Nutritious Broccoli and Spam Stir-fry Recipe
Nutritious Broccoli and Spam Stir-fry Recipe
How to Make a Healthy Broccoli and Spam Stir-fry as a Simple Side Dish
I unexpectedly received a gift of Spam and wondered how to use it. So, I took out the broccoli from the fridge and transformed it into a wonderful side dish! I visited a friend who lives alone, and there it was – a perfectly organized set of Spam cans. I was so captivated by the neat arrangement that I picked one up. My friend, seeing this, generously offered it, saying, “If you want to eat it, just take it home and cook it.” Honestly, I hadn’t picked it up because I was craving Spam, but my friend’s warm gesture made me gladly accept and bring it home. I remembered the words of my food-loving friend: “Never refuse food when offered.” I had this Spam, a gift I received by chance, and wondered what to do with it. Since there weren’t many side dishes available, I rummaged through the fridge and found broccoli. I only had whole garlic cloves, and I was too lazy to peel and mince them, so I decided to just toss them in whole! As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t have teeth, use your gums!’ Let’s start making a delicious stir-fry with whole garlic, fresh broccoli, and savory Spam. Ready to create a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious?
Main Ingredients- 1 head of broccoli (approx. 200g)
- 120g Spam Classic (1/2 can)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 10 whole garlic cloves (or 1 Tbsp minced garlic)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the Spam into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick, then dice them into approximately 2cm cubes. This size ensures a pleasant texture when cooked.
Step 2
Remove the seeds from the red and yellow bell peppers, wash them thoroughly, and then slice them into long strips about 0.5cm thick. If the whole garlic cloves are large, cut them in half; otherwise, use them whole. The garlic will infuse the dish with its aroma and flavor.
Step 3
Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, about 3cm each. For the stems, peel off the tough outer skin using a peeler, then slice them thinly, about 0.3cm thick. The stems add a nice chewiness to the stir-fry.
Step 4
Place the prepared broccoli in a bowl and soak it in water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove any residual impurities or pesticides. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly under running cold water.
Step 5
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon), and add the broccoli stems first. Blanch them for about 30 seconds. This step ensures the stems, which take longer to cook, are tenderized.
Step 6
Immediately after blanching, rinse the broccoli stems under cold running water to cool them down. Drain them well in a colander. This will help maintain their vibrant color and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Step 7
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the whole garlic cloves and stir-fry them. Be careful not to burn the garlic; gently cooking it until fragrant is key.
Step 8
Once the garlic releases its aroma and starts to turn slightly golden brown around the edges, add the diced Spam. Stir-fry over medium heat until the Spam is nicely browned on all sides. The rendered fat from the Spam will mingle with the garlic, creating a richer flavor.
Step 9
When the Spam is evenly browned, add the prepared broccoli (both florets and blanched stems) and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Stir-fry over high heat for about 1 minute. The oyster sauce will add a delicious umami flavor to all the ingredients.
Step 10
Finally, add the red and yellow bell pepper strips for color and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss everything together quickly. Avoid overcooking the bell peppers to maintain their crispness. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and your nutritious Broccoli and Spam Stir-fry is ready!
