Chinese Saucy Bean Sprouts Stir Fry Food

CHICKEN AND BEAN SPROUTS STIR-FRY

Steps:

• For the chicken, mix 1 tablespoon of water with the strips of chicken until the water has been completely absorbed by the meat. Add the oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch, and mix until well combined. Set aside for 20 minutes.
• Next, wash the mung bean sprouts in a large bowl of cold water, leaving the bean sprouts in the water for two to three minutes so they are rehydrated. This step not only washes the sprouts but also allows them to absorb some of that cold water to regain their freshness and crunch. Transfer them to a colander, setting them over a bowl or the sink to let the excess water drain completely. The root portion of the bean sprout can be a bit stringy and unpleasant, and some folks do pinch it off--but a word of caution that it is a lot of work, so we usually settle for a good couple of rinses in cold water.
• Finally, prepare the other ingredients--namely the scallions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cooking this dish quickly is really important, so your bean sprouts don't turn to mush. If you're not great adding quick measurements of spices, oils, and sauces, it's best if you have all of those ingredients prepped and measured in advance, in addition to the fresh ingredients.
• Heat your wok on high heat until it just starts to smoke, and spread 2 tablespoons of oil around the perimeter of the wok. Add the chicken, and use your spatula to spread the meat evenly across the wok. Sear for another 20 seconds (i.e., without mixing the chicken around), stir fry for another 20 seconds, and transfer the chicken to a bowl.
• Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, along with the mushrooms and the white portions of the scallions. Stir fry for 10 seconds, and add the garlic. You should have the wok at the highest heat you can muster at this point!
• Next, add the mung bean sprouts and stir fry everything together. Spread the Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok, and give everything another quick stir. Then add the oyster sauce, salt, sesame oil, white pepper, and MSG, if using.
• Add the chicken back to the wok, along with any liquid in the bowl, and the green portions of the scallions. Again, the burner should be at maximum heat at this point! A quick trick that Kaitlin learned cooking on a narrow stovetop in college is to hold the wok between two gas burners at max heat, to get as much heat as possible!
• Stir-fry for another 10 seconds until everything is well combined, making sure to spread the mixture around the sides of the wok to get that wok hei sear and flavor. There will be some liquid in the wok and when that is bubbling, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture.
• Stir fry for another 15 seconds or so, until the mung bean sprouts are just starting to turn transparent. Serve!

CLASSIC BEAN SPROUT STIR FRY

Steps:

• In a very hot wok, coat well with oil and add scallions, ginger and garlic. Season and stir. Quickly add the bean sprouts and stir-fry, flipping the sprouts around quickly. Check for seasoning. Serve immediately. May serve with rice.

BEAN SPROUTS STIR FRY (CHOW MEIN)

Steps:

• Heat a wok or frying pan over high heat and add the olive oil, when it's hot (the oil will ripple) add the mushrooms; season with salt and pepper.
• Saute on high for 4 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms have started to darken and give off some of their water.
• With the heat still on high, add the white onion and celery to the pan; again season with salt and pepper.
• Saute for a minute, until the veggies just start to soften.
• Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, careful not to let the garlic burn.
• Add in the bean sprouts and again season with salt and pepper; sauté for a minute, until the sprouts just start to soften.
• Take the pan off the heat and stir in the green onions.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.

STIR-FRIED NOODLES & BEANSPROUTS

Steps:

• Put the egg noodles in a large bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to soak for 8 mins, or until the noodles are tender. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan and fry the spring onions for 1 min.
• Add the beansprouts and continue to fry, stirring, for 2 mins. Drain the noodles and add to the pan with a good splash of soy sauce. Stir-fry for 1 min more, then serve.

SPICY STIR-FRIED SPROUTS

Steps:

• Cook the sprouts in boiling salted water for 3 mins, then drain. Heat the oil in a wok, then stir-fry the chilli, garlic and ginger for 1 min. Add the sprouts, cook for 2 mins, then drizzle with the soy sauce. Give everything a final toss before serving.

STIR FRIED BEAN SPROUTS WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• Mix the brown sugar in the soy sauce until dissolved and set aside.
• In large frying pan or wok, heat the oil on medium high.
• Saute carrots, scallions, and mushrooms, just until tender.
• Add the gingeroot and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if using.
• Stir until well mixed.
• Add the shrimp and soy sauce mixture and saute 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
• Add bean sprouts and stir until heated through. These don't take long. Just be sure not to overcook the beansprouts. They are best when still cruncy.

BEEF WITH BEAN SPROUTS

Steps:

• Marinate beef with 2 tablespoons light soy sauce and 1 tablespoons tapioca starch or cornstarch for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Heat wok. Add 1 tablespoons peanut oil. Add ginger, garlic and onion and stir fry for half a minute. Add beef and stir fry until meat changes colour. Remove and set aside.
• Add all vegetables and stir fry until tender crisp.
• Return beef to wok, add sauce, bring to a boil and mix well.