Description
This easy Asian broccoli recipe features a garlic soy glaze with a touch of chili, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and providing a vibrant, tender-crisp dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a quick, healthy, and genuinely exciting addition to any meal, ideal for families and beginners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (choose crisp, vibrant green heads for best texture)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 0.5 tsp dried ginger)
- 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce (or sriracha)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 2 tbsp water (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
Instructions
- Prep Broccoli: Wash and cut one large head of broccoli into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel; this helps ensure a beautiful sear and crisp texture when cooking.
- Make Garlic Soy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili garlic sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Cook Broccoli: You have options! For a stovetop quick fry, heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets, spreading them in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred, about 7-10 minutes. For a crispier finish, toss broccoli with 1 tbsp neutral oil, spread on a baking sheet, and roast at 400F (200C) for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Glaze and Serve: Pour the whisked garlic soy glaze over the cooked broccoli in the skillet (or return roasted broccoli to the skillet). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the broccoli.
- Garnish Dish: Remove the completed dish from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Consider using organic broccoli or fresh chili pepper slices for enhanced flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and patted dry. If broccoli looks dry during cooking, add 1-2 tbsp water or broth to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (170 g)
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: asian broccoli, garlic soy glaze, chili, easy weeknight, healthy, tender-crisp, quick fry, roasted, vegetarian, side dish