Broccoli/Asparagus in Oyster Sauce

Broccoli/Asparagus in Oyster Sauce

Ingredients

1              Clove Garlic
                Olive Oil
                Broccoli/Asparagus
                Oyster Sauce

Whether doing broccoli or asparagus cutting it up is the first step.

For broccoli it depends on whether you by regular or just the crowns. If you by the regular then the bottom stem part must be stripped of its skin to get to the white middle which is quite good. So cut of the bottom so that you have just the crown left over. With the stem cut all or at least most of the skin off. Cut the remaining portion into lengths of about 1.5-2 inches (4-5cm) and no more than 1 inch (2.5cm) thick. Cut the crown into its individual stems. If the stem is too long cut it too such that each piece is again 1.5-2 inches.

If the asparagus has a discolored area near the base (not green, often almost purple) you should cut this part off because its too fibrous. Though you can eat it by the time it is cooked sufficiently the rest is mush. When you cut, cut at an angle or at least 45 degrees. This exposes a larger surface area of the center and allows it to cook easier. Cut all the asparagus at this angle in about 1-2 inch (2.5-5cm) lengths.

In a fry pan (not non-stick) put a shot of olive oil. Take a clove of garlic and smash it into the oil so that the clove breaks. With pressure flatten the clove into the oil while spreading it about the pan. In a glass put a couple of shots of oyster sauce and add a couple of table spoons of water and mix well. Bring the oil to heat on the stove. Add the broccoli or asparagus. Stir a bit occasionally till some of the tips begin to burn. Do this a couple of times. This should take between 1-3 minutes. Mix the oyster sauce on water once more and pour quickly over, and immediately cover. After about 30 seconds remove the pan from heat and serve. If you want a little thinner or sauce add more water to the oyster sauce-water mixture. If you want a little thicker sauce only cover for 15 seconds and then add a mixture of a teaspoon of corn starch mixed well with a table spoon of water. Add this to the liquid already in the pan and stir immediately and thoroughly and remove from heat within 15 seconds.