Roasted Broccoli With Sesame Dressing
Bright, roasted broccoli drizzled with a tangy sesame dressing, perfect for healthy side dishes or vegetarian meals with bold, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the broccoli with 1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil until well coated and roast in a preheated 500° oven, turning occasionally with tongs, for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- While the broccoli is roasting, in a blender, blend the lemon juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, toasted sesame seed, ground ginger, minced garlic, vegetable oil, and sugar until smooth.
- Transfer the roasted broccoli to a serving dish and pour the sesame dressing over it.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal roasting, ensure your broccoli is cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of almond butter to the dressing. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari. You can also experiment by adding crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted broccoli with sesame dressing is a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with sushi or grilled meats. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a light meal. For a more substantial dish, consider adding chickpeas or tofu for protein, making it suitable for vegan recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the broccoli soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roasted Broccoli With Sesame Dressing contains roughly 382 calories, with 11g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli. Ensure it is thawed and excess moisture is removed before roasting. This may slightly alter the cooking time, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, you can use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil, but you will miss the distinctive flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of tahini to mimic the sesame taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your roasted broccoli, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sesame dressing or toss some diced jalapeños with the broccoli before roasting. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).