Broccoli stir-fry
Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan, is a nutritious vegetable that is widely used in Chinese cuisine. With its tender yet crunchy stems and leaves, Chinese broccoli is a favorite among many diners. It is also a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, calcium, and iron, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
One of the best ways to enjoy Chinese broccoli is in a stir-fry. Stir-frying is a common cooking method in Chinese cuisine that involves quickly cooking vegetables and meats in a hot wok with minimal oil. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and nutrients, yet still maintains a nice crunch to the vegetables.
This Chinese broccoli stir-fry recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your preferences. Whether you like your vegetables crunchy or soft, spicy or mild, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your taste buds.
To start, gather all the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound Chinese broccoli
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Begin by cleaning and preparing your Chinese broccoli. Rinse the broccoli under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Cut off the tough ends of the broccoli stems and discard. Cut the remaining stems into 2-inch pieces and set them aside. Cut the leaves into smaller pieces and set them aside as well.
Next, heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chopped garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 15 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the broccoli stems and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Add the broccoli leaves and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are just wilted.
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce mixture over the stir-fried vegetables and stir well to combine. Continue stir-frying for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are coated evenly.
Turn off the heat and transfer the Chinese broccoli stir-fry to a serving dish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or as a side dish to your favorite Chinese dish.
In conclusion, this Chinese broccoli stir-fry recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chinese broccoli.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Chinese broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, sliced scallions
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chinese broccoli by trimming off the tough ends of the stems and cutting the stalks into 2-inch pieces. Rinse and pat dry.
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In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Set aside.
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Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add in the vegetable oil and let it heat up for a few seconds.
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Add in the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add in the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
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Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce mixture and stir-fry for another minute until the broccoli is coated in the sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions on top for extra flavor.
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Serve hot and enjoy!