Most times, when I go grocery shopping, broccoli is on my list. We eat and enjoy it a few times a week. We prefer fresh, but I also keep frozen broccoli in the freezer for quicker cooking and for those times when we forgot to include a vegetable with the meal.

We have a few favored broccoli recipes that we make often. But sometimes, we want to branch out and prepare it in a different way. This is the version we make when the protein portion of the meal has an Asian flare. It features sesame oil and tamari, both common ingredients in Asian cooking. Tamari is a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans. It as the darkest form of Japanese soy sauce. And a wonderful addition to an Asian inspired broccoli dish!

Broccoli with Asian Garlic Sauce

Broccoli with Asian Garlic Sauce (adapted from thegardengrazer.com)  Total Time Required: 15 minutes, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 cups broccoli florets (1 large bunch), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for serving

Directions:

Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, combine the garlic with the broth, tamari sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk them together to combine.

Combine the garlic, broth, tamari, and cornstarch for the sauce.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sesame oil and heat it for a minute. Carefully add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often.

Cook the broccoli in the sesame oil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic sauce to the broccoli and stir well to coat it.

Add the sauce to the broccoli.

Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is the desired tenderness and the sauce has thickened and is absorbed into the broccoli.

Cook until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Top with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.

Serve with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Enjoy!

Broccoli is versatile and complements all proteins!  ~Linda

Broccoli with Asian Garlic Sauce (adapted from thegardengrazer.com)  Total Time Required: 15 minutes, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 cups broccoli florets (1 large bunch), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for serving

Directions:

Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, combine the garlic with the broth, tamari sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk them together to combine.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sesame oil and heat it for a minute. Carefully add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic sauce and stir well to coat the broccoli.

Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is the desired tenderness and the sauce has thickened and is absorbed into the broccoli. Serve with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, if desired.