Chinese-style Broccoli

Chinese-style Broccoli Recipe - Authentic Cuisine with Broccoli, Onion, Soy Sauce & Chicken Stock

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese-style broccoli is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of broccoli with a savory soy sauce and chicken stock sauce, creating a perfect side dish for any meal.

History

Chinese-style broccoli, also known as gai lan, is a popular vegetable dish in Chinese cuisine. It is often stir-fried or steamed and served with a flavorful sauce. This recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional dish by incorporating a rich and savory sauce made with soy sauce and chicken stock.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of broccoli
3 tbsp of olive oil
1 small white onion, diced
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of cornstarch
0.5 cup of chicken stock

How to prepare

Wash the broccoli and cut it into 1 inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the onion until golden.
Add the broccoli and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
Add the soy sauce and sugar.
Blend the cornstarch and chicken stock, then add it to the broccoli mixture.
Cook over high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly until thickened.

Variations

Add garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
Top with sesame seeds or sliced almonds for a crunchy texture.
Substitute oyster sauce for the soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the broccoli into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stir constantly when cooking the broccoli to prevent it from burning.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese-style broccoli can be served as a side dish with rice or noodles, or as a main dish with tofu or chicken.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the best technique for cooking Chinese-style broccoli, as it allows the broccoli to cook quickly while retaining its crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bok choy or asparagus in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the broccoli just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chinese-style broccoli with sliced green onions or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese-style broccoli pairs well with dishes like orange chicken, beef and broccoli, or fried rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese-style broccoli contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese-style broccoli contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese-style broccoli contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese-style broccoli contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese-style broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and may contain gluten if using soy sauce with wheat.

Summary

Chinese-style broccoli is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

Chinese-style broccoli is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a rich and savory sauce made with soy sauce and chicken stock, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of Chinatown in search of new flavors and inspiration for my cooking. As I meandered through the crowded marketplace, the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents of exotic spices filled my senses.

I stumbled upon a quaint little shop tucked away in a corner, its windows adorned with hanging red lanterns and a sign that read "Ling's Kitchen." Intrigued, I pushed open the door and was greeted by the delicious aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger. The shop was bustling with activity, and I could see chefs expertly wielding woks and tossing ingredients with precision and flair.

I approached the counter, where a friendly elderly woman with twinkling eyes greeted me warmly. "Welcome to Ling's Kitchen, my dear. How can I help you today?" she asked in a melodic voice.

I explained that I was a home cook looking to expand my culinary repertoire and asked if she had any traditional Chinese recipes to share. Her face lit up with delight, and she beckoned me to follow her to the back of the shop, where she had a cozy little kitchen set up.

As we sat down at a small wooden table, she began to regale me with tales of her childhood in the bustling streets of Shanghai, where she learned the art of Chinese cooking from her grandmother. She spoke of the importance of fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and the harmonious interplay of textures in Chinese cuisine.

She then pulled out a tattered old recipe book, its pages yellowed with age and stained with food splatters. She flipped through the pages with a smile, her fingers tracing the intricate Chinese characters with reverence. "This, my dear, is the recipe for Chinese-style broccoli. It is a simple dish, but one that holds a special place in my heart," she said, her eyes misting over with nostalgia.

I watched intently as she walked me through the steps of the recipe, her hands deftly handling the ingredients with the grace and skill of a master chef. She explained how the broccoli should be blanched to retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce to infuse it with savory umami flavors.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I took notes and asked questions, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge she had to offer. She chuckled at my enthusiasm and encouraged me to experiment with the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the dish was finally ready. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlicky broccoli, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation. I took a bite of the tender-crisp vegetable, its flavor bursting on my tongue with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly bitter notes.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I savored the dish, transported back to the bustling streets of Shanghai and the warm embrace of Ling's Kitchen. In that moment, I felt a deep connection to my culinary heritage and a profound gratitude for the wisdom and generosity of the elderly woman who had shared her recipe with me.

As I bid Ling farewell and stepped out into the bustling streets of Chinatown, I knew that this recipe for Chinese-style broccoli would become a beloved staple in my own kitchen. It was more than just a dish – it was a taste of tradition, a link to the past, and a reminder of the power of food to connect us across generations and cultures. And for that, I will be forever grateful.