Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) dish prepared Yum Cha style. The broccoli is blanched until tender-crisp, then topped with a savory garlic oyster sauce that’s quick to make and perfect for a light vegetable side or an addition to any Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), leaves and stalks separated, thick stalks halved lengthways
For Boiling
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
For Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, or neutral-flavoured oil of choice
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (see note 1 for vegetarian alternative)
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt flakes. Once the water is rapidly boiling, add the Chinese broccoli stalks and cook for 1 minute. Then add the leaves and cook for an additional 1 minute. The stalks should be just tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli immediately and transfer it to a serving plate to retain the vibrant color and texture.
- Make the sauce: In the same pot or a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown, which can make the garlic bitter.
- Stir in the sauce ingredients: Add the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, white sugar, optional sesame oil, and water to the pan. Stir to combine and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and serve: Pour the warm sauce immediately over the drained Chinese broccoli on the serving plate. Serve straight away to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom oyster sauce or a vegan mushroom-based sauce.
- Adjust the sugar to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- Sauté garlic gently to avoid burning and bitterness.
- This dish is best served immediately while broccoli is warm and crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Chinese broccoli, gai lan, Yum Cha, oyster sauce broccoli, vegetable side dish, easy Chinese recipe
