Best Almond Broccoli Stir Fry Recipes

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
• Sliced almonds (1/4 cup)
• Garlic cloves (2 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (2 teaspoons, grated)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Honey (1 tablespoon)
• Rice vinegar (2 teaspoons)
• Dark sesame oil (1 teaspoon)
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Preparation

1. Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets. Discard the stalks.
2. Mince the garlic cloves.
3. Grate the ginger.
4. Measure the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Spread the sliced almonds on the skillet and toast them until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside.
8. Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface.
9. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
10. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes or until they become tender and crisp.
11. Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir well to coat the broccoli.
12. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is evenly coated.
13. Garnish with the toasted almonds and serve.

Nutrition

• Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and other micronutrients.
• Sliced almonds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.
• Garlic and ginger are anti-inflammatory and have several health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and improving digestion.
• Soy sauce adds flavor and provides a small amount of protein, carbohydrates, and sodium.
• Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
• Rice vinegar is low in calories and adds a tangy flavor to the dish.
• Sesame oil is full of healthy fats and adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
• Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to the dish and contain capsaicin, which has several health benefits such as reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss.

Variations

• You can add other vegetables to the dish such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• You can use other nuts in place of almonds such as cashews, peanuts, or walnuts.
• You can use other sauces in place of soy sauce such as teriyaki, hoisin, or oyster sauce.
• You can add protein to the dish such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
• You can adjust the spiciness level according to your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Almond broccoli stir fry is a popular recipe that can be made quickly and easily. It is a healthy and tasty dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main dish when paired with rice or noodles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, there are some valuable tips that can help you make the perfect almond broccoli stir fry recipe.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The first step in making any dish is to choose the right ingredients. When making almond broccoli stir fry, it is important to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here are some tips:

Broccoli

• Choose fresh broccoli that has green stalks and tightly closed florets.
• Avoid broccoli that has yellowing or browning florets.
• Make sure the stems are not overly tough or woody.
• Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

Almonds

• Use slivered, sliced or chopped almonds.
• Toast the almonds before adding them to the stir fry for added crunchiness and flavor.
• Make sure the almonds are not overly salted.

Other Ingredients

• Choose fresh garlic, ginger and onions for added flavor.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the level of sodium in your dish.
• Choose a neutral flavored oil such as vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil for cooking.
• Add a touch of sweetness with honey, agave or brown sugar.

Preparing the Ingredients

Prepping your ingredients ahead of time can save time and make the cooking process smoother. Here are some tips:

Broccoli

• Make sure to wash the broccoli and pat it dry with a clean towel before cutting it.
• Remove any leaves or woody stems before cutting the broccoli into florets and bite-sized pieces.
• Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften it before stir frying.
• Drain the broccoli and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process before moving on to the next step.

Almonds

• If using raw almonds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
• If using pre-roasted almonds, add them at the end of the cooking process to prevent them from burning or becoming soggy.

Other Ingredients

• Peel and finely chop the ginger and garlic before adding them to the stir fry.
• Rinse and finely chop the scallions.
• Mix the soy sauce, honey and cornstarch in a small bowl and set it aside.

Cooking the Stir Fry

Stir frying is a fast and easy cooking method that involves cooking ingredients in a hot wok or skillet over high heat. Here are some tips for making a delicious and perfectly cooked almond broccoli stir fry:

Heating the Pan

• Use a wok, cast iron or non-stick skillet for even heating and prevent the stir fry from sticking to the pan.
• Heat up the pan over medium-high heat before adding the oil.
• Add the oil when the pan is hot but not smoking.
• Use a high smoke point oil for stir frying to prevent the oil from burning and to maintain the flavor of the dish.

Stir Frying the Ingredients

• Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
• Add the onions and cook for another 30 seconds or until they start to soften.
• Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, until it is crisp-tender.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the soy sauce mixture to the pan.
• Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli, stirring occasionally.
• Turn off the heat and add the toasted almonds and scallions to the stir fry.
• Stir everything together until well combined.

Serving and Storing the Stir Fry

Once the almond broccoli stir fry is cooked, it is time to serve and enjoy it. Here are some tips for serving and storing the stir fry:

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the stir fry as a side dish or main dish.
• Garnish with extra toasted almonds and scallions before serving.
• Serve the stir fry with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the leftover almond broccoli stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the stir fry in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Add extra soy sauce or water to the stir fry if it has become dry after storing.

Conclusion

Almond broccoli stir fry is a delicious and healthy dish that can be made quickly and easily. By choosing the right ingredients, preparing them ahead of time and stir frying them thoroughly, you can make a perfect almond broccoli stir fry every time. By following these valuable tips, you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills and enjoy a nutritious and tasty meal!