CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Stir-Fried Broccoli

Spices are the soul of this Malaysian recipe.

Stir-Fried Broccoli

1 heaping teaspoon chopped, pounded tiny whole dried shrimp

1 tablespoon cooking oil

2 teaspoons sliced, crushed garlic cloves

1 piece (½-inch long) ginger root, crushed (1 teaspoon)

¼ cup thinly sliced shallots or onions

4 teaspoons preserved soybean paste

½ teaspoon thick or sweet soy sauce

¼ teaspoon each: rice wine, sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

½ pound broccoli

¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1 fresh red chili, sliced

Soak shrimp in hot water to soften; drain. Heat oil in wok. Add garlic, ginger; cook 45 seconds. Add shallots; cook, 1 to 2 minutes. Add shrimp; cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in soybean paste, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, salt. Blend. Add broccoli; cook, turning, coating well until leaves wilt. Add sesame oil; stir. Garnish with chili.

Yield: Serves 6.

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