![Quick Broccoli With Oyster Sauce](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/LrNfI8VdY90NgX-2sFgew69Jvbk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/broccoli-with-oyster-sauce-recipe-695315-hero-01-64c7189f5a7149dcab9505100fb7e0a0.jpg)
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Broccoli with oyster sauce is a common Chinese side dish that makes a savory addition to any meal. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it's also incredibly fast to cook, perfect after a busy day. It's the ideal dish to offer those who refuse to eat their vegetables; one bite of this tasty recipe is sure to change any picky eater's mind.
Although oyster sauce is made from shellfish, it does not have a fishy taste. Instead, it combines brininess with sweetness, offering true umami flavor. Serve the broccoli with oyster sauce alongside any of your favorite Chinese main dishes, such as General Tso's chicken or char siu (barbecued pork). Or make it part of a vegetarian meal featuring a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
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1 pound broccoli florets
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
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Salt, to taste
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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4 teaspoons water
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2 tablespoons white sesame seeds, for garnish
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Remove the broccoli and plunge briefly into ice-cold water.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Drain the broccoli well. Set aside in a serving bowl.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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In a small saucepan, bring the chicken broth, oyster sauce, ​dark soy sauce, granulated sugar, and sesame oil to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add salt to taste.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into the water to create a slurry.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir constantly until thickened.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Pour the sauce over the blanched broccoli.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Serve garnished with the sesame seeds.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
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Enjoy.
Tip
The heat from the sauce should warm up the broccoli, but if it is too cool for your taste, place everything back into the saucepan and gently warm over medium-low heat. Be careful not to overcook or else the broccoli will become mushy and lose its bright green hue.
Health Benefits
Broccoli is full of vitamins such as A, B1, B6, E, C, and K, which help to regulate mood and cholesterol. Broccoli is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation in the body. The combination of vitamin K and calcium makes this vegetable an excellent food to maintain healthy bones. Broccoli also is great for lowering blood sugar naturally. It’s considered a "good carb" that's high in fiber, making it an especially good side dish for diabetics.
Oysters are also loaded with essential minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper, and iron. They also contain many of the same vitamins as broccoli, making this meal even more nutritious.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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77 | Calories |
3g | Fat |
12g | Carbs |
4g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 4 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 77 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 3g | 4% |
Saturated Fat 0g | 2% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 592mg | 26% |
Total Carbohydrate 12g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 16% |
Total Sugars 3g | |
Protein 4g | |
Vitamin C 74mg | 368% |
Calcium 89mg | 7% |
Iron 1mg | 8% |
Potassium 374mg | 8% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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