Savory Miso-Glazed Broccoli Stir-Fry
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this Savory Miso-Glazed Broccoli Stir-Fry. This delightful recipe combines tender broccoli florets and crunchy stems in a rich, umami-packed sauce made from dark miso, light soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. Infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh garlic and ginger, and a touch of heat from red chili pepper flakes, this dish is a perfect companion to short grain brown rice. For a heartier meal, feel free to add strips of beef or firm tofu sautéed in sesame oil for a fulfilling entrée that's both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy this versatile dish as a side or main and impress your family and friends with its bold flavors!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli, chopped
4 cups (Include diced stems if desired.)
Light soy sauce
3 tablespoons (None)
Dark miso
3 tablespoons (None)
Garlic cloves, chopped
3 (None)
Sesame oil
1 teaspoon (None)
Fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon (None)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (None)
Red chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (More or less to taste)
Water
1/4 cup (None)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and chopping the broccoli, making sure to include the diced stems for added texture.
2
In a large pot or steamer, briefly steam the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes, or until just tender but still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark miso, chopped garlic, minced ginger, sugar, red chili pepper flakes, water, and cornstarch. Mix well until the ingredients form a smooth sauce.
4
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steamed broccoli and pour the miso sauce over it.
5
Toss the broccoli in the sauce, allowing it to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is fully coated and the sauce thickens.
6
Adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or sugar, if desired, and serve hot over warm short grain brown rice or with your choice of protein.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Miso-Glazed Broccoli Stir-Fry?
It is a flavorful vegetable dish featuring broccoli florets and stems tossed in a rich, umami-packed glaze made from dark miso, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
How much broccoli is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chopped broccoli.
Should I include the broccoli stems?
Yes, including diced stems is recommended for added texture in the stir-fry.
What type of miso should I use?
This recipe specifically uses dark miso for its deep, rich flavor.
How long do I steam the broccoli?
Steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until it is just tender but still vibrant green.
What are the ingredients in the miso glaze?
The glaze consists of light soy sauce, dark miso, chopped garlic, minced ginger, sugar, red chili pepper flakes, water, and cornstarch.
What oil is used for the stir-fry?
One teaspoon of sesame oil is used to provide an aromatic, nutty flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains a hint of heat from one teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
How long does the stir-fry process take?
Once the sauce is added, the broccoli is cooked for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is coated.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot over warm short grain brown rice.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, you can add strips of beef or firm tofu sautéed in sesame oil to make it a heartier entrée.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe uses plant-based ingredients and is suitable for vegans.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you substitute the light soy sauce with a certified gluten-free tamari.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 chopped garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to ensure the miso glaze properly coats the broccoli.
Can I use fresh ginger?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger for the best flavor profile.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional sugar if desired after the cooking process.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
You should add 1/4 cup of water to the sauce mixture.
Can I use light miso instead of dark miso?
You can, but the flavor will be less intense and more sweet than the savory depth provided by dark miso.
What texture should the broccoli have after cooking?
The broccoli should be tender-crisp, fully coated in the thickened miso glaze.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the specific serving count is not provided, 4 cups of broccoli typically serves 2 to 4 people as a side dish.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking approximately 15-20 minutes in total to prepare and cook.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
What if I don't have sesame oil?
A neutral cooking oil can be used, but you will miss the specific toasted aroma sesame oil provides.
Do I need a wok for this?
You can use either a large frying pan or a wok for the stir-fry stage.
How do I prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be peeled and minced finely to distribute its flavor throughout the glaze.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, while brown rice is suggested for its nuttiness, white rice or jasmine rice also works well.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much during the stir-fry, add a small splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Is the sugar necessary?
The sugar helps balance the saltiness of the miso and soy sauce, providing a rounded umami flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen broccoli can be used; just skip the steaming step or reduce the time significantly.