Tender Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan)

My favorite veggie is "gai lan," also known as "Chinese broccoli" or "Chinese kale." It is easily found in Asian groceries these days, and I love the stuff! It doesn't taste like North American broccoli, no sir... I haven't been able to pin down exactly what other veggie it tastes like, but I do believe it resembles tender, tasty artichoke heart. Give it a try! The recipe below is how I make it, although you can also steam it.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

• 1  bunch  gai lan
• 3  cloves garlic, chopped
• 3  tablespoons soy sauce
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon fish sauce
• 1  teaspoon  sesame oil

Directions

1. Trim the gai lan- don't cut off the long, thick stem because, unlike North American broccoli, the stem of gai lan will cook well to become nice and tender; the flowers are also edible so don't remove them.
2. Place gai lan in a Dutch oven and fill with plenty of water.
3. Add the chopped garlic.
4. Bring water to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the thickest part of the stem is tender.
5. Combine the soy, brown sugar, fish sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Drain the gai lan and place on serving plate, then drizzle the soy mixture over.
7. Serve and enjoy!
8. Gai lan is also good with oyster sauce.