Broccoli

Chinese Broccoli Salad with Sesame Sriracha Dressing

July 28, 2013
5
1 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

I’ve always loved what I consider ‘regular broccoli’ and my favorite part is not the florets, but the peeled stalk. Chinese broccoli delivers that peeled stalk flavor without any peeling, and the leaves are delicious too: similar to bok choy, but with more chew and the flavor of, well, broccoli. This salad is simple and the flavors complex: savory, spicy, salty, sweet! —Pinch&Swirl

Test Kitchen Notes

Ponzu is the game changer here. I'm no stranger to gai lan (Chinese broccoli), but was delighted to see this familiar stir-fry vegetable punted out of the wok, with its longtime friends chili and garlic, and put into the salad bowl -- with the addition of acid. I liked it even better when I switched to clear ponzu mirin, essentially forming a vinaigrette. —foodisforever

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • For the salad:
  • 1 1/2 pounds Chinese Broccoli
  • Sesame Sriracha Dressing
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ponzu sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Directions
  1. Fill a large bowl with water and ice. Set aside.
  2. Trim ends from Chinese broccoli, then cut in half crosswise, separating the leaves from the stalks. If any stalks are thick, cut them in half lengthwise.
  3. Heat about 1 inch of water in a large lidded pot or wok, bring to boil. Lay stems in an even layer in the boiling water and place the leaves across the top. Cover and let steam for 3 to 5 minutes, until it has reached your desired tenderness.
  4. With a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to ice bath.
  5. While the broccoli cools, prepare the dressing. Combine garlic, ponzu sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl, then slowly drizzle in the sesame oil, whisking constantly. Set aside.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooled broccoli to a serving bowl. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  7. Drizzle dressing over broccoli and toss to coat evenly. Serve.
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4 Reviews

Kristin November 8, 2014
I just made this with regular broccoli to rave reviews... it's quite tasty & super-quick to make, which wins me over of course. I also love that its easy to adjust the amount of Sriracha based on individual prefs. I added super think sliced onion for some additional crutch, and liked that. Also, I think it's better served at room temp:)
 
eva H. May 22, 2014
So tasty. I had this as a side with Chinese steamed buns.
https://food52.com/blog/10172-how-to-make-chinese-steamed-buns-from-scratch My Mum's a vegetarian so I used lemon juice and Soy Sauce instead of Ponzu. It worked well but mine (with Ponzu) was better.
 
Rosalind R. February 23, 2014
What is in ponzu sauce and Sriracha?
 
Miles February 23, 2014
How would you prepare this with regular broccoli?