Broccoli Double Feature

Steamed and Stir-Fried Broccoli with Fermented Black Garlic and Sesame Oil

25 minutes

Serves 4

SideChineseDairy-freeNut-freeShellfish-free

Herb's take

Inspired by Chinese banchan-style sides, this dish puts broccoli in the spotlight, first steamed for crisp-tender bite, then stir-fried with umami-rich black garlic and nutty sesame oil. You'll learn to harness black garlic’s mellow funk and why broccoli deserves a two-act performance.

Equipment needed

Steamer basket
Wok or large skillet

Instructions

01
Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Steam all the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just barely tender. Transfer half the broccoli to a bowl for serving later, and let the rest cool slightly.
Herb says
Steaming preserves color and nutrients. Plus, science fact, the less time in hot water, the less flavor lost.
02
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03
Add the remaining steamed broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes until just starting to brown in spots.
04
Sprinkle in the ground fermented black garlic and stir well for 30 seconds.
Herb says
Add black garlic late to keep its sweet, deep flavor, overcooking can mute those magic notes.
05
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Toss to coat the broccoli, cooking for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
06
Drizzle in the sesame oil and toss to finish. Remove from heat.
Herb says
Add toasted oils like sesame at the end to preserve their aroma, high heat dulls their best tricks.
07
Divide the reserved steamed broccoli and the stir-fried black garlic broccoli between four plates, placing them side by side. Sprinkle both with toasted sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve right away.

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HERB

Broccoli Double Feature

Ingredients

Instructions