Chinese Broccoli or kai-lan is unlike our traditional broccoli. It’s more similar to kale or broccoli rabe in consistency and taste. It’s a wonderful and versatile green that goes well in many applications. One of my favorite dishes of all time – pad see ew – features this lovely vegetable.

When I saw it in the store the other day, I committed to trying something new with it. I really wanted to just do a simple braise on it. I decided to try it with a simple miso sauce.  This goes well as a side dish with any protein.

Braised Chinese Broccoli (Kai-lan) in Miso Sauce
Ingredients:

1 pound of Chinese Broccoli – trim the bottoms
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
5 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp. chopped ginger

2 tbsp. shiro miso paste
1 tbsp. mirin
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tbsp. dark soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable broth
red pepper flakes (optional)

Heat a large wok on high. Add the oil. When hot, add the chopped garlic and ginger.

Cook for two minutes until fragrant.

Add in the Chinese Broccoli. Cook for a few minutes.

While cooking, mix up the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.

Pour sauce over the broccoli. Stir a bit. Cover wok for a couple of minutes.

The broccoli will cook quickly. You don’t want to overcook. Bottoms should be bright green.

Serve on platter. Enjoy!