Servings
2
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Author:
La Tourangelle
Gai lan, also known as Chinese Broccoli, is a favorite vegetable for celebrating the Lunar New Year. Since its vibrant, leafy greens symbolize wealth in the year ahead, all the more reason to eat your vegetables. Similar in flavor to regular broccoli, gai lan has a slightly bitter note which pairs wonderfully with the zesty accents of ginger, garlic and toasted sesame.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp hot chili pepper, minced (optional)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp miso paste
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup chopped white mushrooms (optional)
Directions
- Trim ends of the Chinese broccoli. Line up the Chinese broccoli with the stems facing same direction. Cut the stalks in half to separate the thick stems from the leaves.
- Add one inch of water to a wok, pot or large saute pan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Layer in the broccoli stems at the bottom of the pan and layer the leaves on top of the stems. You want the thick stems closer to the bottom of the pan so that they will cook faster. Steam for 3 minutes. Use tongs to lift the leaves to a plate. Check the stems to make sure they are cooked - they should be easily pierced with a knife. Thicker stems might need an additional minute.
- Discard the remaining water in the pan and wipe dry with a towel. Return pan to the stove and add in the 2 tablespoons sesame oil and ginger, garlic, mushrooms, and chile pepper. Turn the heat to medium-low.
- Once the oil in the wok begins shimmering, cook for another 15 seconds (take care not to burn the aromatics). Stir in the miso paste, water, soy sauce and sesame oil and cook another 15 seconds. Add the Chinese broccoli back into the pan, give everything a quick stir, then plate for serving.