Best Easy Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Broccoli florets are wok-tossed with generous garlic in a light soy sauce. This vegetarian, healthy family side is high in fiber, low calorie, and supports clean eats or weight loss goals.

Cook 15 min Difficulty EASY 85 kcal
#vegetarian #low carb #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Broccoli florets 4 cups
  • Garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • Vegetable oil 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Low sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Water 2 tbsp
  • Sesame oil 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 12 g 56%
Protein 4 g 18%
Fat 2.5 g 26%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Wash and drain the broccoli florets well to remove excess moisture for a non-soggy stir fry.

  2. 2

    Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves to maximize flavor release during cooking.

  3. 3

    Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.

  4. 4

    Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—avoid high heat to prevent burning.

  5. 5

    Quickly add the broccoli; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, keeping the heat on medium-high so the vegetables char lightly but remain crisp-tender.

  6. 6

    Stir in the water and cover the wok for 2 minutes to steam and finish cooking the broccoli; uncover promptly to avoid overcooking.

  7. 7

    Pour in soy sauce and toss for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to evenly coat the broccoli, then drizzle with sesame oil.

  8. 8

    Season with black pepper, toss once more, and serve immediately while hot to retain texture and bright color.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What is the key ingredient in this Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry recipe?
The star ingredient is broccoli florets, creating the dish's crisp texture and acting as a fiber-rich base. Fresh garlic is equally essential, infusing the dish with robust flavor, while the light soy sauce brings out classic stir fry notes.
Q. How do you keep the broccoli crisp and bright when stir frying?
Start by thoroughly drying broccoli before cooking to prevent excess moisture. Stir-fry quickly over medium-high heat, steam briefly with a splash of water, and avoid prolonged cooking; serve immediately for maximum crunch and vivid color.
Q. Which step prevents the garlic from turning bitter?
In Step 4, the sliced garlic is sautéed just until fragrant without browning, using medium-high—not high—heat. Controlling garlic's heat exposure keeps its flavor mellow and prevents bitterness often caused by burning.
Q. How nutritious is this dish per serving?
Each 120g serving has about 85 kcal, 12g carbs (56%), 4g protein (18%), and 2.5g fat (26%). This makes it a low-calorie, fiber-rich side that fits well with clean eating and weight-conscious meal plans.
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