Simple Stir-Fried Imitation Crab and Broccoli
Simple Stir-Fried Imitation Crab and Broccoli
Quick & Easy Imitation Crab and Broccoli Stir-Fry ♥
Warm weather calls for speedy side dishes! Here’s how to make a super simple banchan using imitation crab and broccoli. This recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious side dish that’s ready in minutes. A fantastic addition to your meal prep rotation!
Essential Ingredients- 8 sticks imitation crab (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 head broccoli (cut into florets)
- 1 red bell pepper (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- 4 Tbsp oyster sauce
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- A little cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your ingredients. Cut the imitation crab sticks into manageable pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Core the bell peppers and slice them thinly into strips. Slice the onion thinly as well. For the garlic, you can either thinly slice the cloves or mince them finely. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Having everything prepped beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother and faster.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the prepared broccoli florets and blanch for about 1 minute until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and preserve their vibrant color. Next, add the imitation crab sticks to the same boiling water and blanch for just about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook the imitation crab, as it can become mushy. Drain both the broccoli and imitation crab thoroughly and set aside.
Step 3
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add the sliced or minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Be sure to keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning; lightly toasting it will significantly enhance the flavor.
Step 4
Once the garlic is aromatic, add the blanched imitation crab, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and onion to the pan. Stir-fry over medium-high heat to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. Toss everything together well to ensure even cooking.
Step 5
When the vegetables and imitation crab are nearly cooked through, add the 4 tablespoons of oyster sauce. Oyster sauce usually contains enough salt, but taste the dish and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed. Add a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat all the ingredients evenly. Your delicious imitation crab and broccoli stir-fry is ready! It’s wonderful served warm immediately, or you can let it cool and pack it as a side dish for lunch.
