Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce (Easy Gai Lan Recipe)

Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce is a quintessential Chinese comfort food dish that is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. This quick stir-fry highlights the crunchy, leafy deliciousness of Chinese broccoli paired perfectly with a savory-sweet oyster sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can have this mouthwatering meal on the table in no time.

This recipe is a foolproof classic because it lets the natural flavors of the main ingredients shine. When seasoned with fragrant garlic, ginger, and onion, then tossed in rich oyster sauce, the tender-crisp broccoli takes center stage. The result is a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

Essential Ingredients

To make authentic Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce, you’ll need just a few pantry staples:

• Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) – This leafy green Chinese vegetable has long, wide flat stems and leafy tops. It has a sweet, earthy flavor. Regular broccoli can be substituted but won’t have quite the same taste.
• Oyster Sauce – This thick, savory brown sauce adds a rich umami depth. It’s made from oyster extracts and often contains soy sauce and sugar. Vegetarian oyster sauce substitutes like mushroom sauce also work.
• Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds saltiness and savoriness. Use gluten-free tamari as a sub if needed.
• Garlic – Minced garlic gives great aromatic flavor.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger brings a slight spiciness and brightness.
• Onion – Onion rounds out the flavors and adds sweetness when cooked.
• Oil – Use a high-heat oil like vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil.
• Salt & Pepper – Add salt and pepper to taste to enhance flavors.

Necessary Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Wok or large skillet – A wok is ideal but a skillet works too. The key is using a pan with high sides to toss and stir ingredients.
• Spatula or tongs – Use a spatula to stir and tongs to toss the broccoli.
• Knife and cutting board – To chop the broccoli, garlic, ginger and onion.
• Measuring spoons – To accurately measure out the sauces and seasonings.
• Serving platter – To place the finished stir-fry when done cooking.

How to Make Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

Cooking this dish takes just a few easy steps:

1. Wash the broccoli then trim off any tough ends from the stems. Cut stems into 2-inch pieces and separate the florets.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli stems and boil for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and onion and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the broccoli stems and continue to stir-fry for 2 more minutes.
5. Make a sauce mixture of ?? cup oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, ?? tsp sugar, 2 Tbsp water.
6. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and toss to coat evenly. Stir-fry for 1 final minute.
7. Remove from heat and transfer to a platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!

The Significance of Gai Lan in Chinese Cuisine

Gai lan, known as Chinese broccoli in English, holds an important place in Chinese cooking. Its use dates back centuries and is deeply ingrained in Cantonese cuisine.

In China, it is valued for its unique sweet yet bitter taste and crisp-tender texture. The leaves, stems and buds are all edible and offer different flavors and textures when cooked.

Gai lan is a versatile ingredient that can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried or added to soups. It is often paired with strongly-flavored sauces like oyster sauce to balance its slight bitterness.

Serving Chinese broccoli signifies health and vitality. It is commonly eaten on Chinese New Year for its auspicious meaning and is given as a gift. When cooked properly, it is believed to promote spiritual and physical well-being.

Serving Suggestions

This easy veggie side pairs well with many meals:

• Asian rice dishes like fried rice
• Noodle or soup entrees
• Stir-fries and other Chinese dishes
• Fish, chicken or tofu

Get creative with how you incorporate it into meals:

• Toss with noodles or rice
• Add to dumpling or egg roll fillings
• Mix into fried rice or congee
• Use as filling for wraps or sandwiches

Creative Flavor Variations

• Add garlic chili sauce or red pepper flakes for spiciness
• Stir in sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor
• Mix in fermented black beans for extra savoriness
• Finish with a drizzle of rice vinegar for brightness
• Garnish with chopped scallions, basil or cilantro for freshness
• Add dried shrimp, scallops or crab meat for extra umami richness

Get creative with the proteins you combine it with! It goes great with:

• Tofu, eggs or mock meats to make it vegetarian
• Shrimp, scallops or squid for seafood
• Chicken, beef or pork for meat

Tips for Perfection

Follow these tips for the best results:

• Blanch the stems first to cook evenly
• Don’t overcook – crisp-tender texture is key
• Use young, tender gai lan for best flavor
• Rinse well to remove any grit before cooking
• Add sauce right before serving to preserve crispness
• Adjust seasonings to balance sweet, salty, bitter
• Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture

FAQs About Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

Why do Chinese use oyster sauce?

Chinese use oyster sauce to add umami flavor to stir-fries, braises, etc. It provides a rich, savory taste to Chinese dishes.

Is Chinese oyster sauce healthy?

Oyster sauce is relatively healthy in moderation. It contains some vitamins/minerals and has a decent amount of protein. However, it’s high in sodium so should not be over-consumed.

Is oyster sauce full of sugar?

Oyster sauce does contain a fair amount of sugar, around 10-15g per tablespoon. The sugar helps balance the saltiness and develop the rich flavor.

Does Chinese oyster sauce need to be refrigerated?

Unopened oyster sauce can be stored at room temperature. Once opened, it’s best refrigerated to preserve freshness. Refrigeration will slow down the fermentation process and prevent spoilage.

Conclusion: Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

With its iconic pairing of Chinese broccoli and oyster sauce, this stir-fry encapsulates the essence of Cantonese home cooking. Crisp, tender gai lan and richly flavored sauce come together to create a harmonious balance. Though simple, it delivers an explosion of texture and taste. This veggie side can upgrade any meal, so whip it up tonight.

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Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce (Gai Lan Recipe)

Cuisine Chinese

Category Side dish

Persons

2

Serving Size

1 serving

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

7 minutes

Total Time

17 minutes

Ingredients

1. 1 pound Chinese broccoli (gai lan), florets and stems separated and cut into bite-sized pieces
2. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3. 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
5. 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (light or dark)
6. 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
7. 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, for adjusting consistency)
8. Pinch of sugar (optional)
9. Pinch of ground white pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Broccoli: Wash and thoroughly clean the Chinese broccoli. Separate the florets from the stems. Cut the florets and thicker stems into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: Add the prepared broccoli florets and stems to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli starts to soften slightly but still retains a crisp-tender texture.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Adjust Consistency and Seasonings (Optional): If the sauce seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with a pinch of sugar (for a touch of sweetness) and white pepper (for a hint of warmth).
6. Serve Immediately: Remove the pan from heat. Serve the Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce hot over steamed rice or enjoy it as a side dish.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of garlic and oyster sauce to your taste preference.
• For a richer flavor, use a combination of oyster sauce and hoisin sauce.
• Broccoli raab (broccoli rabe) can be substituted for Chinese broccoli in this recipe.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The broccoli will lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce (Gai Lan Recipe)

Serves: 2-3 servings

Amount Per Serving: 1 serving
Calories		100-150
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5-7g		7.7%
	Saturated Fat 1-2g	5%
	Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg		0
Sodium 400-600mg		16.7%
Total Carbohydrate 10-15g		3.3%
	Dietary Fiber 2-3g	8%
	Sugars 5-7g
Protein 5-7g

Vitamin A Moderate source		Vitamin C Excellent source
Calcium Low		Iron Good source

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Christine Hà

Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.

Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me