Crisp-tender greens, glossy oyster sauce and ready in under 10 minutes – this Chinese Broccoli (Yum Cha Style!) recipe is a fast, versatile side that works with everything from stir-fries to Sunday roasts.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time4 minutesmins
Total Time9 minutesmins
Ingredients
1tspsea salt flakes
1bunch Chinese broccoligai lan, leaves and stalks separated, thick stalks halved lengthways
2tbspolive oil or avocado oilor neutral-flavoured oil of choice
1tspfreshly minced garlic
2tbspoyster saucesee note 1 for vegetarian
1tsplight soy sauce
1tspwhite sugar
1tspsesame oiloptional
2tbspwater
Instructions
Cook the broccoli – Bring a medium pot of water to the boil and add the salt. Once rapidly boiling, add the Chinese broccoli stems and cook for 1 minute. Add the leaves and cook for an additional 1 minute. The stems should be just tender, but still bright green. Drain immediately and transfer to a serving plate.
Make the sauce – Heat the oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Stir in the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and water. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Combine and serve – Pour the sauce directly over the warm Chinese broccoli and serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1 – Vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms) works perfectly and is widely available in supermarkets and Asian grocers.
MAKE AHEAD
Wash and cut the broccoli up to 3 days ahead. Wrap in a damp paper towel and store refrigerated in an airtight container to maximise freshness. Check out my 12 tips for fruit and vegetable storage here.
LEFTOVERS
Store the cooked broccoli and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Microwave in 30-second bursts or steam briefly until warmed through. Not suitable to freeze.