Broccoli Stir Fry
Crisp-tender broccoli stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce in under 10 minutes. The dish that proves vegetables can be the main event. Best served over rice or noodles, but excellent as a side with anything.
Prep Time
16 min
Cook Time
11 min
Servings
6
Calories
353 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Broccoli3 cups
- Garlic4 ½ cloves
- Soy Sauce3 tbsp
- Ginger1 ½ tsp
- Sesame Oil1 ½
- Salt1 ½ tsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Broccoli3 cups
- Garlic4.5 cloves
- Soy Sauce3 tbsp
- Ginger1.5 tsp
- Sesame Oil1.5
- Salt1.5 tsp
Instructions
- 1
Cut 1 large head of broccoli into small florets (about 6 cups). Smaller florets cook faster and absorb sauce better. Trim the stems and slice into rounds — they're tender and edible.
- 2
Whisk the sauce: 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegan mushroom sauce), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ cup vegetable stock or water. Set aside.
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over the highest heat until smoking.
- 4
Add the broccoli florets in a single layer. Don't move them for 90 seconds — letting them char on one side adds depth that pure-steamed broccoli lacks.
- 5
Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds — don't burn the garlic.
- 6
Pour in the sauce. Toss everything together for 90 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the broccoli. Test for doneness — should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Off heat, top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately.
Watch how to make Broccoli Stir Fry
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Highest heat. Restaurant wok hei requires intense heat. Maximize what your home stove gives.
- 2.Don't move the broccoli right away. The first 90 seconds undisturbed creates char marks that add depth.
- 3.Crisp-tender, not soft. Cooking past 4-5 minutes total gives you mushy broccoli. Stop while there's still bite.
- 4.Cornstarch in the sauce. Creates the glossy clinging coat that defines proper stir-fry sauce.
🔬 Why It Works
Great stir-fried broccoli succeeds when the high heat creates char marks (Maillard reaction) on the surface of the florets while keeping them crisp-tender inside. The brief cooking time prevents the dreaded boiled-broccoli flavor. The sauce — soy + oyster + a touch of sugar + cornstarch — provides salty-sweet-umami depth that pure steamed broccoli can't match. Garlic and ginger added near the end stay sharp and fragrant rather than burning bitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
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4.9
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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