Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) in Oyster Sauce Recipe
This Chinese Broccoli (Yum Cha Style) recipe showcases tender, vibrant gai lan quickly boiled and topped with a savory, garlicky oyster sauce blend. The dish is a popular side in Chinese cuisine, offering a perfect balance of fresh vegetable crunch with a rich umami sauce — ideal for a quick, healthy, and flavorful vegetable side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), leaves and stalks separated, thick stalks halved lengthways
Seasoning & Sauce
- 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 (see note 1 for vegetarian)
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a rapid boil and add 1 tsp sea salt flakes. Add the Chinese broccoli stems first and cook for 1 minute, then add the leaves and cook for another 1 minute. The stems should be tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli immediately and transfer it to a serving plate to keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same pot or a pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tsp freshly minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic as it will turn bitter.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp white sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil (optional), and 2 tbsp water. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes or until it slightly thickens and melds flavors.
- Combine and serve: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the prepared Chinese broccoli on the serving plate. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant texture and flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce alternative.
- Do not overcook the Chinese broccoli to maintain its bright color and crisp texture.
- The sesame oil is optional but adds a fragrant aroma that complements the flavors.
Keywords: Chinese broccoli, gai lan, oyster sauce, yum cha, Chinese side dish, healthy vegetable recipe
