the sauce for your Broccoli with Egg White Chinese Recipe, you will need to mix together some chicken stock, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. You can also add some seafood to the recipe, such as rehydrated dried scallop strips, to give it some extra protein and flavour.
Once you have your sauce mixed together, heat up your wok or frying pan over high heat. Add some oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the pan. Add your minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add your blanched broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are coated with the garlic and oil.
Next, pour your egg whites over the broccoli and stir-fry for a few seconds until the egg whites are set. Finally, pour your sauce over the broccoli and egg whites and stir-fry for a few more seconds until everything is well coated.
That's it! Your Broccoli with Egg White Chinese Recipe is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
Cooking the Dish
Stir-Frying in a Wok
To start cooking the broccoli with egg white Chinese recipe, you will need to heat up your wok over high heat. Once it's hot, add cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the wok. You can use vegetable stock or chicken stock instead of cooking oil if you prefer a healthier option. When the oil is hot, add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green.
Combining Ingredients
After stir-frying the broccoli, add diced crab meat or any seafood of your choice to the wok and stir-fry for another minute. If you don't like seafood, you can omit this ingredient. Then, add oyster sauce and sesame oil to the wok and stir-fry for another minute. You can add a little bit of vegetable stock or chicken stock to the wok if you want to create more sauce.
Final Touches
Now it's time to add the egg whites to the wok. Pour the egg whites into the wok and stir-fry until they are cooked. You can add a little bit of cornstarch or potato starch to the egg whites to create a velvety texture. Finally, season the dish with salt and white pepper to taste.
If you want to add more seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the wok at the same time as the crab meat. This will add more flavour and texture to the dish.
That's it! Your broccoli with egg white Chinese recipe is ready to serve. Enjoy this healthy and delicious dish with a bowl of steamed rice.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Broccoli with egg white sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. If you want to keep it simple, you can serve it as a side dish with steamed rice or fried rice. The rice will help to balance the flavours of the dish and make it more filling.
If you want to add some freshness to the dish, you can serve it with a simple salad made of shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. The salad will provide a nice contrast to the warm and savoury flavours of the dish.
Presentation Tips
To make the dish more visually appealing, you can serve it in a broccoli ring. To create a broccoli ring, blanch a large head of broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes until it is tender but still firm. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the florets, leaving a ring of stem intact. Place the ring on a serving platter and fill it with the broccoli and egg white sauce.
Garnish the dish with some chopped scallions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to add some colour and flavour. This will give the dish a restaurant-quality presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
If you want to make the dish even healthier, you can add some seafood to it. Diced crab meat or dried scallops can be used to add a seafood flavour to the dish. The seafood will also provide some added protein and nutrients to the dish.
Cultural Significance
Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, has become a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in Chinese takeout and Asian cuisine. The vegetable is known for its rich green florets and sturdy stalks that are packed with nutrients. Broccoli has a long history and cultural significance in food traditions around the world.
In Chinese cuisine, broccoli is often used in stir-fries and served with different sauces. One popular recipe is the Shanghai Stir Fry Egg Whites with Dried Scallop, where the dish is served in a broccoli ring with a garnish of sautéed dried scallops and egg yolk on top. The dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with wonderful flavours.
Fresh broccoli can also be cooked with garlic sauce, which is a common sauce used in Chinese cooking. The sauce is made by mixing minced garlic, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The broccoli is then stir-fried in the garlic sauce until tender. This dish is perfect for those who love the taste of garlic and want a quick and easy recipe.
If you're looking to add some seafood to your broccoli recipe, diced crab meat can be added to the broccoli with egg white sauce recipe. The crab meat will add a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can use other seafood such as shrimps or scallops to add a unique flavour to the dish.
In conclusion, broccoli has become a beloved ingredient in various Chinese dishes due to its adaptability and rich cultural significance. Whether you're a fan of Chinese takeout or Asian cuisine, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a stir-fry with broccoli and egg whites?
To make a stir-fry with broccoli and egg whites, start by heating up some oil in a wok or frying pan. Add minced garlic and diced crab meat, and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, add broccoli florets and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Next, add egg whites and stir-fry until they are cooked and fluffy. Finally, season the stir-fry with oyster sauce, sesame oil, and any other seasonings of your choice.
What's the secret to a fluffy Chinese-style scrambled egg white dish?
The secret to a fluffy Chinese-style scrambled egg white dish is to beat the egg whites until they are frothy and then cook them gently over low heat. This will prevent the egg whites from becoming tough and rubbery.
Can you steam egg whites and broccoli together, and if so, how?
Yes, you can steam egg whites and broccoli together. To do this, beat the egg whites until they are frothy and pour them into a heatproof dish. Place the dish in a steamer basket along with the broccoli florets and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the broccoli is tender. Serve immediately.
What's a good recipe for a prawn and broccoli stir-fry that includes egg whites?
For a delicious prawn and broccoli stir-fry that includes egg whites, start by heating up some oil in a wok or frying pan. Add minced garlic and sliced prawns, and stir-fry until the prawns are pink and cooked through. Then, add broccoli florets and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Next, add beaten egg whites and stir-fry until they are cooked and fluffy. Finally, season the stir-fry with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and any other seasonings of your choice.
How do you prepare the egg sauce typically served with broccoli in Chinese cuisine?
To prepare the egg sauce typically served with broccoli in Chinese cuisine, start by beating together some eggs, cornstarch, and chicken stock in a bowl. Then, heat up some oil in a wok or frying pan and add minced garlic. Pour in the egg mixture and stir constantly until it thickens and becomes creamy. Finally, pour the sauce over steamed broccoli and serve immediately.
Is it healthy to combine broccoli and eggs in a meal, and are there any benefits?
Yes, it is healthy to combine broccoli and eggs in a meal. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eggs are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Combining broccoli and eggs in a meal can provide a balanced and nutritious source of energy and help support overall health and well-being. If you are looking to add more variety to your diet, you can also consider adding seafood such as prawns or crab meat to your broccoli and egg dishes for added flavour and nutrition.