Gai lan, aka Chinese broccoli, with oyster sauce is an iconic Chinese dish that is most commonly served at your favorite dim sum restaurant. This quick and easy gai lan recipe features quickly blanched Chinese broccoli drizzled with a savory, umami garlic and ginger oyster sauce.
You can complete this quick and easy healthy Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce recipe in under 15 minutes making it a perfect vegetableside dish for busy weeknights.
Gai lan or Chinese broccoli is a deep green leafy vegetable with thick stems and small florets similar to broccoli. A hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli creates broccolini. Gai lan typically has a light green stem that easily snaps in half and deep green leaves. If it has florets, they should be light green for the freshest flavor. You can find gai lan in the vegetable section in most Asian grocery stores.
You can find the ingredients for this gai lan with oyster sauce recipe at your local Asian grocery market.
Gai lan: or Chinese broccoli. Be sure to wash and trim the ends of the stalks. Alternatively, you can chop the Chinese broccoli into 2-inch pieces to make it easier to eat as well.
Olive Oil: a dash of olive oil in the boiling water gives the Chinese broccoli its beautiful deep green glistening look.
Garlic and Ginger: add another layer of aromatic flavor to the Chinese broccoli.
Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions
Broccoli: or broccolini are good alternatives to gai lan.
Bok Choy: blanched bok choy also pairs deliciously with ginger, garlic oyster sauce.
Vegetarian oyster sauce: an alternative to oyster sauce which is made from oyster extract.
Additions
Spice: add chili flakes, chili oil, or freshly sliced red peppers to the gai lan with oyster sauce for more heat.
How to Make Gai Lan with Oyster Sauce Recipe
Here are the step-by-step recipe instructions for how to make this Chinese broccoli and oyster sauce recipe. See the recipe card below for full measurements and detailed instructions.
In a medium pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and salt, fill with water, and bring to a boil. Boil the gai lan for 1-2 minutes until the leaves soften and the stem remains slightly crisp.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and saute until fragrant about 1-2 minutes.
Then lower the heat add the oyster sauce and mix until combined about 30 seconds.
Pour the sauce over the plated Chinese broccoli and enjoy immediately.
Expert Tips
Make sure the water is boiling. The water must be boiling before adding the gai lan. This will keep the cooking time as quick as possible which helps it retain its nutrients.
Taste before removing the gai lan. After 1-2 minutes of cooking the gai lan, remove one and taste to see if the texture is to your liking. If you’d like a softer stem, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve whole or cut in pieces. When plating the Chinese broccoli, you can either serve it whole or cut it up into 1-2 inch pieces to make it easier to eat.
Storage Instructions
You can store this gai lan with oyster sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: microwave the Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce covered until warm.
Pairing Suggestions
This gai lan with oyster sauce recipe makes a delicious appetizer or vegetable side dish. Make it a complete meal with the following suggestions.
When selecting gai lan at the grocery store, make sure to select ones that have deep green leaves. If it has florets, make sure they are light green and not yellow.
Can I make this gai lan with oyster sauce recipe vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this gai lan recipe vegan by swapping the oyster sauce for vegan oyster sauce.
What are other substitutes for gai lan?
If you cannot find gai lan, you can substitute it with broccolini, broccoli, bok choy, or asparagus.
Is Chinese broccoli healthy?
Yes! Chinese broccoli is high in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C.
Cook the Chinese broccoli. In a medium pot over medium high heat, add olive oil, salt, fill with water and bring to a boil. Boil the Chinese broccoli for 1-2 minutes until the leaves soften and the stem remain slightly crisp. Drain and place on a serving plate.
Saute the garlic and ginger. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic and saute until fragrant about 1-2 minutes.
Add oyster sauce. Then lower the heat and add the oyster sauce and mix until combined about 30 seconds.
Serve. Pour the sauce over the plated Chinese broccoli and enjoy immediately.
Notes
See the Expert Tips section above for more guidance.
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