This Chinese Broccoli Recipe with Sesame Soy Sauce is so easy to make and makes a delicious veggie side dish - Chinese Broccoli drizzled with a delicious garlicky sesame soy sauce?
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What is Gai Lan aka Chinese Broccoli?
If you've never had Gai Lan, it's also known as Chinese Broccoli or Chinese Kale! In Chinese, there's also several dialects or spellings - so it's also known as Jie-Lan and Kai-Lan too.
Whatever it is called, it's a very delicious leafy green veggie and pretty common in Chinese food.
Fun fact! Broccolini is actually a hybrid between broccoli and gai lan.
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce Customization
This recipe is very customizable. One variation that is the most popular is to serve Chinese broccoli with Oyster sauce.
Vegan Friendly
I want to note that this Chinese Broccoli Recipe with Sesame Soy Sauce is actually vegan as we are not using oyster sauce. Not many people know but oyster sauce is made with oyster extract which makes it not vegan friendly.
If however, you do want oyster sauce, you could look for some Vegan Oyster Sauce also.
How to make Chinese Broccoli with Sesame Soy Sauce (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 1 lb chinese broccoli aka gai lan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced or smashed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce (or oyster sauce if you prefer)
Prepare the Chinese broccoli by rinsing it in water and then cutting off the ends of the stalk.
In a wok or large pot, add water and bring to a boil. Be sure not to put too much water as we will be adding the Chinese broccoli later. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and olive oil in the water and mix well.
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and garlic and place aside.
Once the water is boiling, add Chinese broccoli in to the boiling water, making sure to submerge all of it. We will want to cook it until tender and bright green which can take about 2-4 minutes, and then remove vegetable from heat and place in mixing bowl. With tongs or chopsticks, mix well with salt and garlic.
Remove Chinese broccoli and garlic, and place on a serving plate. Drizzle with sesame oil and then with soy sauce and serve!
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Let the Chinese broccoli cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
Reheat:
- Stovetop: Quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (20-30 seconds), checking often so the veggies don't overcook.
FAQ
Can I use oyster sauce instead of sesame soy sauce?
Yes! Oyster sauce is a popular variation for this dish. If you're vegetarian or vegan, try using a vegan oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
Can I use regular broccoli instead of Chinese broccoli (gai lan)?
You can - just note that regular broccoli has thicker stems and a milder flavor. Steam or blanch it a bit longer until tender before adding the sauce.
How do I keep the Chinese broccoli bright green?
Don't overcook it! Blanch for only 2-4 minutes, then immediately remove from the heat. You can also rinse briefly in cold water to stop the cooking process.
What does Chinese broccoli taste like?
It's similar to regular broccoli but slightly more bitter and earthy, with tender stalks and leafy tops that hold sauces really well.
Chinese Broccoli with Sesame Soy Sauce Recipe
This Chinese Broccoli Recipe with Sesame Soy Sauce (Gai Lan 芥蘭) is a simple and delicious veggie side dish! Tender Chinese broccoli is lightly blanched, then drizzled with a garlicky sesame soy sauce for a quick, flavorful, and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chinese broccoli aka gai lan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced or smashed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Rinse Chinese broccoli and trim the ends of the stalks.
- In a wok or large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon salt with minced garlic and set aside.
- Add Chinese broccoli to the boiling water and cook 2–4 minutes until tender and bright green.
- Remove the broccoli and place it in the mixing bowl. Toss gently with the garlic and salt.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with sesame oil, then soy sauce.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan-friendly version, use sesame soy sauce instead of oyster sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the Chinese broccoli — blanch just until bright green and tender.
- For a deeper flavor, try toasting the garlic briefly in oil before adding it to the sauce.
Recommended Products
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Eleulife Wok Pan with Lid, 13 Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Spatula, Nonstick Woks and Stir-fry Pans, No Chemical Coated Flat Bottom Chinese Wok for Induction, Electric, Gas Stove, All Stoves -
Ottogi Premium Roasted Sesame Oil, 10.82 Ounces
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Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz
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Hiware 10-Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 ½ Inches - Black
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 104Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1839mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 4gSugar: 1gProtein: 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.
More Delicious Chinese Veggie Recipes!
- Stir Fry A Choy (Taiwanese Lettuce ) - Crisp, flavorful Taiwanese lettuce stir fried with garlic and a splash of soy sauce. Light, savory, and ready in 10 minutes.
- Stir Fry Luffa Gourd (Si Gua, Silk Melon) - A soft, delicate gourd stir fried with dried shrimp for extra umami. Nutritious, comforting, and full of flavor.
- Beef and Vegetables Stir Fry - Add protein to your veggies! Tender beef tossed with baby corn, asparagus, and carrots in a savory stir fry sauce. Easy, colorful, and perfect for weeknights.
- Chinese Watercress Stir Fry (西洋菜) - Tender, garlicky watercress stir fried with a splash of soy sauce. Light, nutritious, and ready in minutes.
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