This dish is the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor. It’s ready in minutes, uses just a handful of ingredients, and brings a deep, savory taste that pairs well with almost any main course. Gai Lan retains its crisp texture while soaking up the richness of the oyster sauce, making it a nourishing and delicious green side that’s never boring.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan)
Oyster sauce
Soy sauce
Sugar
Sesame oil
Garlic (minced)
Vegetable oil (for sautéing garlic)
Water (for blanching)
Directions
Wash and trim the Chinese broccoli, cutting large stalks in half lengthwise if needed.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the Gai Lan for 1-2 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.
Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of water. Stir to combine and heat through.
Arrange the blanched Gai Lan on a serving plate. Spoon the sauce over the vegetables.
Drizzle with a little sesame oil just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 as a side dish. Preparation time is about 5 minutes, and cooking time is another 10 minutes. Total time: approximately 15 minutes.
Variations
Vegan Version: Use mushroom-flavored vegetarian oyster sauce in place of regular oyster sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
Ginger Garlic Sauce: Include freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for added fragrance.
Soy-Sesame Option: Replace oyster sauce with more soy sauce and a touch of honey for a different flavor profile.
With Protein: Top with sliced mushrooms, tofu, or thin beef slices for a more filling dish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the texture of the Gai Lan. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the vegetables can become mushy.
FAQs
What is Gai Lan?
Gai Lan, or Chinese broccoli, is a leafy green vegetable with thick stems and a slightly bitter flavor, commonly used in Chinese cuisine.
Can I use regular broccoli instead?
Yes, although it will taste different. Broccolini or baby broccoli is a closer substitute in both taste and texture.
What does oyster sauce taste like?
Oyster sauce is savory and slightly sweet, with a deep umami flavor. It’s made from oyster extracts and is commonly used in Asian cooking.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Traditional oyster sauce is not vegetarian, but you can use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative made from mushrooms.
How do I keep the Gai Lan green and crisp?
Blanch it briefly in boiling water and then rinse in cold water or an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve the color.
Can I stir-fry the Gai Lan instead?
Yes, stir-frying with garlic and a splash of water is another common method, though blanching is more traditional for this dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Standard oyster and soy sauces may contain gluten, but gluten-free versions are available and can be used for this recipe.
What can I serve with Chinese broccoli?
It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or alongside meat and seafood dishes like stir-fried beef or roast duck.
Do I need to peel the stems?
If the stems are thick and tough, you can peel the outer layer for a more tender bite, but this is optional.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce (Gai Lan) is a quick, delicious way to enjoy nutrient-rich greens with bold, satisfying flavor. Its simplicity makes it a go-to side dish, while its versatility allows it to complement any Asian-inspired meal. Whether served with rice, noodles, or a main protein, this dish is a flavorful and healthy addition to any table.
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce (Gai Lan) is a classic Chinese side dish featuring crisp-tender Chinese broccoli drizzled with a savory, garlicky oyster sauce. Quick and flavorful, it’s a staple in both restaurants and home kitchens.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Side Dish
Method:Blanched
Cuisine:Chinese
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
1 lb Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
Wash and trim the Chinese broccoli, cutting large stalks in half lengthwise if needed.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the Gai Lan for 1–2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.
Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Stir to combine and heat through.
Arrange the blanched Gai Lan on a serving plate. Spoon the warm sauce over the vegetables.
Drizzle with sesame oil just before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce for a vegan version.Add chili flakes or chili oil for a spicy variation.Include grated ginger with the garlic for a fragrant twist.Peel thick stems for a more tender texture.Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
