stir-fried cabbage hearts

How to Stir-Fry Chinese Broccoli: A Simple Guide

Stir-fried Chinese broccoli, or "菜心" (caixin), is a quick, nutritious, and delicious dish popular in Chinese cuisine. Here’s a simple guide to making it perfectly.

First, prepare the ingredients. You’ll need 500g fresh Chinese broccoli, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Optional additions: a pinch of salt for taste, or a few dried chili flakes for heat.

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Trim the tough bottoms of the stems and cut the stalks and leaves into bite-sized pieces. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high fire. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the stems are tender-crisp and the leaves bright green. Drizzle with soy sauce, sprinkle with salt (or chili flakes), and stir for another 30 seconds.

Serve hot as a side dish. The key is to cook quickly to retain the broccoli’s crunch and vibrant color. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful dish in just 10 minutes!