Jade Green Broccoli
Bright green broccoli stir-fried with garlic and savory soy-sherry sauce, accented with optional bacon bits for a flavorful, quick, and healthy vegetable side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lb broccoli, sliced, washed, drained and dried ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sherry ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water or chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons bacon bits (optional garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together sugar, monosodium glutamate, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water or chicken stock. Set aside.
- Heat a wok until hot and dry.
- Add vegetable oil and salt. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic.
- When the garlic is golden brown, add the sliced broccoli.
- Increase heat and stir-fry the broccoli for 2 minutes.
- Add the sherry and quickly cover the wok.
- Cook, covered, for 2 minutes longer.
- Lift the cover and add the prepared sauce mixture while stirring.
- Cook until the gravy thickens, then transfer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with bacon bits if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant green color, ensure the broccoli is not overcooked; 2 minutes of stir-frying is usually sufficient. If you don't have dark soy sauce, you can substitute with regular soy sauce, but the flavor may be slightly less rich. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when stir-frying. This recipe also pairs well with other Chinese recipes like Stir-Fry Pork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jade Green Broccoli as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tofu for a balanced meal. It complements Asian-inspired dishes like Mu Shoo Pork or Honey-Glazed Spareribs beautifully. Garnish with additional bacon bits or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain the broccoli's texture. Avoid reheating too long to prevent mushiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jade Green Broccoli contains roughly 441 calories, with 10g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2257mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh broccoli is preferred for texture and color, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon bits and ensure the vegetable stock is free from animal products. This will keep the dish vegan while still providing great flavor. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste to the garlic when sautéing. You can also serve it with a side of Sriracha or chili oil for those who enjoy extra spice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).