Are you ready to transform a simple vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will make your taste buds dance? This Chinese Broccoli with Garlic Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that brings the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your dinner table in just 15 minutes! Imagine crisp, vibrant green broccoli bathed in a luxurious garlic sauce that's both savory and slightly sweet, promising to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the Chinese broccoli thoroughly under cold running water, trimming off any tough woody stems at the bottom.
- Cut the Chinese broccoli into 2-3 inch long pieces, separating the leafy parts from the stems to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water, creating an environment for blanching the vegetables.
- Blanch the Chinese broccoli in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until the stems are tender-crisp and the color becomes a vibrant deep green.
- While blanching, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- Immediately transfer the blanched broccoli from boiling water to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its bright color and crisp texture.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves and ingredients are well integrated.
- Drain the broccoli completely, shaking off excess water and patting dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the blanched broccoli on a serving plate, drizzling the prepared garlic sauce evenly over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top as a final garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the broccoli is still warm and the sauce is fresh.
Tips
- Choose fresh Chinese broccoli (gai lan) with firm, bright green leaves and no yellowing.
- The key to perfect texture is blanching—don't overcook! Two to three minutes is the sweet spot for tender-crisp vegetables.
- The ice bath is crucial: it stops the cooking process and helps maintain that gorgeous green color.
- Whisk your sauce thoroughly to ensure the sugar completely dissolves for a smooth, well-integrated flavor.
- For extra flavor, toast your sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling them on top.
- Serve immediately after drizzling the sauce to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or as a side to grilled meats for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 82kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
