This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce is proof that vegetables don’t have to be boring. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can turn fresh broccoli florets into a crave-worthy side dish bursting with Chinese-inspired flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Broccoli florets: This recipe was developed with fresh broccoli florets. Frozen broccoli should work, too, but skip the blanching or steaming step. Remember that the broccoli will be softer in texture.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor. Don’t skimp – it’s the foundation of the entire dish!
- Soy sauce: Or umami if gluten-free, this umami-packed ingredient adds so much flavor and necessary salt.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the richer ingredients in the sauce with a burst of bright acidity.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the saltiness.
- Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way, but it adds a subtle nutty flavor to the overall dish.
- Cornstarch slurry: A simple combination of cornstarch and water helps to thicken the sauce and stick to the broccoli florets.
- White pepper: In addition to regular salt and black pepper, white pepper adds a mild, earthy heat.
How to Make Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
- Blanch or steam the broccoli. This should take just 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know the florets are ready when they’re bright green and tender. We’ll finish cooking them in the wok. Drain and set aside.
If needed, check out this helpful guide: How to Blanch Broccoli. - Sauté the garlic. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Add the sauce ingredients. Stir in the white pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch. Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the broccoli. Toss in the broccoli and stir to coat evenly. Let it cook for another minute to soak up the sauce and become fork-tender.
- Season and serve. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot, as desired. Enjoy!
Find the full printable recipe here: 10-Minute Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
