Chinese Broccoli (Gai-lan), several ways

[Rachel Perlow]

Chinese Broccoli (Gai-lan), several ways

Serves 4 as Side.

One of our favorite vegetables, we frequently order Gai-lan when out for Dim Sum or other Chinese meals. It looks similar to Broccoli Rabe, but tastes like a cross between regular broccoli and asparagus with none of the bitterness of broccoli rabe.

We generally prepare it Chinese-style, but it can also be prepared Italian-style, just like other forms of broccoli.

• Chinese Broccoli or Gai-lan, figure 1 bunch for 4 people
  

With Oyster Sauce

• 1/4 c Oyster Sauce, best quality
  

Sauteed with Garlic

• 1/3 c Peanut or Olive Oil
  
• 6 Cloves of Garlic, peeled and sliced
  
• Salt or Soy Sauce, to taste
  
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil, optional
  

Blanch the vegetable: Set a large pot of water to boil, add salt when it comes to the boil. Have a large bowl of ice water ready.

Prepare the Chinese Broccoli by trimming the cut ends, washing, then separate the leafy, thinner-stalked half from the larger stem half by cutting approximately in half. Blanch the vegetable, adding the thicker stemmed portion to the water about 1 minute before the thinner stemmed/leafy portion. After about another minute the vegetable will turn bright green.* Use a pasta scoop or spider web chan to remove the vegetable and shock in ice water. When cold, drain and saute the vegetables.

Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

* If planning to serve immediately with Oyster Sauce, do not shock, but cook the vegetable just a little longer in the boiling water, then remove to a platter. Drizzle the Oyster Sauce all over the vegetable and serve immediately.

Chinese Broccoli Sauteed with Garlic - Chinese Style

Heat Peanut Oil in a wok and add the garlic and blanched Gai-lan. Stir fry until the vegetable is heated through and the garlic is lightly golden. Drizzle with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil and serve.

Chinese Broccoli Sauteed with Garlic - Italian Style

In a very large skillet (or wok), place garlic slices and Olive Oil and bring up to heat, adding Gai-lan and a sprinnkle of salt while the garlic is still white. You can either briefly saute it to keep the vegetable crisp-tender, or lower the heat and cook it until wilted, like Broccoli Rabe.

Keywords: Side, Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Easy, Vegetables, Dinner, Chinese

( RG176 )