Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large head of broccoli (about 4 cups florets)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Cornstarch slurry: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Optional: chili flakes or chili crisp
Instructions
- Blanch or steam the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in white pepper, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch: Add the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the broccoli: Toss the blanched broccoli into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for one more minute so the broccoli becomes fork-tender and absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and optional chili flakes or chili crisp. Serve hot immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Blanching the broccoli before adding it to the sauce ensures it stays bright green and crisp-tender.
- Use a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola to avoid overpowering the garlic aroma.
- Adjust the sweetness or acidity in the sauce by varying the brown sugar or rice vinegar according to taste.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or chili crisp as a garnish.
- The garlic must be sautéed quickly over medium heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian