Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce and Fried Garlic Recipe

Garlic and oyster sauce are all the adornment it needs.

By
Shao Z.
Shao Zhi Zhong is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Shao Z.
Shao Zhi Zhong is a Chinese-born and Philadelphia-raised food writer and recipe developer who specializes in Chinese home cooking. She's also a web designer.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated Oct. 11, 2018
20140422-chinese-broccoli-oyster-sauce-06.jpg
Tender poached Chinese broccoli stems served with oyster sauce and fried garlic. Shao Z.

Why It Works

  • Chinese broccoli is more bitter than Western broccoli, which helps it stand up to the bold sweet and savory flavors 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 perfectly.

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.

Recipe Facts

5

(1)

Active: 25 mins
Total: 25 mins
Serves: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole head garlic, peeled

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/4 cup vegetable, peanut, or canola oil

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 10 ounces Chinese broccoli

Directions

  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. 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. 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. 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.

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
60 Calories
4g Fat
7g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 60
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 169mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 23mg 114%
Calcium 92mg 7%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 229mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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