Steamed Broccoli with Brown Sauce
2 min readYou can dress up frozen broccoli, cooked according to package directions, with this delicious brown sauce any time of the year. For a nutritious meal, serve over brown rice and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
MAKES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 1⁄4 pounds fresh broccoli florets
1 teaspoon toasted (dark) sesame oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Basic Chinese Brown Sauce, below
In a large nonstick skillet, bring about 1⁄4 inch water to a boil over high heat; add salt and broccoli florets. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and steam until broccoli is crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Add sesame oil and season with pepper; toss well to combine. Add Brown Sauce, tossing to combine. Serve at once.
{PER SERVING} Calories 79 • Protein 7g • Total Fat 2g • Sat Fat 0g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 12g • Dietary Fiber 5g • Sodium 570mg
BASIC CHINESE BROWN SAUCE
Brown sauce is a staple of Chinese cuisine, enhancing the flavor of numerous vegetable and tofu dishes. For best results, use shortly after preparing.
MAKES ABOUT 1 CUP
1 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tablespoon molasses or dark brown sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
In a small saucepan, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until thoroughly blended. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low, stir in the molasses, and season with salt and black pepper. Use as directed in recipe.
{PER SERVING} (about 1⁄4 cup, or 1⁄4 of recipe) Calories 28 • Protein 3g • Total Fat 0g • Sat Fat 0g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 4g • Dietary Fiber 1g • Sodium 280mg
