Garlic Broccoli
This Garlic Broccoli is a healthy and delicious home-cooked dish. The fresh green broccoli combined with garlic brings a crisp texture and a refreshing flavor. Whether you're looking for a light meal or a side dish, this recipe is simple yet full of flavor.
To keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp, there are a few key tips to follow during preparation. Let’s dive into these details to help you master this dish with ease.
1.Choosing and Substituting Broccoli:
Select fresh, bright green broccoli with firm stalks. If broccoli is unavailable, you can substitute it with cauliflower, though the taste and texture will differ slightly.
2.Blanching:
Blanching Time: Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to retain its crispness. Over-blanching will make the broccoli too soft.
Adding Salt and Oil: Adding 3 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water helps maintain the broccoli’s color and enhances its texture.
Cooling: After blanching, quickly cool the broccoli in cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it crisp.
3.Handling Garlic:
Mincing: Finely mince the garlic to release more flavor. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can use less.
Sautéing Garlic: Use medium heat to sauté the garlic until it's lightly golden for the best aroma without bitterness.
4.Stir-Frying Techniques:
Choosing a Pan: A large skillet or wok ensures even heating. If you don’t have one, a regular non-stick pan will work.
Managing Heat: Stir-fry the broccoli over medium heat to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Seasoning: Adding a pinch of salt and sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the broccoli. Quickly stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5.Thickening the Sauce:
Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Use just enough slurry to lightly thicken the sauce without making it too heavy.
Heating: After adding the slurry, continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli evenly.
6.Using Oil:
Adding Shine: For a glossy finish, drizzle 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over the dish before serving. This not only adds shine but also enhances the aroma.
7.Kitchen Tools:
Cookware: Use a large skillet or wok to ensure even cooking. If unavailable, a regular non-stick pan can substitute.
Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon helps drain the blanched broccoli quickly.
Spatula: A wide spatula makes it easier to stir-fry the broccoli evenly and prevents it from sticking to the pan or burning.
By following these detailed steps and tips, even beginners can create a vibrant, crisp, and delicious garlic broccoli dish.
8.More Delicious Vegetable Recipes
If you enjoyed this Garlic Broccoli recipe, don't miss these other popular vegetable recipes. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for your next gathering!
Ma La Xiang Guo (Sichuan Mala Dry Pot, 麻辣香锅)
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 1 head broccoli (about 10.5 ounces), cut into florets
ACCESSORIES
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
SEASONINGS
- 3 teaspoons salt (for blanching)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for blanching)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for added shine)
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut the broccoli (about 10.5 ounces) into small florets and mince the garlic. Set both aside.
STEP 2
Blanch the Broccoli:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 3 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water. Stir to combine.
STEP 3
Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Blanch them for about 1-2 minutes, until the color deepens and the broccoli is about 40% cooked. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and drain well. Set aside.
STEP 4
Stir-Fry the Garlic:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
STEP 5
Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet with the garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of sugar over the broccoli. Continue to stir-fry until the broccoli is fully cooked, about 2 more minutes.
STEP 6
Thicken the Sauce:
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir quickly to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
STEP 7
Add Shine (Optional):
For a glossy finish, you can drizzle an additional 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over the broccoli just before serving.
STEP 8
Serve:
Transfer the broccoli to a serving dish and enjoy!
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Garlic Broccoli
- Main Ingredients:2
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:309 g
-
Energy (calories):13 kcal
-
Protein:0.57 g
-
Fat:0.05 g
Why gray?
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Carbohydrates:2.98 g
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Protein: 12%2 kcal
-
Fat: 3%0 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 85%11 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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