Fresh Asian-style broccoli with garlic sauce! A super easy Asian-inspired side dish featuring nutrient-packed broccoli drenched in a savory garlic sauce. (Plus it's done in only 15 minutes!)
We love this quick & easy Asian-inspired side dish packed with flavor. The smell is heavenly when the garlic sauce hits the pan. It may even convince the pickiest eaters that broccoli is in fact... delicious!
This recipe makes about 4 side servings (however I find it to be pretty darn tasty so it usually ends up as 2-3 servings for us).
Ingredients for Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Garlic
- Toasted sesame oil
- Tamari (or soy sauce)
- Vegetable broth
- Cornstarch (or other thickener of choice)
How to Cook Broccoli
There are two different methods of cooking the broccoli, depending on your preference:
- Stir-fry. Shown in the directions below, this method leaves a nice crunch.
- Steam. If you want to achieve more tender broccoli, simply steam for a few minutes first and then continue with the directions to stir fry.
If you enjoy this, you may also want to check out another one of my favorites: Broccoli Cashew Stir-Fry.
Broccoli with Asian-Style Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets (1 large bunch)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil (*oil-free option below)
- 2 Tbsp. tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot or thickener of choice)
- Optional topping: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Mince garlic.
- In a bowl, add garlic, tamari (or soy sauce), broth, and cornstarch. Whisk to combine.
- In a large skillet over med-high, add sesame oil and heat for a minute.
- Carefully add broccoli florets. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Reduce heat to med-low, then and add garlic sauce. Stir well to coat.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, or until broccoli is desired tenderness. (The sauce will thicken and absorb into the broccoli.)
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Enjoying this Asian-style broccoli with garlic sauce? Feel free to also check out:
Come join The Garden Grazer on Instagram and then share a photo if you make or adapt this! (Also please leave a review and star rating below if you give it a try. Your feedback is greatly appreciated - thank you!)
Michelle
What do we do with the garlic. Slice, chop, mince?
Kaitlin
Hello! Step 1 of the instructions says "mince garlic." However feel free to slice or chop if desired.
JoAnna
This was great! I added about 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and used 16oz frozen broccoli. I also used beef broth (because I had it in the refrigerator). I under cooked the broccoli so it would maintain a crunch, and it totally worked. Hubby approved. Thanks!
Kaitlin
Wonderful to hear, JoAnna! Thanks for sharing your kind & helpful feedback!
Christine
This is my daughter's favorite meal. Faster to make than roasted & delicious! Thank you!
Kaitlin
So great to hear!
Lara
This was great and easy to make! My sauce thickened up a little too much so added more liquid, but other than that, it was perfect - thank you!
Kaitlin
Hi Lara! That's awesome, glad you were able to adjust the sauce. Thanks so much for giving it a try and sharing your kind feedback!
Janelle
Good! Like Chinese takeout except, healthier!
Kaitlin
Great to hear!
Alf
Hello, just wondering, can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Kaitlin
Hello! I've never tried this recipe with frozen broccoli, but I think that could work as well. The texture might be a bit softer however and not as crisp. Would love to hear if you give it a go!
Alf
I forgot to reply back, sorry! I did end up trying it with frozen broccoli. You guessed it, it def wasn't as crispy. There was quite a bit of sauce also because of the extra water from the frozen broccoli. But the flavor was still amazing. My husband and our guests were still going back for seconds until it was gone!
Kaitlin
Good to know! Thank you so much for testing it and kindly reporting back with your findings - very appreciated. Wishing you and your husband a lovely weekend!
Sonja
Made this and the family loved it! I now make it at least once a week! I add more garlic and occasionally use chicken broth instead of veggie because that’s what I have in hand. Great recipe
Kaitlin McGinn
Hi Sonja! So great to hear you gave this a try and your family enjoyed. Thanks so much for the kind feedback!
Marlene
Tasted better than take out! Had to substitute beef broth and added 1 tsp red pepper flake for a little more flavor. Amazing and husband approved!
Kaitlin McGinn
Great to hear, Marlene! Thanks for giving it a try!
Beth A Yocum
Made this for lunch today and loved it! Very little left over for dinner tonight! Have another head in frig.....may make again for lunch tomorrow! A Definite Keeper! May sprinkle with some chopped peanuts??? Thanks for the recipe!
Kaitlin McGinn
So great to hear you enjoyed it, Beth! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your kind feedback. I agree - peanuts, cashews, or almonds would be great on top!
andrea
This was delicious! Thank you! My new favorite easy vegan meal. I love extra spicy so I whisked in some crushed red pepper into the sauce too. Wonderful recipe, thank you so much.
Kaitlin McGinn
So great to hear that Andrea. Love that you modified it for a spicy version, yum! Thanks so much for sharing your kind feedback & recipe rating - very appreciated!
jody
So yummy, you captured a dish we always order out. Made us feel like we are out as we are under lock down.
Kaitlin McGinn
Awesome to hear you gave this a try & enjoyed! Thanks so much for coming back to let me know (and for leaving a recipe rating). Very appreciated!
Lee McCartney
This was DELICIOUS
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
So great to hear!
Burke Family
Yum!!!!!!!! Made this for the first time but with water chestnuts, carrots, and chicken. Served with rice. AMAZING!!! Will add this to the "make again - LOTS" list!!!!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks for sharing!
Monica Sauer
Can I sub the veggie broth with anything? Or go without?
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
You could substitute with water if you'd like, though it'll be slightly less flavorful.
Priscila De La Torre
This is the perfect vegan recipe. Just like broccoli and beef minus the beef. Yuuummm!!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks Priscila! That's an awesome comparison - thanks for sharing!
Raw Raw Raw
My daughter asks for this as an entire meal on a regular basis. Have to always have broccoli in the house because never know when the mood will strike her. Making it for her breakfast right now over rice. Thanks!
Anonymous
Thanks for the recipe! I loved it and have made it more than once. Since then, I started using the same sauce but adding other ingredients to the stir fry (snow peas, carrots, green pepper, water chestnuts, pineapple, onion, cabbage, celery, and sometimes a few habaneros). Turns out great every time and, like you said, I can't help but eat more than one serving at a time!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
So fantastic! Thanks for your helpful feedback!
Anonymous
Just made this tonight. It was easy, healthy, and delicious. Thank you for the recipe!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
So great to hear!