Description
A flavorful and nutritious Chinese broccoli (gai lan) dish prepared Yum Cha style, featuring tender stems and vibrant leaves, enhanced by a savory garlic sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Ingredients
1 tsp sea salt flakes
1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), leaves and stalks separated, thick stalks halved lengthways
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (or neutral-flavored oil of choice)
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce for vegetarian option)
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Blanch the Chinese broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt. Once the water is rapidly boiling, add the Chinese broccoli stems and cook for 1 minute. Add the leaves and cook for an additional minute. The stems should be just tender, while the leaves remain bright and tender. Drain the broccoli immediately and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to let it brown).
- Make the sauce: Stir in the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, white sugar, sesame oil (if using), and water. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
- Serve: Pour the sauce directly over the warm Chinese broccoli. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom soy sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a sliced chili pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
- To make this dish more substantial, you can top it with stir-fried chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching, Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
