MODERN CHOP SUEY WITH SHALLOTS, GINGER, AND GARLIC ESSENCE

Modern Chop Suey with Shallots, Ginger, and Garlic Essence image

Provided by Joseph Poon

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

Vegetables:
10 fresh shiitake mushroom caps, thinly sliced
10 fresh oyster mushroom caps, thinly sliced
10 ears canned baby corn, rinsed
3 ounces thin green beans such as haricots verts, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
1/2 small jicama, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch matchsticks (about 1/2 cup)
2 stalks celery, trimmed and cut into 1/8-inch matchsticks (about 1/2 cup)
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch matchsticks (about 1/2 cup)
3 medium asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2-ounce piece fresh lotus root, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
Shallot, Ginger, and Garlic Essence:
1/2 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons dry white wine such as Chardonnay
1 teaspoon mushroom soy sauce or light soy sauce*
1 teaspoon fish sauce (nam pla)*
1 tablespoon oyster sauce*
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1 shallot, finely chopped
4 ounces firm tofu, drained, rinsed, and cut into 1/2-inch matchsticks
Asian sesame oil, for drizzling
Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
*Available at Asian markets

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch vegetables in water for 40 seconds (avoid overcooking). Drain and set aside.
Combine chicken broth, wine, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and shallots in a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, about 4 minutes, until sauce thickens. Add tofu and vegetables. Stir until heated through, about 30 seconds. Drizzle lightly with sesame oil and garnish with cilantro.