Gai Lan with Garlic Sauce: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and flavourful side dish to add to your next meal? Look no further than this Gai Lan with Garlic Sauce recipe! Gai Lan, also known as Chinese broccoli or Kai-lan, is a nutritious and versatile vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that complements the rich garlic sauce perfectly. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
What is Gai Lan?
Gai lan (芥蘭) is a type of Chinese broccoli that’s known for its dark green stalks and tender florets. It has a slightly peppery and bitter taste, which is balanced beautifully by the rich, garlicky sauce in this recipe. It's packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 bunch Gai Lan: Choose a bunch with firm, bright green stalks and tightly closed florets. Wash thoroughly.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced or finely chopped. The more garlic, the stronger the flavor!
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor. (Optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant aroma and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Mixed with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Or any neutral-flavored cooking oil.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Gai Lan: Rinse the gai lan thoroughly and trim the tough ends of the stalks. Cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces and separate the florets.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch slurry, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Gai Lan: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Gai Lan: Add the gai lan stalks to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the gai lan florets and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the florets are tender-crisp.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the garlic sauce over the gai lan and stir-fry for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Serve the gai lan immediately as a side dish with your favorite protein and rice.
Tips for the Best Gai Lan:
- Don't overcook: Gai lan is best when it's tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooking will make it lose its vibrant color and appealing texture.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to this recipe.
- Garnish: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
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This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy!
