Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar, or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon Asian red chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
• ¾ pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into ¼ - inch strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 6 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
• 3 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot, whisked into 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl

Steps:

1.       Whisk the orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, black vinegar or its substitutes, Shaoxing or sherry, chili sauce, and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves; set aside.

2.       Heat a large wok or a large, high-sided sauté pan over medium-high heat until a drop of water skitters around the pan. Swirl in the peanut oil, then add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until aromatic, about 20 seconds (do not let the garlic brown). Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 2 minutes until almost cooked through.

3.       Add the broccoli and mushrooms; stir-fry until the mushrooms begin to give off their liquid to form a sauce, about 1 minute.

4.       Pour in the orange juice concentrate mixture and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

5.       Add the scallions and orange zest; cook for 1 minute, stirring a few times. Then stir the cornstarch or arrowroot mixture into the sauce. Wait for it to come back to a boil, just until thickened, about 15 seconds. Remove from the heat and let stand for a couple of minutes before serving.

From "The Ultimate Cookbook"