Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties: Reduces dampness and phlegm, supports immune system, supports the lungs, warming.
This recipe is made to boost the immune system as well as taste great. I’ve noticed most recipes say things like “one teaspoon garlic, one teaspoon fresh ginger”. In my opinion those amounts are just too low to have much of an impact on health or flavor. The type of mushroom used in this recipe is up to you. Ideally it would be Maitake or s=Shiitake, but even white button mushrooms greatly benefit the immune system.
Fried rice is usually something that needs to be prepped the day before; you need to wait overnight for the rice to dry out before stir frying. Otherwise, the grains will just stick together. But when using Job’s Tears in place of rice, waiting is unnecessary. When it comes to cooking, think of Job’s Tears as if it were pasta that just takes a long time to boil (about 45 minutes). There’s no need to measure the water. Just make sure there’s enough to cover the grains by a couple of inches and strain at the end. Then simply spread the cooked grains on a sheet pan, prep the veggies and other ingredients, and it will be cooled to room temperature by the the time you’re ready to throw it into the stir fry. Or, if you like, you can still cook the grains the day before, just be sure they've come up to room temperature before using. Prep Time 60 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 70 minutes **The key to making a good stir-fry is working hot and fast. Read the whole recipe before you start. Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped, ready, and within reach and then turn on the stove. Use two spatulas, or a spatula and a serving spoon so nothing burns from staying in one place for too long.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Job's Tears uncooked.
- 4-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 “thumb” ginger, minced
- 1 serrano pepper, minced
- 2 shallots or 1 onion,
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (grapeseed is ideal)
- Sea salt to taste
- Power Pepper (or black pepper)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar can be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Toasted sesame oil
*Optional Protein: If you’d like to add meat, seafood, or tofu to this recipe, add about a half-pound and see instructions for timing. Instructions: \
1. Add Job’s Tears to pot with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover by a couple inches. 2. Cook grains for 45 minutes, then strain (save the water and use it for soups or cooking other grains, it’s full of nutrients)
3. Spread the Job’s Tears on a baking sheet to cool
4. Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
5. In a jar or bowl, mix the soy sauce, vinegar, honey and corn starch until a uniform consistency. (I like to use a jam jar with a lid because it’s much easier and faster to shake the jar than mix it in a bowl.
6. Peel and mince the ginger.
7. Remove the seeds and white pith of the Serrano pepper, then mince.
8. Peel and rough-chop the shallot or onion.
9. Cut the mushrooms into slices about a quarter-inch wide.
10. Cut the broccoli into little trees that are about the same size as each other.
11. Heat the oil to very hot (but not smoking) in a wok or frying pan.
12. If using raw meat, place it in the hot oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir fry for about five minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
13. Add the ginger, mushrooms, and shallot (or onion). Season with more salt and pepper. Stir fry for a minute or two.
14. Add the garlic to the wok. If adding cooked meat, raw seafood, or tofu, add it now. Stir fry for a minute.
15. Add the broccoli to the wok. Stir fry for a minute.
16. Dump the cooled grains in the wok. Stir fry until the grains are heated through, about half a minute.
17. Pour in the sauce mixture. Stir, taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed.
18. Take pan off the heat, very lightly drizzle some sesame seed oil over it and stir to blend.
19. Serve immediately.