Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce Recipe

Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan, is a nutritious vegetable with various cooking methods, such as stir-frying or tossing in a salad. One of the most popular ways to prepare it is with oyster sauce. After blanching the broccoli, it’s drizzled with a ginger-garlic oyster sauce, resulting in a dish that is crisp, tender, and aromatic—beloved by many.

While making oyster sauce gai lan is relatively simple, achieving the perfect flavor requires some skill, particularly in preparing the sauce. Today, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to make this delicious dish, helping you perfect it.

1.About Gai Lan

Gai lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, is a member of the cabbage family and a type of leafy green vegetable. It is characterized by its tender leaves and stems, which are deep green and have a distinct mustard-like flavor. Widely used in various Asian cuisines, gai lan is commonly featured in stir-fries, salads, and soups. Not only is it refreshing in taste, but it is also highly nutritious, making it a healthy and delicious vegetable choice.

2.Ingredients

To make this oyster sauce gai lan, you'll need the following ingredients:

250g gai lan (Chinese broccoli)

10ml vegetable oil

1 tablespoon steamed fish soy sauce

10g ginger

2 dried red chilies

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 tablespoon light soy sauce

1 piece of green onion

2 cloves garlic

1 teaspoon white sugar

Important Note: Some of these ingredients might be hard to find in regular grocery stores. If you don’t have a Chinese market nearby, you can purchase them on Amazon, where most of these ingredients are available.

3.How to Choose Gai Lan

When making oyster sauce gai lan, it’s important to use fresh gai lan. Here are some tips for selecting it:

Appearance: Choose gai lan with vibrant green, firm leaves. Avoid gai lan with soft or wilted stems.

Smell: Fresh gai lan should have a clean, pleasant aroma.

Leaves: Check that the leaves are intact. Fresh gai lan will have whole, healthy leaves.

Stems: Opt for gai lan with bright green stems.

4.How to Clean Gai Lan

When preparing oyster sauce gai lan, it’s important to clean the vegetable thoroughly. Follow these simple steps:

Trim: Cut off any unwanted parts of the gai lan.

Soak: Place the gai lan in a bowl of salt water and soak for 5-10 minutes to remove any impurities.

Rinse: Rinse the gai lan under warm water, gently rubbing it to ensure any remaining impurities are washed away.

Drain: Drain the gai lan and set it aside for use.

5.How to Cook Gai Lan for a Crisp Texture

To ensure gai lan retains its crisp texture while preparing oyster sauce gai lan, follow these steps:

Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Ensure the water is at a high temperature.

Cook Gai Lan: Add the cleaned gai lan to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes. This time is sufficient to make the gai lan tender yet crisp, without overcooking it.

6.How to Store Gai Lan

Fresh Gai Lan: After washing and drying the gai lan, place it in a bag and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Cooked Gai Lan: For cooked gai lan, such as in this oyster sauce recipe, it's best to consume it within one day. You can refrigerate it if needed, but avoid eating it the next day.

7.What to Pair with Oyster Sauce Gai Lan

Oyster sauce gai lan is a versatile vegetable dish that pairs well with various other dishes to create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Pepper Steak: The savory flavors of pepper steak complement the freshness of the gai lan.

Steamed Sea Bass: This light and delicate fish pairs well with the rich taste of the oyster sauce.

Perfect Pot Stickers: These crispy, flavorful dumplings make a satisfying combination with the gai lan.

8.More Delicious Vegetable Recipes

Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic (蒜蓉炒豆苗)

Cold Tossed Wood Ear Mushrooms

Long Beans with Garlic Paste

Stir-Fried Mustard Greens

Here’s the detailed recipe for Oyster Sauce Gai Lan. Give it a try and enjoy!

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