Garlic Stir-fried Broccoli
Crisp-tender broccoli florets tossed in a glossy garlic-infused sauce that's savory with a subtle hint of sweetness. This quick side dish comes together in under 15 minutes using simple pantry ingredients, making it the perfect weeknight vegetable everyone will eat.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Blanch the broccoli.
1.Bring 6 cups water and ¼ tsp salt to a rolling boil in a large pot.2.Add broccoli florets and cook 60-90 seconds until bright green and just tender.3.Drain immediately and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.TIPDon't skip the ice bath — it locks in the vibrant color and stops carryover cooking. - mix · ~1 min
Make the sauce slurry.
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons water, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, and a pinch of salt until cornstarch dissolves completely.
- saute · ~1 min
Stir-fry the garlic.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir constantly until fragrant and barely golden, about 20-30 seconds.
TIPWatch the garlic carefully — it goes from golden to burnt in seconds. - other · ~2 min
Add broccoli and toss.
Add the blanched broccoli to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, tossing constantly so the garlic coats every floret.
- simmer · ~1 min
Add sauce and finish.
Give the slurry a quick stir, pour it over the broccoli, and toss for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and glazes the florets. Turn off heat.
- garnish
Drizzle sesame oil and serve.
Drizzle with sesame oil, give one final toss, and transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Blanch the broccoli in salted water for exactly 60-90 seconds to ensure it stays crisp-tender.
- 2Plunge blanched broccoli into an ice bath immediately to lock in its bright green color.
- 3Mince the garlic finely so it infuses the oil quickly without burning.
- 4Stir the cornstarch slurry just before adding it, as cornstarch settles fast.
- 5Cook the garlic only until fragrant and barely golden — burnt garlic turns bitter.
- 6Toss the broccoli constantly during stir-frying to coat every floret with garlic.
- 7Serve immediately after adding sesame oil to preserve its fragrant, nutty aroma.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy chili garlic
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick that complements the broccoli's sweetness.
ginger sesameGinger sesame
Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic for an extra layer of warmth, and double the sesame oil for a nuttier finish.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the extra pinch of salt in the stir-fry to reduce sodium while keeping the same savory flavor.
protein packedProtein-packed
Add 200g of sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu after sautéing the garlic, cooking until done before adding the broccoli.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
High in Fiber
The broccoli provides dietary fiber that aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Low in Calories
This dish is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Contains Antioxidants
Broccoli contains sulforaphane and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Good Source of Vitamin K
Vitamin K from broccoli supports bone health and proper blood clotting.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and pat it very dry first, then skip the blanching step and stir-fry directly, as frozen broccoli is already par-cooked.
