Stir Fry Broccoli with Garlic

Looking for a delicious and simple veggie dish? This Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is perfect - quick, flavorful, and ready in under 10 minutes! 🥦✨

Growing up in an Asian household, I LOVED broccoli. My mom always stir fried them and the broccoli comes out crunchy and delicious. I never understood why my other classmates hated it so much... until I tried some of my elementary school cafeteria's mushy slob of broccoli.

I'm not sure if that is still the way they make it - but now I understand... there are definitely different ways to cook broccoli and it definitely affects how much you like to eat them.

This stir fried broccoli recipe will show you how to cook it stove top and have it be not a mushy slob. Woot!

Preparing the Broccoli

There are a couple of ways to wash and clean broccoli, and I have gotten this question a few times, so I just wanted to tell you how I do it at my house. We do this to not only remove dirt and pesticides, but a couple of times we've even seen bugs.

To be honest when I'm really lazy I just go ahead and buy a pre-cut pre-washed bag of broccoli you can purchase at the salad section of grocery stores. But when I do not this is what I do:

Fill a large bowl with cold water. Make sure the bowl is large enough for the broccoli, if not, you can cut the broccoli in half or however many pieces.

Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, and then drain the water. Rinse the broccoli under cool or cold water. Shake dry and then you can cut it to florets and cook or serve.

How to Stir Fry Broccoli with Garlic (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (avocado, canola, peanut, or vegetable)
• 3-6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped or crushed
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
• Sea salt, to taste
• Optional Flavor Boosters:
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or oyster sauce (add at the end for more depth)
  • 1-2 fresh hot chili peppers, thinly sliced (add with the garlic for a spicy kick)

Prep the broccoli: If using a whole head, cut into florets after washing.

Cook garlic (and chili, if using): Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add garlic (and sliced chili peppers if using). Stir fry about 30 seconds until fragrant and just starting to brown.

Add broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and stir fry for 1 minute.

Steam briefly: Add ¼ cup chicken broth or water, cover, and cook on medium-low for 2 minutes.

Finish cooking: Uncover and stir fry on high heat for another 2-3 minutes, until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

Season: Sprinkle with salt to taste. For extra flavor, drizzle with soy sauce or oyster sauce and stir to mix well.

Remove from heat and serve!

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover broccoli stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended - broccoli gets mushy and loses its crispness once thawed.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop (best): Heat a skillet with a small splash of oil or water. Stir fry until warmed through, 2-3 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-45 second bursts, covered, until warm. Broccoli will be softer than freshly cooked.

Tip: Don't overheat or the broccoli will lose its crunch.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works, but it cooks faster and releases more water. Stir fry uncovered so extra moisture can evaporate, and expect it to be softer than fresh broccoli.

What oil should I use?
A neutral high-heat oil (avocado, canola, peanut, or vegetable oil) works best. Olive oil is fine on medium heat but avoid extra virgin at very high temps.

How do I keep broccoli crisp and green?
The trick is quick cooking: high heat, short time, and just a little water to steam through. Overcooking is what turns broccoli mushy.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, cauliflower, or bell peppers all pair well with broccoli. Slice thin so they cook in the same time.

Can I add protein?
Definitely yes! Chicken, beef, ground beef, pork, or shrimp all work great with this broccoli stir fry. Just cook the protein first, set it aside, and then follow the recipe. Add the protein back in at the end when you toss everything together.

Continue to Content

Stir Fry Broccoli with Garlic Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

This quick and flavorful Stir Fry Broccoli with Garlic is ready in under 10 minutes! Tender-crisp broccoli stir-fried with garlic (and optional chili peppers) makes the perfect veggie side dish. Finish with soy sauce or oyster sauce if you like an extra punch of flavor.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (avocado, canola, peanut, or vegetable oil)
• 3–6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped or smashed
• ¼ cup water
• Sea salt, to taste

Optional:

• 1–2 fresh hot chili peppers, thinly sliced (add with garlic for spice)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or oyster sauce (drizzle at the end for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prep the broccoli: If starting with a whole head, wash, soak, and cut into florets.
2. Cook garlic (and chili if using): Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add garlic (and chili) and stir fry ~30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli: Toss in broccoli florets. Stir fry 1 minute.
4. Steam briefly: Add ¼ cup water, cover, and cook on medium-low for 2 minutes.
5. Finish cooking: Uncover and stir fry on high heat for another 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
6. Season & serve: Sprinkle with salt. For extra flavor, drizzle soy sauce or oyster sauce and mix well before serving.

Notes

• Frozen broccoli works too but cooks faster and releases more liquid. Stir fry uncovered so it doesn’t get soggy.
• Crisp & green tip: High heat + short cooking time keeps broccoli tender but not mushy.
• Add-ins: Carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, or bell peppers pair well.
• Make it a meal: Add chicken, shrimp, beef, or pork. Cook the protein first, set aside, then add back in at the end.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 79Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.

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