Broccoli with Asian-Style Garlic Sauce
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 side servings
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Calories
117 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Asian, Vegan, gluten-free
Broccoli with Asian-Style Garlic Sauce
Description
This recipe cooks bite-sized broccoli florets briefly in toasted sesame oil to maintain crispness and a slight nutty flavor typical of sesame oil. The garlic sauce is prepared by combining minced garlic, vegetable broth, tamari (a soy sauce alternative), and cornstarch which acts as a thickener.
After stir-frying the broccoli, the sauce is added and cooked until it thickens and clings to the florets, coating them thoroughly. This creates a balance of tender yet crisp texture with an aromatic garlic and savory soy flavor. Optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds add crunch, while red pepper flakes can add gentle spiciness if desired.
The dish makes a flavorful vegetable side or addition to an Asian-inspired meal. For an oil-free version, the broccoli can be sautéed in vegetable broth without sesame oil, though that will slightly change the flavor profile. Using tamari ensures a gluten-free option for those who require it.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli 1 large bunch, florets
- 2 Tbsp. sesame oil oil-free option below, toasted
- sesame seeds optional topping
- red pepper flakes optional topping
For the garlic sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot or thickener of choice)
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce: mince garlic. Then in a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Whisk to combine.
- In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add sesame oil* and heat for a minute.
- Carefully add broccoli florets. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Then add garlic sauce. Stir well to coat broccoli.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, or until broccoli is desired tenderness. (The sauce will thicken and absorb into the broccoli.)
Notes
- For an oil-free option, skip sesame oil and stir-fry broccoli using 3 tablespoons vegetable broth or water, adding more as needed.
- Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes the dish gluten-free.
- Optional toppings such as sesame seeds and red pepper flakes can add texture and mild heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4side servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 117 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 117kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 630IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 82mg | 91% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.