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Chinese Broccoli

This vibrant Chinese broccoli recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy seasonal greens with a sophisticated twist. By steaming the stalks until just tender and finishing them with a fragrant velvet-textured sauce, you preserve the natural crunch and nutrients of the vegetable. The addition of aromatic Chinese five-spice powder and savoury soy sauce provides a deep, umami flavour that elevates this simple side dish into something truly special.

A versatile vegetarian dish, it works beautifully as an accompaniment to ginger-fused noodles or as a light lunch served alongside steamed jasmine rice. The crushed roasted nuts provide a satisfying textural contrast to the silky butter glaze, making it a healthy yet comforting addition to your midweek repertoire. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavour.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chinese Broccoli

  • 450g Chinese broccoli, trimmed (or 2 bunches Broccolini)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

  • 1/4 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder

  • 50g roasted soy nuts or peanuts, crushed

How to make Chinese Broccoli

  1. In a pot filled with 2 inches of water, steam the broccoli or Broccolini until the stems are just tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter.

  2. Discard the water. Add the butter, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and 2 teaspoons water and place over medium-low heat.

  3. Stir until the butter has melted.

  4. Drizzle the mixture over the vegetables, top with the nuts, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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