Chinese Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Recipe: Restaurant Quality Meal at Home

Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce is packed with nutrients and flavour, making it a favourite among many people. Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan, is a dark leafy green that is similar to regular broccoli but has a slightly bitter taste. When combined with garlic sauce, it creates a delicious and flavourful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

To make Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce, you'll need a few essential ingredients such as soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and ground white pepper. You'll also need some garlic and vegetable oil to stir-fry the broccoli. The cooking technique is relatively straightforward, and you can easily adjust the recipe to your liking. You can also add seafood to the dish to make it more flavourful and nutritious. For example, you can add shrimp or scallops to the dish to give it a seafood twist.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce is a healthy and delicious side dish that is packed with nutrients and flavour.
• The essential ingredients for this dish include soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.
• You can add seafood to the dish to make it more flavourful and nutritious, such as shrimp or scallops.

Understanding Chinese Broccoli

What Is Chinese Broccoli?

Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is a member of the Brassica oleracea family, which also includes cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Chinese broccoli has long stems with dark green leaves and a slightly bitter taste. It is often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads.

Nutritional Profile

Chinese broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A. It also contains folate, iron, and calcium. Chinese broccoli is also a good source of dietary fibre, which can help promote digestive health.

Selecting and Preparing the Vegetable

When selecting Chinese broccoli, look for firm stalks and bright green leaves. Avoid any stalks that are wilted or discoloured. To prepare Chinese broccoli, wash the vegetable thoroughly and trim the ends of the stalks. Cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces and separate the leaves from the stems. Blanch the vegetable in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.

If you are looking to add some seafood to your Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. Simply sauté the seafood in a separate pan and add it to the stir-fry towards the end of the cooking process. This will add some extra protein and flavour to the dish.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to get that authentic flavour. Here are the key components that you should have in your pantry:

Garlic: The Star Component

Garlic is the star of the show when it comes to making Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce. You'll need both minced garlic and garlic cloves to get that garlicky flavour in the sauce. Make sure to mince the garlic finely, so it doesn't overpower the other flavours.

Sauce and Seasoning

The sauce and seasoning are what give the dish its savoury taste. Soy sauce is the most crucial ingredient in the sauce, providing the dish with a salty and umami taste. Oyster sauce can also be used to add a depth of flavour to the dish. Sugar is added to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce, while salt is used to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Oil Choices for Cooking

Vegetable oil is the most commonly used oil for cooking Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce. However, toasted sesame oil can also be used to add a nutty flavour to the dish. When cooking the dish, make sure to use a high smoke point oil to prevent the oil from burning.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add seafood to your Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce. Shrimp or scallops are excellent choices that pair well with the garlicky sauce. Make sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Cooking Techniques

Preparation of Ingredients

Before cooking Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and ginger and set them aside. Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, chicken stock, sugar, and cornstarch.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Clean and devein the shrimp and rinse the scallops. Cut the shrimp into small pieces and set them aside.

Mastering the Stir-Fry

The key to a perfect stir-fry is to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Heat the wok or skillet over high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.

Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. Add the shrimp or scallops and stir-fry for another minute until they are cooked through.

Finally, add the sauce to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Serve hot with rice.

Blanching Chinese Broccoli

Blanching Chinese broccoli is an optional step that can help tenderize the vegetable and retain its bright green color. To blanch Chinese broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch for 1 to 2 minutes and then immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Blanching can also help remove any bitterness from the vegetable. However, if you prefer a more crisp texture, you can skip the blanching step and stir-fry the broccoli directly.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can blanch the shrimp or scallops for 30 seconds before adding them to the stir-fry. This will help remove any impurities and ensure that they are cooked evenly.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to customize the Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative, such as coconut aminos or tamari. Tofu is a great protein substitute that works well in this dish. Simply cube it and stir-fry it with the broccoli.

Protein Add-ins

If you're looking to add more protein to your dish, there are many options to choose from. Chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork are all great choices. Simply slice the meat thinly and stir-fry it with the broccoli. For seafood lovers, you can try adding scallops, squid, or prawns to the dish as well.

Alternative Sauces and Seasonings

If you want to mix things up, you can try using different sauces and seasonings to flavor your Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce. Hoisin sauce, black bean sauce, and sweet and sour sauce are all great options. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as ginger, chilli flakes, and sesame seeds.

Remember, if you have any dietary restrictions, you can always substitute ingredients to make the recipe gluten-free or vegan. Use this recipe as a base and customize it to your liking. Enjoy!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some suggestions for serving and pairing this dish:

Accompaniments

To add some crunch and texture to your dish, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of your Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce. You can also use chopped scallions or cilantro as a garnish to add some brightness and freshness to the dish.

When it comes to serving this dish, white rice is a classic accompaniment that complements the flavours of the garlic sauce and Chinese broccoli. If you're looking for something more substantial, you can also pair it with fried rice or a cabbage stir fry.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

For a refreshing and light beverage, you can pair your Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce with green tea or jasmine tea. If you prefer something sweeter, try a lychee or mango juice.

When it comes to wine pairings, a crisp and acidic white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would work well with this dish. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais would be a good choice.

If you're having Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce as part of a takeout meal or at a Chinese restaurant, you can also pair it with other classic dishes such as pad see ew or Mongolian beef.

For those who enjoy seafood, you can also add some shrimp or scallops to the dish to make it a more substantial main course. The sweetness of the seafood will complement the savoury garlic sauce and the tender Chinese broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you whip up with Chinese broccoli as the main ingredient?

Chinese broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many dishes. You can stir-fry it with other vegetables, add it to soups, or serve it as a side dish. You can also add some protein to your dish, such as shrimp or chicken, to make it more filling.

How can you make a quick and easy garlic sauce for Chinese broccoli?

Making garlic sauce for Chinese broccoli is easy. All you need is some garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Heat up some oil in a pan, add the garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds. Then, add the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry until it's cooked. Finally, pour the garlic sauce over the Chinese broccoli and stir-fry for another minute.

What's the secret to perfectly crispy Chinese broccoli like in the restaurants?

The secret to perfectly crispy Chinese broccoli is to blanch it before stir-frying. Blanching is a cooking technique where you briefly boil the vegetable and then plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help to retain the bright green color and crisp texture of the Chinese broccoli.

Can you pair Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce alongside rice?

Yes, you can pair Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce alongside rice. In fact, it's a popular combination in many Chinese restaurants. You can also add some protein, such as shrimp or chicken, to make it a complete meal.

What are the nutritional details of Chinese broccoli in garlic sauce?

Chinese broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that's low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. When paired with garlic sauce, it adds some extra flavor and nutrients to your dish.

How should you store Chinese broccoli to keep it fresh?

To keep Chinese broccoli fresh, store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. It should last for up to a week. If you notice any yellowing or wilting, it's time to use it up.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese broccoli dish, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. Simply stir-fry them with the Chinese broccoli and garlic sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.