Whipping up this broccoli stir-fry is like adulting at its peak; it’s quick, healthy, and so Instagram-worthy with that vibrant green pop! Trust me, with the garlic, soy, and just a hint of sesame oil, you won’t even miss the takeout vibes—your taste buds will totally thank you later. 🌿🍴
I love the vibrant combination of flavors in my Broccoli With Garlic Sauce recipe. With fresh broccoli florets absorbing the rich blend of soy and oyster sauces, this dish not only packs nutritional value but also delights the palate.
I think the minced garlic and sesame oil bring a fragrant, savory aroma, while a touch of sugar balances the taste perfectly.
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- Broccoli: Rich in fiber and vitamins C and K; promotes digestion and bone health.
- Garlic: Contains antioxidants; supports heart health and immune system.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor; provides small amounts of protein and minerals.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds savory depth; includes vitamins B12 and D.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce; simple carbohydrate that enhances texture.
- Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma and flavor; contains healthy fats.
- Sugar: Balances flavors with sweetness; provides quick energy.
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make this Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe
1. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water or vegetable broth until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the blanched broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir everything to coat the broccoli.
7. Stir the cornstarch mixture again and add it to the pan. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Drizzle the sesame oil over the broccoli and add ground ginger if using. Stir to combine.
9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Small bowl
3. Whisk or fork (for mixing cornstarch mixture)
4. Large skillet or wok
5. Kitchen spoon or spatula (for stirring)
6. Colander (for draining broccoli)
7. Serving dish
8. Measuring spoons
9. Knife (for mincing garlic and cutting broccoli)
10. Cutting board
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just ensure to thaw and drain it before cooking to prevent a watery dish.
- Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce can be used as alternatives, but keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
- How do I thicken the sauce if needed? Mix a little more cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a similar gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that any substitutes like oyster sauce are also gluten-free.
- What is the best way to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- What can I serve this dish with? This broccoli with garlic sauce pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or simply as a side dish with any main course.
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of vegetable oil, use olive oil or avocado oil for a slightly different flavor.
- For the soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce can be used as an alternative.
- Cornstarch can be replaced with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for a gluten-free thickening agent.
- If you prefer a different nutty flavor, sesame oil can be swapped with a neutral oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Garlic Flavor: For an even more intense garlic flavor, consider gently crushing the garlic cloves before mincing. This releases more oils and can deepen the savory profile of the dish.
2. Perfect Broccoli Texture: To ensure the broccoli maintains its vibrant color and texture, immediately plunge it into ice water after blanching. This will stop the cooking process and help retain the broccoli’s crisp-tender texture.
3. Balanced Sauce Consistency: If you find your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, let it simmer for an extra minute or two while stirring. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a little more water or broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Customize with Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha along with the sauces in step 6 for a spicy kick.
5. Add Nutty Depth: Toast the sesame seeds before garnishing. A quick toast in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant will add a delicious nutty complexity to the dish.
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe
My favorite Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Small bowl
3. Whisk or fork (for mixing cornstarch mixture)
4. Large skillet or wok
5. Kitchen spoon or spatula (for stirring)
6. Colander (for draining broccoli)
7. Serving dish
8. Measuring spoons
9. Knife (for mincing garlic and cutting broccoli)
10. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water or vegetable broth until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the blanched broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir everything to coat the broccoli.
7. Stir the cornstarch mixture again and add it to the pan. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Drizzle the sesame oil over the broccoli and add ground ginger if using. Stir to combine.
9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
