Sesame Broccoli

Sesame Broccoli Recipe from China - Healthy and Delicious

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sesame broccoli is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavor of broccoli with the nutty taste of sesame seeds. This recipe is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

History

Sesame broccoli is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, where sesame seeds are commonly used to add flavor and texture to dishes. The combination of broccoli and sesame seeds creates a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 bunch of blanched broccoli
2 tbsp of olive oil
0.25 cup of rice wine vinegar
0.25 cup of soy sauce
2 tbsp of sesame oil
4 tbsp of sesame seeds

How to prepare

Blanch the broccoli and toss it with olive oil. Place it on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 5 minutes.
Toss the broccoli with a dressing made with the remaining ingredients, except for the seeds.
Toast the seeds and sprinkle them on the salad. Serve the salad warm or cold.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the sesame broccoli for added flavor and texture. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blanch the broccoli before baking to ensure that it is cooked through but still retains its vibrant green color.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.

- You can adjust the amount of soy sauce and rice wine vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame broccoli can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or tofu. It can also be served on a bed of rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the broccoli before baking helps to soften it slightly and preserve its vibrant green color. Baking the broccoli at a high temperature helps to caramelize the edges and enhance its flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. You can also use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil for a more intense flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the broccoli and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and toss them together just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sesame broccoli in a large bowl or platter and sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.

Pairing Recommendations

Sesame broccoli pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. It also pairs well with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sesame broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sesame broccoli contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sesame broccoli contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sesame broccoli contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sesame broccoli contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It also contains sesame seeds, which may be allergenic to some individuals.

Summary

Sesame broccoli is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Sesame broccoli is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and versatile. It is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli while adding a delicious twist with sesame seeds.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Rose for our weekly tea and catch-up session. Rose was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day she surprised me with a new dish - Sesame Broccoli. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

As I savored the flavors of the dish, Rose shared with me the story of how she came across the recipe. She had attended a cooking class at the local community center, where a talented chef had demonstrated how to make this simple yet flavorful dish. Rose had made a few tweaks to the original recipe and made it her own, and I was eager to do the same.

After finishing our meal, I begged Rose to share the recipe with me. She graciously agreed and wrote it down on a piece of paper, emphasizing the importance of using fresh ingredients and not overcooking the broccoli. I thanked her profusely and promised to give it a try soon.

When I got home, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients for the Sesame Broccoli. I could still taste the dish on my palate, and I was determined to recreate it to perfection. I followed Rose's instructions to the letter, carefully blanching the broccoli and tossing it in a flavorful sesame sauce.

As the aroma of sesame wafted through my kitchen, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The dish looked just like the one Rose had served me, and I couldn't wait to taste it. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that danced on my taste buds. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I made Sesame Broccoli countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my taste. I added a touch of garlic for extra flavor, and sometimes I sprinkled toasted sesame seeds on top for a crunchy texture. It became a favorite among my family and friends, who always requested it whenever we gathered for a meal.

One day, my granddaughter, Lily, asked me to teach her how to make the Sesame Broccoli. She had grown up watching me cook and was eager to learn the secrets of my recipes. I was overjoyed at the prospect of passing down this beloved recipe to the next generation.

Together, Lily and I spent an afternoon in the kitchen, chopping broccoli and mixing the sesame sauce. I shared with her the story of how I had learned the recipe from Rose and how it had become a cherished part of our family tradition. Lily listened intently, taking notes and asking questions along the way.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as Lily took her first bite of the Sesame Broccoli. A smile spread across her face, and I knew that she had captured the essence of the dish perfectly. It was a moment of connection, bridging the gap between generations through the simple act of cooking.

In the years that followed, Lily became an accomplished cook in her own right, mastering the art of making Sesame Broccoli and adding her own twist to the recipe. She would often visit me, armed with a fresh batch of the dish, eager to share her latest creation with me. It filled my heart with joy to see her passion for cooking and the love she poured into every dish she made.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the day I first learned to make Sesame Broccoli, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life. From Rose's kitchen to mine, and now to Lily's, this recipe has traveled through time, carrying with it memories of love, friendship, and shared meals. And as long as there are fresh ingredients and a sprinkle of sesame, the tradition of making this beloved dish will continue to bring smiles to our faces for generations to come.