Charred Sesame Broccoli
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Charred sesame broccoli is cooked until slightly blackened and smoky, then tossed in a savoury combination of sesame oil and soy sauce, and a touch of toasted sesame seeds. A simple side to accompany an array of meals.
Dietary Preferences: vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free
Macronutrients (per serving):
Carb Energy
6.8g | 27 kcal
Protein Power
3.1g | 12 kcal
Fat Fuel
8.3g | 75 kcal
Learn more about the importance of macronutrients in your outdoor adventure meal plan
Charred Sesame Broccoli Ingredients
Before you go running to the store, let me give you the inside scoop on the key ingredients:
Broccoli
Top 3 nutrients: vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K
Did you know broccoli is a human-developed vegetable? It’s derived from the wild cabbage plant, which was originally native to the eastern Mediterranean. But anywho, grab a large broccoli head or bag of broccoli florets and you’re good to go.Â
Sesame Oil
Native to: sub-Saharan Africa (sesame)
Top nutrients: healthy fats, vitamin E
In addition to adding flavour to this dish, sesame oil has a high smoke point so it can withstand the high temperature of a grill or fire.Â
Sesame Seeds
Native to: sub-Saharan Africa (sesame)
Top 3 nutrients: healthy fats, protein, fiber
You can use either white or black sesame seeds, but white is recommended as they complement broccoli the best.Â
Soy Sauce
Native to:Â East Asia (soybeans)
Feel free to use your preferred soy sauce. If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, make sure you choose a gluten-free brand.
What to Serve With Charred Sesame Broccoli
Sesame broccoli pairs well with a variety of dishes, and its nutty and savoury flavours complement different cuisines. Here are some ideas on what to serve with sesame broccoli:
- Salmon or shrimp: Grilled salmon or shrimp, seasoned with complementary flavours like ginger or soy, works well with sesame broccoli.
- Grilled Chicken, Steak or Tofu: Serve sesame broccoli alongside grilled chicken, steak or tofu for a well-balanced and protein-rich meal.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Create a delicious stir-fry by tossing sesame broccoli with stir-fried noodles. You can add your choice of protein.
- Fried Rice: Serve sesame broccoli with fried rice for a tasty and satisfying dish. The textures and flavours complement each other nicely.
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Charred Sesame Broccoli FAQ's
Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can, but fresh broccoli is highly recommended. Frozen broccoli holds a lot of moisture, so it makes it more difficult to obtain a nice char. If you must use frozen, allow to thaw and remove as much water as possible. Expect to extend the cooking time.
Can I only use florets? Or can I include the stalks and stems?
Absolutely, use it all! There’s no sense wasting any part of the plant. Just make sure to slice the the stalks and stems into 1/4″ thick slices.
More campfire + grill recipes:
Charred Sesame Broccoli
Charred sesame broccoli is cooked until slightly blackened and smoky, then tossed in a savoury combination of sesame oil and soy sauce, and a touch of toasted sesame seeds. A simple side to whip up on the grill or over the fire.
Notable Equipment
- Cast Iron Pan preferred
- OR frying pan for use on a grill or fire preferred
- OR foil
Ingredients
- 4 heaping cups broccoli florets, about 1 medium-large head
- 2 tbsps sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- soy sauce, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Turn grill on to medium-high heat (or ensure campfire is a similar cooking heat).
- 2. Pre-heat the pan by setting it on the grill or near the fire (this enhances the charring effect). Skip this step if using foil.
- 3. Wash and roughly chop broccoli into florets. If including any part of the stalk or stems, slice into ¼" pieces.
- 4. Toss broccoli in sesame oil. Stir or shake well to coat all florets as evenly as possible.
- 5. Add broccoli into pre-heated pan or fold into a foil packet.
- 6. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Stir or flip a few times to allow multiple sides of broccoli to char. Broccoli should be charred and slightly soft when done.
- 7. Pour broccoli into a bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and a touch more sesame oil to taste. Sprinkle on sesame seeds.
- Optional: amplify the sesame flavour by slightly toasting the sesame seeds. Do this by toasting the seeds for 1-2 minutes in the pan or in some foil (remove before adding the broccoli), or add them for the last couple of minutes in step 6.
Notes
- Cooking over the campfire? Learn how to gauge the cooking temperature of a campfire by giving our post a read: How to Cook Over the Campfire Like a Master Chef
- Did you know that foil is recyclable? Just ensure to remove food particles as much as possible and crumple up in a ball before recycling (this may vary depending where you live)
- Wash and prep broccoli at home, or opt for prepped broccoli florets
- Toast some sesame seeds at home. Sesame seeds are usually always best when slightly toasted so feel free to make more than needed for this recipe and incorporate them into other meals or snacks.Â
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 6.8gProtein: 3.1gFat: 8.3gSaturated Fat: 1.1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 110mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 1.5g
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.
