Zero-Waste Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

Name: Zero-Waste Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Ingredients: Broccoli; Olive oil; Garlic cloves; Salt; Chili flakes

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⏱️ Prep: 5m

🔥 Cook: 7m

🎬 Video: 2m 6s

📊 Easy

🏠 Cuisine: Nepali 🍽️ Course: Side Dish 👥 Servings: 2

Most people toss away broccoli stems and stalks, but back home we always used every part of the vegetable. Today, I picked up fresh broccoli from the farmers market and made a quick zero-waste garlic stir fry using crowns, stems, and stalks — all full of flavor and nutrients. This recipe is not only healthy and sustainable, but it also reminds me of my childhood in Nepal where nothing ever went unused in the kitchen. It’s simple, ready in minutes, and shows how delicious zero-waste cooking can be.

Instructions

Steam broccoli crowns for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté lightly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add the chopped broccoli stems and stalks to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, along with salt and chili flakes (if using).
Add the steamed broccoli crowns to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors and ensure all parts are heated through.
Serve immediately as a quick, zero-waste, healthy broccoli stir fry.

💡 Chef’s Notes

This recipe emphasizes zero-waste cooking by utilizing all parts of the broccoli, including the often-discarded stems and stalks. It’s a healthy, sustainable, and quick dish inspired by traditional Nepali kitchen practices.