Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce and Fried Garlic Recipe

Shao Z.
Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce and Fried Garlic Recipe
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  • Yield:Serves 4 as a side dish
  • Active time:25 minutes
  • Total time:25 minutes
  • Rated: 5.0
This recipe appears in:
Chinese Greens 101: Three Basic Cooking Techniques for Chinese Greens Chinese Greens 101: Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce and Fried Garlic

Tender poached Chinese broccoli stems served with oyster sauce and fried garlic. [Photographs: Shao Z.]

Simply simmered Chinese broccoli has a hearty flavor that pairs well with oyster sauce in this classic Cantonese preparation. Our version adds some fried garlic to the mix, using the flavorful garlic oil to amp up flavor.

Why this recipe works:

  • Chinese broccoli has a more bitter flavor than Western broccoli, which helps it stand up to the bold sweet and savory of oyster sauce and fried garlic.
  • We fry the garlic ourselves, then use the flavorful oil to enhance the oyster sauce. It ties the dish together like a rug.

About the Author: Shao Z. was born in Guangzhou, the birthplace of dim sum, and raised in the Chinatown neighborhood of Philadelphia. As a sibling-less child, cooking was a way to cure after school snack attacks and a way to keep herself entertained. That's how her love for food and cooking started, and it continues to grow. She blog at friedwontons4u.com and is on Twitter at @friedwontons4u.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole head of garlic, peeled
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable, peanut, or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 10 ounces of Chinese broccoli

Directions

  1. 1.

    Transfer garlic to the bowl of a food processor or mini food processor. Pulse until garlic is very finely chopped but not a paste, about 12 short pulses, scraping down sides as necessary. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss to combine.

  2. 2.

    Set a fine mesh strainer over a heat-proof bowl. Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add garlic and cook, stirring. Garlic should maintain a very gently bubble. If bubbling vigorously, reduce heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is pale golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes, then immediately strain (do not overcook, garlic will continue to darken as it rests). Transfer garlic to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Reserve fried garlic and oil separately.

  3. 3.

    In a small bowl combine 1 teaspoon of reserved garlic oil, sesame oil, and the oyster sauce. Mix well until combined and then add 1 tablespoon hot water. Stir and set aside. Reserve remaining garlic oil for another use.

  4. 4.

    Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the Chinese broccoli and until just tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain really well on paper towels or in a salad spinner and place on a serving platter. Drizzle the mixed oyster sauce on top and sprinkle with the fried garlic. Serve immediately.

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