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Broccoli and Brown Sauce

A healthy, soy-free version of a takeout classic. This savory brown sauce is made with whole-food ingredients and pairs perfectly with broccoli and rice.
Medical Medium friendly!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 3 people

Ingredients
  

  • 3 heads broccoli
  • 2 cups jasmine rice, dried

Brown Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • .5 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 cup vegetable broth store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • .5 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons starch potato or tapioca

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice

  • Begin by cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
    2 cups jasmine rice, dried

Prep the Vegetables

  • Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
    3 heads broccoli
  • Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set aside.
    8 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

Prepare the Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, vegetable broth, maple syrup, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, white pepper, and starch until smooth. Ensure the starch is fully dissolved to prevent clumping.
    .5 cup coconut aminos, 1 cup vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, .5 teaspoon white pepper, 2 tablespoons starch

Cook the Aromatics

  • Heat grapeseed oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
    1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

Add the Sauce

  • Give the prepared sauce another whisk to ensure the starch hasn't settled. Pour it into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir continuously over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

Steam the Broccoli

  • Steam the broccoli florets for 2–4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture and color.

Combine and Serve

  • Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Serve the sauced broccoli over the cooked jasmine rice.

Notes

  • Broccoli Texture: To achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture, start checking the broccoli after 2 minutes of steaming.
  • Starch Mixing: Always whisk starch into cold liquids to ensure it dissolves properly and prevents lumps in the sauce.