If you’ve got broccoli and 15 minutes, you’ve got this flavorful side dish on the table. This Asian-style broccoli is bold, garlicky, a little sweet, and perfect for weeknights. It’s honestly the easiest way to jazz up plain broccoli — and yes, even picky eaters tend to go back for seconds.
Whether I’m serving it with fried rice, noodles, or just some grilled chicken, this dish brings balance and brightness to the plate. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, so it’s a dependable go-to when I need something fast and tasty.
Why I Love This Broccoli Recipe
There’s a lot to love here — it’s quick, delicious, and turns a humble veggie into something addictive. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a hint of sweetness makes every bite irresistible. The best part? Even the kids don’t complain when this shows up on their plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head of broccoli (cut into florets, about 3–4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
Substitutions & Add-Ons
- Sesame Seeds: Don’t have them? Try toasted sunflower seeds for a fun crunch.
- Want Some Heat? Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the soy mix.
- Soy-Free? Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium, gluten-free option.
- Swap the Oil: You can use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of olive oil.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A small bowl (for the sauce)
- A large bowl (to toss the broccoli)
- A skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
How to Make Asian Style Broccoli
Step-by-Step
Step 1:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2:
Add your broccoli florets to a large mixing bowl and pour the soy mixture over them. Toss until the broccoli is well coated.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 4:
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic. Stir it for about a minute — just until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5:
Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is just tender but still has a little crunch.
Step 6:
Take it off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm!
Optional Variations
- Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a hint of sweetness and nuttiness.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a citrusy twist.
- Toss in thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for a colorful veggie mix.
Practical Tips
- Stir-frying time is flexible. Cook the broccoli as crisp or soft as you like it.
- Don’t overcook the garlic in the beginning — it can turn bitter.
- The flavors deepen as the broccoli cools slightly, so don’t be afraid to let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Asian Style Broccoli
A simple and easy way to prepare broccoli with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar until well combined.
- In a larger bowl, add the broccoli and pour the soy sauce mixture over it. Stir until the broccoli is well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 726mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and pat it dry before tossing it with the sauce to avoid excess water in the pan.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce and chop the broccoli in advance, but for best texture, cook it fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the broccoli cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
How to Serve
This broccoli goes well with rice bowls, grilled meats, or tofu. I love pairing it with teriyaki chicken or even a fried egg on top of jasmine rice. It’s also fantastic tucked into wraps or served cold in a noodle salad.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or toss it back in a pan with a splash of water or soy sauce until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the texture of the broccoli changes too much.
Try These Next
If you loved this Asian-style broccoli, you might also enjoy these quick veggie side dishes:
- Stir-Fried Green Beans with Garlic
- Sesame Ginger Carrots
- Sweet Chili Roasted Cauliflower
Try other recipes:
