Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Here’s a little secret: whipping up this stir-fried broccoli is my go-to move when I want a healthy yet flavor-packed dish that makes my taste buds do a happy dance.

A quick and healthy dish is something I love, and my Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is just that. With its nutrient-rich florets and the aromatic garlic I can’t seem to get enough of these days, it’s a dish that really satisfies in every way.

That’s because the balance of flavors here is just delightful. You have the slight nuttiness of the vegetable oil, then it’s all thrown into overdrive with soy and oyster sauce.

And you know what? I’m not so sure you could go wrong with any of the following additions: sesame oil, red pepper flakes, or both.

Ingredients

• Broccoli: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, supports immune health.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity, contains antioxidants, adds savory depth.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami flavor, contains sodium, enhances taste.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth, complements savory dishes.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty flavor, contains healthy fats, enhances aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then set aside.

2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. In the frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Add the florets of broccoli to the pan, and, making sure to stir often, cook for four to five minutes. You want the broccoli to be a bright green and to be tender yet still have a bit of a crunch.

5. Take the soy sauce and the oyster sauce and drizzle them over the broccoli; then stir to coat all of the florets equally with both sauces.

6. If separated, stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine, then pour into the pan; give a quick stir to thicken the sauce.

7. Incorporate the sesame oil and, if desired, red pepper flakes into the stir fry by adding them and stirring.

8. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

9. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the sauce is evenly distributed and the broccoli is cooked to the tenderness you want.

10. Take it off the heat and serve right away, either as a stand-alone dish or as a side.

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Large pan or wok
3. Frying pan
4. Measuring spoons
5. Stirring spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?A: You can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it and drain it thoroughly to remove any excess water, and then you can cook it. Of course, the same principle applies: Don’t overcook it!
• Q: Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?A: Yes, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar instead. They have similar flavor profiles and can serve as a good substitute.
• Q: How do I make the dish gluten-free?A: Verify that the soy sauce is gluten-free, and that the oyster sauce is gluten-free too, or use a substitute for oyster sauce that is also gluten-free.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?A: Without a doubt! For an even greater variety and added nutrition, consider bell peppers, carrots, or sugar snap peas.
• Q: What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the recipe?cornstarch thickens sauce so that it will stick to broccoli better and thus be more flavorful.
• Q: Can this recipe be made in advance?A: It is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them separately.
• Q: Can I omit the sesame oil?A: You can leave out sesame oil or replace it with a light drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil—any of which are permissible substitutes in Asian and Mediterranean cooking. But if you have any sesame oil in your pantry, definitely use it here. There’s nothing quite like it for achieving that distinctive reserve note of nutty, toasty goodness.

Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cauliflower florets or broccolini can be substituted for broccoli florets.
Substitutes for vegetable oil include canola oil and avocado oil.
Tamari can be used in place of soy sauce for those who require a gluten-free product. For a soy-free substitute, try using coconut aminos.
Oyster sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce or a plant-based mushroom sauce as a vegetarian option.
For a stronger flavor, use toasted sesame oil; omit if preferred.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Garlic Flavor Crush the garlic cloves before mincing them to release more of the garlic’s natural oils, intensifying the flavor.

2. Even Broccoli Cooking Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to maintain their bright color and gentle texture before adding them to the pan.

3. Enhanced Sauce Integration Add a splash of the soy sauce and oyster sauce to the pan just before adding the broccoli. This allows the flavors to infuse directly into the oil and garlic before coating the broccoli.

4. Cornstarch Slurry Precision Make sure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and smooth before adding it to the pan; this will help prevent clumping and ensure an even thickening of the sauce.

5. Elevate with Toasted Sesame For an added layer of flavor, lightly toast the sesame oil in a separate small pan for a few seconds before incorporating it into the dish. This enhances its nutty aroma and adds depth to the dish.