Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple and vibrant stir-fry featuring crisp Chinese broccoli sautéed with garlic and ginger, perfect as a quick side dish. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, julienned fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp julienned fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb trimmed Chinese broccoli cut into 3-inch pieces, tossing to coat in the garlic-ginger oil. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the greens start to wilt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup water and cover the pan with a lid to steam the broccoli for 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lid, stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, cooking uncovered for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the broccoli.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, toss once more, and serve immediately alongside rice or main dishes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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