Steamed Chinese Broccoli
Steamed Chinese broccoli is a simple, healthy dish featuring tender greens coated in savory soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds, perfect as a side for Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the broccoli thoroughly.
- Peel the tough outer stalks, pulling up from the ends of the stalks.
- Slice the broccoli diagonally into bite-sized pieces.
- Steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes or until barely tender.
- Heat the peanut or salad oil and soy sauce together.
- Toss the steamed broccoli into the oil and soy sauce mixture.
- Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with toasted sesame seed and red pepper slices, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, choose fresh broccoli with firm stalks and vibrant green color. If you don't have peanut oil, vegetable or canola oil can be good substitutes. You can also enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or ginger to the oil and soy sauce mixture. To maintain the bright color of the broccoli, avoid overcooking it. This dish pairs well with other Chinese recipes like Easy Beef Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the steamed broccoli as a vibrant side dish to accompany grilled or stir-fried proteins. It also pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal. For a colorful presentation, consider adding thinly sliced red pepper or carrots on top and serve alongside Teriyaki Strips for a delightful flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover steamed broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam again for a couple of minutes or quickly sauté in a pan with a splash of water to revive its texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the broccoli mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steamed Chinese Broccoli contains roughly 57 calories, with 2g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% 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 for this recipe?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli if necessary. Just be sure to adjust the steaming time, as frozen broccoli may require a minute or two longer to become tender.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make this dish heartier, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp tossed in along with the broccoli. This will enhance the protein content and create a more satisfying meal that complements the flavors of the steamed broccoli.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, this dish is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the soy sauce you use is free from any animal products. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra variety while keeping it within the vegan recipes category.
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).