Craving a restaurant-quality side dish that's both incredibly healthy and mind-blowingly delicious? Look no further than this Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce recipe! In just 15 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a vibrant, umami-packed dish that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the secret. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe promises to elevate your culinary skills and impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Chinese broccoli
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the Chinese broccoli thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Trim the tough ends of the stems, cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Prepare the garlic by peeling and finely mincing the cloves using a sharp knife. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Carefully add the Chinese broccoli to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until the stems become bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, quickly remove the broccoli from the boiling water and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color.
- Drain the broccoli thoroughly in a colander, gently shaking to remove excess water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the blanched Chinese broccoli to the pan and quickly toss with the garlic.
- Drizzle oyster sauce over the broccoli and continue tossing to ensure even coating and heating.
- Season with a small pinch of salt if needed, and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes until the broccoli is heated through.
- Transfer to a serving plate, arranging the broccoli neatly, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose fresh Chinese broccoli (gai lan) with bright green, crisp leaves and firm stems for the best texture and flavor.
- Blanching is crucial - don't overcook! The goal is to maintain a vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. Watch the broccoli closely during the 2-3 minute blanching process.
- The ice bath after blanching is a professional chef's trick to stop the cooking and preserve the broccoli's beautiful color and nutrients.
- Use a high-quality oyster sauce for the most authentic and rich flavor. Brands like Lee Kum Kee are recommended.
- Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
