Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (2024)

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4.9 from 12 reviews

//By Alexandra Stafford onJanuary 23, 2020 (updated July 19, 2021) Jump To Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (1)

Last summer, this spicy green bean recipe opened my eyes to the wonderful world of blistered string beans, reminding me, too, that harnessing the power of a few heavy-hitting ingredients — capers, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes — can pay off big: super-flavorful vegetables in no time.

It also reminded me of maybe the most neglected tool in my kitchen: my broiler!

In the winter, I get in such a routine of roasting sheet pan after sheet pan of vegetables for what seems like forever. But in a fraction of the time, the broiler can do similar work. The flavor of broiled vegetables is not the same as roasted — i.e., they don’t taste caramelized — but broiled vegetables are cooked nonetheless and, in some instances, cooked better.

Take for instance broccoli. What I love about a broiled broccoli spear is that its florets char, while its stems remain vibrant, brilliant green in hue with a nice al dente texture, a feat achieved in 5 to 6 minutes total.

Seasoned merely with olive oil and salt, this broccoli is delicious on its own straight from the broiler, but upon being hit with a sauce, an infusion really, made from both coconut and sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, scallions, and chili paste (Sambal Oelek or Sriracha), it becomes truly irresistible.

As with the green beans, I could eat this whole platter of broccoli alone, but when I feel like sharing, I’ll tuck them aside this warm tofu with spicy sesame scallion sauce (see below) or this broiled ginger-soy salmon, or I’ll heap them onto a scoop of this Instant Pot brown rice, crack a poached egg over top, and call dinner done.

PS: Roasted broccoli is also delicious. As is pan-seared.

Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (2)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (3)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (4)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (5)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (6)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (7)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (8)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (9)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (10)
Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (11)

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Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (12)

Broiled Broccoli with Spicy, Sesame-Scallion Sizzle

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Alexandra Stafford
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2 to 4 as a side dish
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Description

Inspired mostly by this blistered green bean recipe but also this homemade ranch with scallion sizzle.

As noted in the post, I like serving this broccoli with this warm tofu. This broiled salmon would be another nice option.

Ingredients

For the sizzle:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced

For the broccoli:

  • 1.25 lbs (roughly) broccoli
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola
  • kosher salt
  • flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, for finishing, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat the broiler to high for at least 15 minutes. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil.
  2. In a small skillet, place the sesame oil, coconut oil, sambal oelek or Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and scallions. Turn the heat to low and let the oils slowly infuse.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli: cut the head into spears; then cut larger spears into half or quarters.
  4. Toss the broccoli on the prepared sheet pan with the tablespoon of neutral oil and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Taste a small spear of broccoli raw — it should taste nicely seasoned. Transfer pan to broiler and cook 2 minutes. Check. If the broccoli isn’t beginning to char, return it for another minute. Check again. If the spears are charring, remove the pan from the oven, and flip each spear over; then return pan to the broiler for another 2 minutes. Check again. Remove pan from the oven when the broccoli is charred to your liking, about 5-7 minutes total. (Note: When my broiler has preheated sufficiently, my broccoli consistently cooks to my liking in 5 minutes with a flip after 3 minutes. Every oven is different, however, so be vigilant!)
  5. Transfer broccoli to a serving platter.
  6. Meanwhile, the oils in the skillet should be gently shimmering and the sesame seeds and scallions should be beginning to frizzle. Turn the heat up to medium or high and keep a close watch. As soon as you see the oil bubbling more rapidly, remove the pan from the burner and pour the oil over the broccoli.
  7. Gently toss. Taste. Season with sea salt if desired — if your broccoli was nicely seasoned before going under the broiler, you might not need any additional salt. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Broiler
  • Cuisine: Asian

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Vegan Winter Broccoli Scallions Side Dishes Gluten-free Vegetarian Fall

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    43 Comments on “Broiled Broccoli with Spicy, Sesame-Scallion Sizzle”

  1. KiaraReply

    WHERE WAS THIS RECIPE JAN 21ST? I wish I could show you my search history trying to find a spicy sesame broccoli dish. I guess this is still some kind of divine providence. I shall make this delicious-sound dish ASAP!

    • alexandraReply

      omg too funny 🙂 🙂 🙂 and yay! Hope you love it. I seriously have been making it all week. It’s so fast and so tasty.

  2. DeniseReply

    Alex,
    You don’t mention peeling the outside tough layer on stems. I assume not necessary in this preparation?

    • alexandraReply

      Hi Denise! The broccoli I have been buying recently has most of the big stem cut off, so I haven’t been doing any additional trimming. That said: If you get a head of broccoli with the big stem attached, do peel off or use a paring knife to remove the outside tough layer. I love broccoli stems and wish my heads would arrive with them intact.

  3. SallyBRReply

    I love broccoli prepared this way (blistered and al dente), although I’ve never used the broiler – intend to do so very soon.

    I like the fact that it will be ready super quick…. looks amazing actually

    (on a side note, just wanted to let you know that for some reason I have to enter my info every time I leave a comment – not sure if there is a glitch in the system… )

    • alexandraReply

      Thanks, Sally!! Hope you love these 🙂

      And thank you for letting me know about the login issue … what a pain?! I will try to get to the bottom of it. I

  4. AlysonReply

    This was so delicious that I would have eaten the whole thing myself as dinner. It would go with any Asian-style dish, and at the very least, the sauce contains enough flavor to spice up a dish of plain rice. Thank you, Alexandra!

    • alexandraReply

      So happy to hear this, Alyson!! Thanks for writing 🙂

  5. MollyReply

    This was great. I followed the recipe to a T and will again. It’s nice to have inspired vegetables in the middle of winter.

    • alexandraReply

      So happy to hear this Molly 🙂

  6. JamieReply

    Wow! I left out the scallions because I don’t really care for them and this just turned out so good! Thanks for your amazing recipes!!

    • alexandraReply

      Yay! So happy to hear this, Jamie!

  7. JenniferReply

    I find the broiler of my ancient stove a hassle – always running off the tracks. I was tempted to roast in the oven but happy I tried this. Roasting always seems to dry it out a little too much for my liking. Broiling is perfect and soooo much faster. Sold! I feel tofu and broccoli are one of those great matches and was looking for something new than the old standard I use. This was exactly what I was looking for and I just happened to have everything on hand – it was delicious! I used Sambal but passed Sriracha as we sat down. I pan fried tofu with cornmeal and nutritional yeast (an old hippy recipe, but one worth keeping). I’ll make this again but double the sizzle!

    • alexandraReply

      So happy to hear this, Jennifer! Your hippy, pan-fried tofu sounds totally delicious 🙂 🙂 🙂

  8. ErikaReply

    Excellent! As always. Made with your tofu and some short grain brown rice. Thank you!

    • alexandraReply

      So happy to hear this, Erika!

  9. DeniseReply

    Alex, do you like broiling these on the top rack or one down?

    • alexandraReply

      I use the top, Denise! But every oven is different, so keep a close watch.

  10. TCReply

    I made this tonight as a tryout for a girl’s potluck this weekend. I had to keep myself from eating the whole pan of broccoli. The sesame sizzle is as easy as can be. I don’t know if I will ever cook broccoli any other way from now on…haha!

    • alexandraReply

      I’m so happy to hear this, TC … And I hear you — I have to transfer it to storage containers to prevent myself from eating the whole thing 🙂 🙂 🙂

  11. DebLReply

    This was a delicious way to prepare and serve broccoli. I think it’s my favorite! I’ll definitely serve this again!

    • alexandraReply

      Yay! So happy to hear this, Deb!

  12. Bobby FleckReply

    Holy s*** this looks amazing! I am sure I am not the only one who loves broccoli and hates it at the same time for being tasteless. This recipe will undoubtedly make broccoli a hit this season for me 🙂 Thank you for sharing this!

  13. SnigdhaReply

    Hi, this recipe looks yumm.
    Perhaps a silly question, but is broiling the same as grilling?
    Thanks.

    • alexandraReply

      Not silly! They’re not quite the same: Grilling you’re putting food directly on a hot grate. With broiling, you’re putting food directly under a hot source.

  14. EmilyReply

    I cannot believe how good this is! We also had this sauce on the side of some super fresh ahi that we got from the fishmonger this weekend and it was amazing.

    • alexandraReply

      Oh wonderful! So nice to hear this, Emily!

  15. Peter BecklesReply

    Just one caveat: sambal oelek is well salted so you have to be careful with additional salt.

    • alexandraReply

      Great point, Peter. Thanks!

  16. KimReply

    Another winner! This was great as I tossed the broccoli with tofu, Napa cabbage and topped with peanuts. This could be very versatile and I can’t wait to make it again! Loved it!

    • alexandraReply

      Wonderful to hear this, Kim! That all sounds delicious and like such a nice way to turn the broccoli into a meal. Yum!

  17. AnnierReply

    I’m so happy to have another broccoli recipe to add to my rotation. I have also tried your recipe for broccoli steaks and it was a great success. Keep the broccoli recipes coming.
    A thousand thanks for sharing and for all that you do for us.

    • alexandraReply

      So nice to hear this, Annier! And thanks for writing 🙂

  18. KarenReply

    Delicious–a new go-to recipe for broccoli. We had it with your tofu dish that was also good. I served it with soba noodles. Thank you so much.

    • alexandraReply

      Oh yay! Wonderful to hear this, Karen! Thanks so much for writing.

  19. Nat LeeReply

    I made this recipe for lunch today and WOW! It was so good! Great on it’s own. I also had some with white rice. Nomnomnom! My new favorite way to prepare broccoli. Thank you!

    • alexandraReply

      Yay! So nice to hear this, Nat 🙂 🙂 🙂 Broiled broccoli is my fave!

  20. JoReply

    hello!
    What can I use as a substitute to coconut oil?

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Hi Jo! Olive oil would be just fine.

  21. Philla BarkhornReply

    I have made this recipe several times, always to rave reviews. It is simple and healthy. I often make it to accompany Warm Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce and serve it with brown rice. Thank you Alexandra for such a tasty and easy recipe!

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      So nice to hear all of this, Philla 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thanks so much for writing.

  22. Murielle VachonReply

    Bonjour Alex. Love this recipe and all your recipes for that matter! I have been following your posts for a year now and I’m never disappointed. Cheers from Quebec.

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      So nice to hear, Murielle 🙂 🙂 🙂 Thanks so much for writing.

Broiled Broccoli with Spicy Sesame-Scallion Sizzle | Alexandra's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How long should broccoli be boiled? ›

To boil, place in a pan of boiling water and cook the florets for 6-8 minutes. To steam, place in a steamer over boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes. Broccoli to be stir-fried should be separated into bite-sized florets, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan and add the florets, cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender.

What spices are good to put on broccoli? ›

It's definitely hard to find a spice or herb that doesn't work with broccoli or broccolini. Any combination of garlic, salt, pepper and any classic herbs, (basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, tarragon, thyme, etc.,) is a surefire way to treat these veggies right.

Which cooking technique gives the best results when cooking broccoli? ›

The easiest way to cook broccoli is to blanch it. Blanching is a process in which the broccoli is submerged in boiling water for only a few minutes, then transferred into an ice bath to keep it from overcooking and turning mushy. The broccoli florets will turn a vibrant shade of green and maintain a much-needed crunch.

Should I blanch broccoli? ›

The best way to keep your broccoli fresh and tasty is to blanch it with salted water and sesame oil. It's easy, healthy and so versatile. The blanched broccoli keeps well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge and is ready to enjoy any time!

How do you know when broccoli is fully cooked? ›

The broccoli is done when you can pierce it with a fork. As soon as it is pierce-able, remove from heat, place in serving dish. Note that green vegetables like broccoli will turn from vibrant green to drab olive green at about the 7 minute mark of cooking. So, watch the time, and don't let the broccoli overcook!

Can you boil broccoli too long? ›

Once the broccoli begins to turn yellow and develops a mushy texture, it's been boiling for too long. If you're trying to waste less food and wish to cook the broccoli stems with the florets, cut them into bite-sized pieces and boil them for about two minutes before you add the florets to the pot of boiling water.

Should I season broccoli before or after cooking? ›

Add broccoli to the boiling water and cook for a maximum of 2 and ½ to 3 minutes. Drain immediately. Mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss the broccoli in the seasonings and enjoy!

What spices make vegetables taste better? ›

Using different seasonings can completely transform your plant-based cooking. Spices like chile powder, curry, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper can do wonders for vegetables. And never forget the most important seasoning: salt (just remember to add a little bit at a time and keep tasting).

What makes broccoli better? ›

The high content of vitamin A and antioxidants in broccoli promotes eye health and may prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. The vitamin C content of broccoli strengthens the immune system and promotes collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption.

Is it better to boil or roast broccoli? ›

Cooking broccoli in this way retains most of its colour, nutritional value along with that crunch that results in a delicious side dish that even my youngest and pickiest eater enjoys. Boiling or over-cooking the broccoli florets turns the texture into mush and also draw away much of its cancer-fighting goodness.

Does broccoli taste better steamed or boiled? ›

Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It preserves broccoli's vibrant green color and fresh flavor without the addition of oil. While boiled broccoli is often soggy, steamed broccoli is characteristically crisp-tender.

Is broccoli better fried or boiled? ›

(2006) and Miglio et al. (2008) reported that boiling and steaming of broccoli resulted in an increase in carotenoids as compared with fresh broccoli, while frying caused a 67% loss of the initial carotenoid concentration.

What happens if you don't blanch broccoli before freezing? ›

Broccoli — florets and stems — must be blanched for effective freezing. If you freeze it raw, you'll wind up with bitter, drab green, shriveled stems. Blanching preserves the bright green color and tasty flavor. You can either blanch in boiling water for three minutes or steam for five minutes.

Why put broccoli in ice water? ›

To keep those green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or leafy greens really green, submerge them in an ice water bath the moment you pull them out of the boiling water. This will keep them vibrantly green with a pleasing snap.

What does "blanch" mean? ›

cooking : to scald or parboil in water or steam in order to remove the skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in (such as food for freezing)

Will boiling broccoli soften it? ›

Broccoli can be eaten raw, but blanching it quickly in boiling water helps give it a more crisp-tender texture and bring out its flavor. Broccoli can also be steamed, sautéed, and roasted. You could even throw long spears on the grill!

Is broccoli still good for you if you boil it? ›

Is boiled broccoli still healthy? Boiled vegetables do lose some nutrients in the cooking water, namely water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and folate. However, boiled broccoli is still a healthy food choice that provides benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber and several nutrients.

How many minutes should you boil broccoli before stir fry? ›

How to stir fry broccoli:
  1. Boil the broccoli for 2 minutes and drain.
  2. Add the broccoli to the wok, stirring constantly, add the crushed garlic & spring onion.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan, stir to combine and serve.
Jul 7, 2020

How do you boil broccoli without cutting it? ›

In her clip, Stephanie can be seen placing the broccoli upside down in a pot of boiling water with the stem sticking out. She writes: 'Turns out not everyone cooks their broccoli like this. ' Once the broccoli is cooked, she cuts the soft stem off and is left with the florets.

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