Name: Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) in Oyster Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), leaves and stalks separated, thick stalks halved lengthways; 1 tsp sea salt flakes; 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (or neutral-flavoured oil of choice); 1 tsp freshly minced garlic; 2 tbsp oyster sauce (vegetarian option available see note 1); 1 tsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp white sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil (optional); 2 tbsp water

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Introduction

Chinese broccoli, or gai lan, is a vibrant and tender leafy green often enjoyed in dim sum or yum cha meals. This simple recipe highlights its natural flavors with a savory oyster sauce dressing, making it a perfect quick and healthy side dish.

A white round plate holds a neat stack of bright green cooked leafy vegetables with thick stems arranged in two layers, with the top layer showing more stems and the bottom layer showing large leaves. The vegetables have a glossy texture with some brown sauce drizzled unevenly on top, creating a shiny contrast. The plate sits on a woven wicker-like mat, which frames the plate naturally. Beside the plate are two light wooden chopsticks. The overall image is bright with natural light, capturing fresh and healthy food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tsp sea salt flakes
1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), leaves and stalks separated, thick stalks halved lengthways
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (or neutral-flavoured oil of choice)
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
2 tbsp oyster sauce (see note 1 for vegetarian)
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
2 tbsp water

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt flakes. Once rapidly boiling, add the Chinese broccoli stems and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the leaves to the boiling water and cook for an additional 1 minute, until the stems are just tender but still bright green.
Step 3: Drain the broccoli immediately and transfer it to a serving plate to keep warm.
Step 4: In the same pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown.
Step 5: Stir in the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, white sugar, sesame oil if using, and water. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Pour the warm sauce directly over the cooked Chinese broccoli and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Adjust the amount of garlic to taste or add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
Serve with steamed rice or as part of a larger yum cha spread for a classic experience.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. For best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a single layer of bright green cooked leafy greens with thick stems, covered in a glossy dark brown sauce that pools slightly in the creases of the leaves. The leaves have a shiny, smooth texture with visible veins, and the thick green stems extend from the top side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular broccoli instead of Chinese broccoli?

Regular broccoli can be used as a substitute, but Chinese broccoli has a slightly different texture and flavor that is more traditional in this dish. If substituting, cook the stems and florets similarly, adjusting cooking times to keep them tender but crisp.

Is there a vegan option for the oyster sauce?

Yes, vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms or plant-based alternatives can be used in place of traditional oyster sauce to keep the dish vegan while maintaining its rich umami taste.