Garlicky Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

This recipe highlights garlic, but it also features a blend of predominantly Chinese flavors. The broccoli in this recipe doesn’t need to be cooked beforehand. However, feel free to use frozen or leftover cooked broccoli — just note that it will take less time to cook.

Credit: iStockphoto.com/littleny

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Spice meter: Moderately spiced

1-1/2 to 2 pounds broccoli

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup chicken broth or water

3 to 4 plump cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon five-spice powder or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon Chinese or Asian sesame oil

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1. Slice the broccoli stalks into coin-size pieces and separate the florets into small sections. Set the broccoli aside.

2. In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring often, until the broccoli is bright green, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the orange juice, broth, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. Simmer until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the sesame oil and soy sauce and toss the broccoli to blend the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.

For a non-Chinese version, omit the ginger and five-spice powder in Step 3 as well as the sesame oil and soy sauce in Step 4. Add salt to taste before serving.

Per serving: Calories 92 (From Fat 54); Fat 6g (Saturated 1g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 226mg; Carbohydrate 8g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 4g.