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Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

A quick and flavorful broccoli dish cooked with a savory garlic sauce, perfect as a healthy side or light main. This recipe features tender broccoli florets blanched and finished in a glossy, garlicky soy-based sauce with hints of sesame and a touch of sweetness.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch: Add the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegetarian