Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner, look no further than this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry. With tender-crisp broccoli, aromatic garlic, and a lightly sweet and savory sauce, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or a light yet satisfying side dish. It’s vegetarian-friendly, can be vegan with a few small substitutions, and is bursting with umami flavors that the whole family will love.

In this article, you’ll get the full scoop: from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro cooking tips, variations, pairing suggestions, and storage advice. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make a perfect garlic broccoli stir-fry every time.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

• Fast and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from fresh broccoli.
• Customizable: Add extra vegetables, tofu, or your favorite proteins.
• Flavorful sauce: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil create a delicious umami punch.
• Vegetarian & vegan-friendly: Easy to make plant-based by using vegan oyster sauce or omitting fish products.
• Meal prep-friendly: Makes excellent leftovers that reheat well in a skillet or microwave.

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves 4 servings.

Vegetables

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup broccoli stems, thinly sliced

Aromatics

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, use vegan version for plant-based diet)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Thickening Agent

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Cooking Oil

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Garnish (Optional)

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board and knife
• Small bowls for sauce and cornstarch slurry
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Grater or microplane for ginger
• Serving dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables

1. Wash broccoli thoroughly under running water.
2. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
3. Peel and thinly slice broccoli stems to include them for extra texture.
4. Set aside in a bowl.

Pro tip: Slicing the stems thinly ensures they cook at the same rate as the florets.

2. Prepare the Sauce and Slurry

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside.

Pro tip: Mixing the cornstarch slurry separately ensures a lump-free sauce when added to the stir-fry.

3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli Stems

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add broccoli stems and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

4. Add Broccoli Florets

1. Add the broccoli florets to the wok.
2. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Pro tip: Avoid overcooking to retain vibrant green color and crunch.

5. Add Aromatics

1. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the broccoli. Stir-fry 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. If using, add the finely chopped red chili pepper and stir-fry for 15 seconds for a hint of heat.

6. Add Sauce

1. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the broccoli and toss to coat evenly.
2. Stir-fry for 1 minute to combine flavors.

7. Thicken the Sauce

1. Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
2. Stir-fry for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and clings to the broccoli.

8. Serve

1. Remove from heat and transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best texture; broccoli will continue cooking in residual heat.

Tips & Variations

• Add more vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas pair beautifully with broccoli.
• Protein boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for a heartier meal.
• Vegan adjustment: Use vegan oyster sauce or substitute with hoisin sauce.
• Spice it up: Increase red chili or add chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
• Make-ahead: Prep vegetables, sauce, and cornstarch slurry in advance; cook fresh when ready.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Garlicky, slightly sweet and savory, with a touch of acidity from rice vinegar.
• Texture: Crisp-tender broccoli with a silky, glossy sauce.
• Drink Pairing:
  • Wine: Light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • Non-alcoholic: Jasmine tea or sparkling water with lemon
• Side Dishes: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles are perfect to soak up the sauce.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120–150 kcal
Protein	5–6 g
Carbohydrates	12–15 g
Fat	6–8 g
Fiber	4–5 g
Dietary notes	Vegan if using plant-based oyster sauce; gluten-free if soy sauce is gluten-free

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chop and prep broccoli and aromatics ahead of time; store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Mix the sauce and cornstarch slurry in advance for faster cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but reduce stir-fry time slightly to avoid sogginess.

2. Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add extra red chili, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Can I add protein?
Yes! Tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp can be cooked separately and added to the stir-fry.

4. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Substitute with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or vegan oyster sauce for a plant-based option.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Adjust the cornstarch slurry or add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep broccoli & aromatics	10–15 minutes
Whisk sauce & slurry	5 minutes
Stir-fry stems	3–4 minutes
Stir-fry florets	3–4 minutes
Add aromatics & chili	30–45 seconds
Add sauce & thicken	2 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white, brown, or jasmine rice.
• Toss with cooked noodles for a complete meal.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful medley.
2. Garlic Shrimp Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add cooked shrimp at the end for a seafood version.
3. Spicy Garlic Broccoli: Increase chili or add sriracha for heat lovers.
4. Vegan Delight: Use vegan oyster sauce and tofu for a protein-packed vegan meal.

Ingredient Spotlight

Broccoli

• Selection: Look for bright green, firm florets with tightly closed buds.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator in a perforated bag for up to 5 days.
• Tip: Include stems—they’re sweet and tender when sliced thinly.

Garlic & Ginger

• Selection: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for flavor; avoid powdered substitutes for this recipe.
• Tip: Mince finely or grate ginger to release maximum aroma and taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Stir-fry on high heat for quick cooking and vibrant color.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
• Add aromatics last to preserve their fragrance.
• Use a wok if possible for even heat and easier tossing.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended; broccoli texture changes when frozen and reheated.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.

Expanded Conclusion

This Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight solution: fast, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The tender-crisp broccoli, combined with aromatic garlic and ginger and coated in a glossy, savory sauce, makes a dish that’s simple enough for busy nights yet impressive enough for guests.

Customizable, nutrient-dense, and easy to prepare, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a light meal, and you’ll see why this stir-fry is a go-to for home cooks everywhere.

With the tips, variations, and pro advice provided here, you can make this dish with confidence, ensuring vibrant color, perfect crunch, and maximum flavor every time.

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