What is Gai Lan?
Source: intuitivefooddesign.com
Gai Lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. It belongs to the Brassica family, making it a close relative of broccoli, kale, and bok choy. Unlike traditional broccoli, Gai Lan has thicker stems, dark green leaves, and small flower buds. It has a slightly bitter, earthy taste and a tender-crisp texture when cooked properly.
This nutritious vegetable is a staple in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking, often stir-fried with garlic or served with oyster sauce. If you've received Gai Lan in your Oddprod box and are unsure how to use it, keep reading!
Health Benefits of Gai Lan
Source: nutrivore.com
Chinese broccoli is packed with essential nutrients that make it a fantastic addition to your diet:
✅ Rich in Vitamins & Minerals – High in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which support immune health, skin health, and bone strength.
✅ High in Antioxidants – Contains beta-carotene and lutein, which help reduce inflammation and support eye health.
✅ Supports Digestion – Like other leafy greens, Gai Lan is a great source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
✅ Low in Calories, High in Nutrients – A perfect choice for a healthy, nutrient-dense meal.
How to Prepare & Cook Gai Lan
1. How to Wash & Prep Gai Lan
Source: pressurecookrecipes.com
Since Gai Lan can have a bit of grit, follow these steps for proper cleaning:
1️⃣ Rinse the leaves and stems under cold running water.
2️⃣ Soak in a bowl of water for 5-10 minutes to remove dirt.
3️⃣ Trim off the tough ends of the stems (around 2cm).
4️⃣ If the stems are thick, slice them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
2. Best Ways to Cook Gai Lan
Source: cjeatsrecipes.com, woonheng.com, themalamarket.com
✔ Stir-Fried Gai Lan with Garlic & Oyster Sauce (Classic Cantonese Dish!)
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped Gai Lan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green.
- Add 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir well and serve!
✔ Blanched Gai Lan with Light Soy Dressing
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add Gai Lan and cook for 30-40 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Drizzle with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar.
✔ Gai Lan & Beef Stir-Fry
- Stir-fry thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and ginger.
- Add blanched Gai Lan and toss together for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
✔ Steamed Gai Lan with Sesame Dressing
- Steam Gai Lan for 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle with a dressing made of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
Pro Tip: Don’t Overcook Gai Lan!
For the best taste and texture, Gai Lan should be bright green and slightly crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy and bitter.
How to Store Gai Lan for Maximum Freshness
Short-Term Storage (Up to 5 Days)
🥶 Store in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and place it inside a breathable produce bag or an open plastic bag.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)
❄ Blanch & Freeze:
- Trim and cut Gai Lan into bite-sized pieces.
- Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to ice water.
- Drain, pat dry, and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Where to Buy Gai Lan in Australia?
Gai Lan is available at Asian grocery stores, select supermarkets, and fresh produce markets. But if you're an Oddprod customer, lucky you—we’ve included fresh Gai Lan in this week’s box!
Final Thoughts: Try Gai Lan This Week!
Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) is a delicious, nutrient-packed vegetable that’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you stir-fry, steam, or blanch it, this leafy green will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
💡 Got a favorite Gai Lan recipe? Leave it in the comments below! And if you’re enjoying your Oddprod box, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @theoddprod with your cooking creations.