I call this recipe “Asian Broccoli” simply because it’s broccoli in a white sauce, to which we add soy sauce and sesame oil.  Nothing could be more satisfying. Apart from the aforementioned soy sauce and sesame oil, I also included onion and garlic to give the sauce more heft. Keeping the Asian theme in mind, I served it with Lo Mein noodles. The dish came out great! If desired, you can substitute any string pasta such as spaghetti, linguini, capellini or angel hair for the Lo Mein noodles. Whatever accompaniment you use, you have a simple yet sumptuous meal to please any palate—even finicky kids who “hate broccoli.”

ASIAN BROCCOLI

Ingredients:

I packager (12oz. to 1 pound) Lo Mein Noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon oregano
1 cup milk (can use whole milk or 2% fat milk)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 head broccoli (about 9 oz.) with florets and stems cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions:

  1. First, you boil the Lo Mein noodles. However, there are two types: Pre-cooked and Uncooked. With uncooked Lo Main noodles, you rinsed them in a colander and then boil them for 3 minutes in boiling water. It’s best to cook them until they are al dente, meaning they are cooked through but still have a slight firmness. With pre-cooked, I still boil them for a minute or so. Thal’s just my thing. Some folks just run them under warm water before cooking. Use what suits you best. Drain in a colander, set aside and keep warm.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper and oregano, Stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil and cook about 1 minute more.
  4. Add broccoli stems and cook for 2 minutes. Add the florets and cook for another 2 minutes. Taste to determine if it’s tender enough. It might need a little more cooking time. You decide, especially when you see that bright green color capture your imagination. Serve over Lio Mein noodles.
    Yield: 4 servings.