Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Cantonese Chicken and Mushrooms

  • 1 1/4 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 6 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 thin slices peeled ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 8 to 10 ounces sliced mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake or a mix
  • 12 ounces baby bok choy, cut crosswise into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • Cooked rice, for serving
Toss the chicken with the oyster sauce in a bowl. Mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water in another bowl. Place both bowls near the stove with the remaining ingredients.

Heat a wok or deep skillet over high heat until hot. Add the peanut oil, then the scallions, ginger and garlic, and stir-fry about 20 seconds. Add the chicken mixture and stir-fry until the meat is no longer pink on the outside, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and bok choy.

Add the broth and sesame oil to the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cornstarch mixture, return to a boil and cook, tossing, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with rice.