How to Cook Broccoli in a Wok

By Fred Decker

The wok is a brilliant piece of basic engineering, a deceptively simple utensil that's superbly efficient at its task. Designed to take maximum advantage of minimal cooking fuel, its bowl-shaped bottom rapidly heats oil or water to an optimal cooking temperature. In the case of broccoli, for example, in just minutes, you can stir-fry your florets, steam them to jade-green delicacy or deep-fry them to a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

broccoli stir-fry
credit: nattanan726/iStock/Getty Images
Stir-fried broccoli is a quick, flavorful meal.


Step 1

Slice the head from the stalk of broccoli and break the florets apart, and then use a paring knife or chef's knife to cut them further into bite-sized pieces. Use long, diagonal cuts on the stem ends, so the greatest possible surface area is exposed to the hot oil.

Step 2

Heat the wok over a medium-high burner. When the air inside the wok feels hot to your hand and the air smells faintly of hot metal, pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil into the wok. Swirl the oil, so the woks' entire cooking area is lightly coated with oil.

Step 3

Add a cup or two of broccoli to the wok. With a spatula or long chopsticks, stir the florets rapidly so that they all pass frequently though the hot bath of oil. It's the oil, not the heat of the wok itself, that cooks the vegetable.

Step 4

Stir-fry the florets for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on their size, until they're a glossy, vivid green and delicately tender-crisp when you bite one. Add a splash of sauce, if desired, when they're nearly done.

Step 5

Scoop the broccoli from the wok with a slotted spoon if it's plain or a serving spoon if the florets are bathed in sauce. Serve on its own as a side dish with a larger meal or over rice with stir-fried meats, tofu or other vegetables.

Steamed Broccoli

Step 6

Cut or break the broccoli head into mid-sized individual florets, and set them aside.

Step 7

Place a round bamboo steamer in the wok, and mentally note how far up the wok's side it rests. Pour enough water into the wok to come within 1/2 to 3/4 inch of the steamer's level. Replace the steamer in the wok and bring the water to a boil.

Step 8

Mound the florets loosely in the steamer and cover it with the steamer's lid.

Step 9

Steam the florets for 5 to 7 minutes or until the broccoli reaches your preferred level of tenderness.

Step 10

Scoop the broccoli carefully from the steamer with a slotted spoon or remove the wok from the burner and lift it out of the steamer with oven mitts. Serve the broccoli hot with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or sesame seeds, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a simple pat of butter.

Tempura-Style Broccoli

Step 11

Separate the broccoli into mid-sized florets, by either cutting them away with a paring knife or simply breaking them with your fingers.

Step 12

Pour enough oil into the wok to bring it to a depth of 3 to 4 inches at the deepest point. Because of the bowl shape, it's much less than you'd use in a conventional pot or saucepan. Heat the oil to a temperature of 360 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with a frying thermometer.

Step 13

Whisk cold water together with either cornstarch or rice flour to make a thin batter, approximately the consistency of light cream.

Step 14

Toss the florets in the batter until they're thoroughly coated, and then gently slide them one at a time into the hot oil. Cook only a handful at a time, so the oil temperature remains high.

Step 15

Stir the battered florets to prevent them sticking to each other or the wok and to ensure even cooking. Fry them until the batter is crisp, approximately 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Test them by tasting one, since the batter won't develop the rich, golden color of Western-style fried foods.

Step 16

Drain the fried broccoli on several layers of paper towels and keep the florets warm while you prepare the remaining portions. Serve as part of a larger Asian-themed meal or as an appetizer with an acidic or pungent dip.