A Quick Sesame Ginger Broccoli Stir Fry

Here is a super simple stir fry for broccoli.

The technique is to quickly stir fry the broccoli and then steam the broccoli in the liquids (stock, sesame oil and soy sauce). The end result, perfectly cooked broccoli that is rich in flavor and has an excellent texture.

This is a very classical stir fried recipe that pulls in traditional "stir fry" flavors (if there is such a thing). One word of caution, always use oil that has a high flash point for stir fry. This would include canola, vegetable, grapeseed or peanut oil. You do not want oil that will burn or smoke or catch on fire, therefore we use oils with higher heat tolerances.

While you might be inclined to throw out the broccoli stalks since they are too tough, try this suggestion. Using a peeler, remove the outer skins exposing the softer inner flesh. Chop the flesh into bite sized pieces and add to the stir fry.

If you want to expand this to a full blown meal, add in a protein and some other vegetables (carrot, bamboo, water chestnuts, celery, mini corn, or onion). Based on the size of your expanded fry, you might need to double up on the sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh broccoli florets (and stems)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (dark sesame preferred)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic - minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger - minced
• 1 tbsp canola oil (may require more)

Process:

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a sauté pan on medium heat - cook until lightly browned
2. When sesame seeds are browned - remove from heat and set aside to cool
3. Heat canola oil in a large sauté pan on medium high heat
4. Add the broccoli and stir to coat the florets with the oil - sauté for about a minute
5. Clear a space in the middle of the broccoli and add the ginger and garlic
6. Add a little more oil to the ginger and garlic (about a teaspoon) and sauté until fragrant (about one minute)
7. Stir the garlic and ginger in with the broccoli
8. Add the stock mixture to the pan - bring to a simmer, reduce the heat and cover
9. Cook until broccoli is fork firm (about 2 to 3 mins)
10. Remove from heat and remove broccoli with a slotted spoon to a bowl
11. Return pan to heat, increase heat to high and boil down the liquid until just a couple tablespoons remain
12. Turn off heat and return broccoli to the pan
13. Add the toasted sesame seeds and toss with the liquid