Some people get chocolate cravings. I get broccoli cravings. Sometimes I think it’s my body’s way of telling me I’ve been laying on the bacon (or maybe the chocolate!) a bit too thick. But honestly, I could eat broccoli every day of the year and not get tired of it.
How to Stir-Fry Broccoli Like a Pro
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for broccoli, stir-fried with a little ginger and sesame. The broccoli florets are quickly stir-fried initially, then steamed in a sauce of stock, sesame oil, and soy sauce. This quick cooking technique works best with the florets. Don’t discard the broccoli stalks, peel them and slice them thick and eat them raw like you would a carrot; the raw stalks are great with dips. What’s your favorite way of preparing broccoli? Our everyday standby is steamed broccoli, but we’re always looking for ideas. Be sure to use a larger pan if adding more ingredients. You don’t want to crowd vegetables too much and get them too soggy!
The Best Pan for Stir-Fries
This isn’t a totally traditional stir-fry recipe. Usually, Chinese stir-fries are made over higher heat in a wok. This adapts the technique for home cooks who don’t have a wok or access to the high heat of restaurants. A wok is great, if you have one, but totally not necessary. You do want to use the largest skillet you have though so that the broccoli has a chance to cook evenly without getting too crowded. If you like a little char on your vegetables, feel free to cook the broccoli a couple of minutes longer over high heat.
What to Serve With Broccoli Stir-Fry
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Let them cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not walk away from them while cooking, as once they start to brown they can easily burn. Once lightly toasted, remove from heat and put into a small bowl. (Skip this step if using pre-roasted sesame seeds.) Clear a space in the middle of the broccoli and add the ginger and garlic. Add a little more oil to the ginger and garlic (about a teaspoon) and saute for half a minute, stirring just the garlic and ginger, until fragrant. Then, stir the garlic and ginger in with the broccoli. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Return the pan to the stove. Increase the heat to high and boil down the liquid until just a couple tablespoons remain. Turn off the heat, and return the broccoli to the pan. Add the toasted sesame seeds, and toss with the liquid. Serve fresh and hot from the stove.
