Description
Sautéed Broccoli and Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for richness)
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup water
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Instructions:
1. Prep the Vegetables:
Wash and trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Clean and slice the mushrooms evenly.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Add ¼ cup water to steam the broccoli slightly. Cover and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden and softened.
4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
For a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and mix into the sauce.
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the broccoli to the skillet with the mushrooms.
Pour the garlic sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Serve:
Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. Begin by prepping all ingredients before heating your pan (mise en place). Use a large skillet or wok to ensure vegetables cook evenly without steaming. When stir-frying the broccoli, ensure the oil is hot before adding florets to get a slight sear. The key to tender-crisp broccoli is the quick steam with water—do not overcook. For the mushrooms, avoid crowding the pan; cook in a single layer to achieve a golden sear, not a boil. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl while the mushrooms cook for efficiency.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with numerous mains and bases. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa. It makes an excellent side for grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice. Garnish with not only sesame seeds but also sliced green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
How-to Summary
Quickly summarize the process: Prep vegetables, stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp with a quick steam, then set aside. Sauté mushrooms until golden. Whisk together the garlic sauce ingredients. Return broccoli to the pan with mushrooms, pour sauce over top, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to combine. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the vegetables and sauce separately 1 day in advance, but for best texture, stir-fry just before serving. Reheating may soften the broccoli.
- What’s a good oyster sauce substitute? For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian stir-fry sauce or hoisin sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of both soy and oyster sauce.
- Why is my broccoli soggy? This is typically due to overcooking or steaming with too much water. Ensure you cook on high heat for the minimum time and use only the 1/4 cup water specified to steam.
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting the sauce and steaming the dish instead of sautéing it.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to help restore texture, as microwaving will make it soggier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many vegetables at once lowers the pan temperature, causing them to steam and become mushy.
- Burning the Garlic: Adding minced garlic directly to very hot oil will cause it to burn and turn bitter. It’s safer to add it as part of the liquid sauce.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Aim for a bright green color and a slight crunch (tender-crisp). It continues to cook slightly when returned to the pan with the sauce.
- Not Pre-Mixing the Sauce: Adding sauces individually to the pan can lead to uneven coating and clumping, especially if using cornstarch.
Conclusion
This Sautéed Broccoli and Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a deeply flavorful and healthy side dish. Mastering the quick stir-fry technique ensures perfect vegetable texture, while the savory garlic sauce ties everything together. It’s a reliable, quick recipe that fits into any weeknight rotation and is easily adaptable to your dietary preferences. Enjoy the process and the delicious, nutritious results.