About the Recipe
I grew up seeing this dish on every Chinese New Year table—braised mushrooms and broccoli, glistening in a savory sauce, nestled among other festive favorites. It’s one of those timeless dishes that feels both humble and luxurious at the same time.
In many Chinese families, mushrooms symbolize longevity and prosperity, while broccoli adds a pop of vibrant green that makes the table look extra festive. But beyond tradition, this dish is also a quiet nutritional powerhouse.
What is Braised Mushroom and Broccoli?
This dish features tender shiitake mushrooms simmered in a rich, umami-packed sauce and paired with blanched broccoli florets. It’s a vegetarian side that’s often served during Chinese New Year, especially for reunion dinners or vegetarian-friendly meals on the first day of the new year.
Why I Love This Recipe
Light but satisfying – One serving clocks in at just 75 calories but gives you 10.8g of protein and 2.6g of fibre.
Fast and fuss-free – Minimal ingredients, quick cooking time, and easy cleanup.
Perfect for celebrations – It holds its own on a festive table and pairs beautifully with rice or other side dishes.
This version stays true to the flavor profile I grew up with—fragrant, earthy, and subtly sweet—while being light enough to fit into your fat-loss goals. Whether you're planning a celebration or just want something nourishing on a weekday, this dish delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
Main
150g fresh scallops
2 cups / 140g dried shitake mushrooms
300g broccoli
Gravy
1 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp chinese cooking wine
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp corn starch
1 pinch of salt
Preparation
Step 1
Soak the shitake mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes or until they are soft. Keep the water used to soak the mushrooms, “mushroom water”.
Step 2
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water with a pinch of salt and some oil. (For a bright green look.)
Step 3
Plate the broccoli.
Step 4
Stir fry the garlic and mushroom with oil.
Step 5
Pour in the “mushroom” water and add scallops.
Step 6
Add in soy sauce, chinese cooking wine and oyster sauce.
Step 7
Make a corn starch slurry by adding cold water into the corn starch in a 1:1 ratio.
Step 8
Add the corn starch slurry in batches and stir constantly to thicken the gravy.
Step 9
Pour the gravy and its contents onto the broccoli.