She Strengthens

Savory Broccoli with an Asian Twist

Are you tired of the same old steamed broccoli? Look no further! This recipe combines the simplicity of steaming with the bold flavors of Asia, all in under 30 minutes.

Preparation is Key

To start, trim the stem ends of your broccoli and peel away the woody outer layer using a vegetable peeler. Then, halve the broccoli lengthwise and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Set them aside for now.

Heat Up Your Pan

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the broccoli and stir to coat it evenly. Pour in 3 tablespoons of water, cover with a tightfitting lid, and cook until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.

The Sauce Makes the Dish

While the broccoli cooks, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Finishing Touches

Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped, to the pan. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and rewhisk the reserved sauce. Pour it into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli, about 1 minute. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds broccoli
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds