Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Broccoli with Oyster Sauce drizzled with a savory oyster sauce. Super quick for a weeknight healthy side dish.
Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Broccoli with oyster sauce is a simple, elegant dish that proves you don’t need many ingredients to create bold, satisfying flavor. Popular in Chinese and Asian-inspired cooking, this recipe highlights tender-crisp broccoli coated in a glossy, savory sauce that balances salty, slightly sweet, and umami notes. It works beautifully as a quick weeknight side dish, but it can also stand on its own served over rice or paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
One of the secrets to great broccoli with oyster sauce is proper cooking. Broccoli should be vibrant green and just tender, never dull or mushy. Blanching the broccoli briefly before finishing it in the sauce helps lock in color and ensures even cooking. The oyster sauce then clings to every floret, creating a silky coating that elevates this humble vegetable into something crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Broccoli florets
- 1/4 Cup Chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce
- Tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- 1/4 Tsp Sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tsp Cornstarch
- 4 Tsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Sesame seeds-garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1½ to 2 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain and transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, water (or broth), and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown. Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
Pour the sauce mixture over the broccoli and stir gently to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, evenly coating the broccoli. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove from heat and finish with a few drops of sesame oil or a sprinkle of white pepper if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve broccoli with oyster sauce hot, alongside steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. It pairs well with stir-fried beef, roasted salmon, or simple grilled chicken. For a heartier option, toss it with cooked noodles or add mushrooms for extra depth. This dish is proof that vegetables can be the star when treated simply and cooked well.
Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Broccoli florets
- 1/4 Cup Chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce
- Tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- 1/4 Tsp Sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tsp Cornstarch
- 4 Tsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Sesame seeds-garnish
Instructions
- Bring a big pot of salted water to boil. Add the broccoli and blanch for 2 minutes. You want to be tender and still crisp.
- Remove broccoli to an ice water bath for 1 minute.
- Drain the broccoli and set aside.
- In a small saucepan add the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Bring time a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add salt to taste.
- Dissolve cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Add slurry to the saucepan and stir to thicken.
- Pour sauce over broccoli and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve.