Tender-crisp broccoli florets coated in a rich, nutty butter sauce make eating your vegetables feel like a treat. You'll toss fresh stalks and florets in a savory blend of melted butter, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. It's a simple method that transforms plain greens into a standout side dish. You won't need any special equipment, just a saucepan and a few pantry staples to finish the job.
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
1 ½ lb fresh broccoli
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seed, toasted ( page 22 )
½ teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
1Separate the florets from the broccoli stalks. Trim the stalks into 1-inch by half-inch pieces, discarding any leaves.
2Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the prepared broccoli and let the water return to a boil. Cook uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender, then drain well. Return the broccoli to the saucepan and cover it. Trapping the residual steam keeps the vegetables warm while you mix the sauce.
3Whisk the melted butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil together in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the warm broccoli and toss well to coat.
Notes
Prep: Don't throw away the broccoli stalks. Peeling and slicing them adds great texture and reduces food waste.
Swap: If you don't have butter, use a neutral oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
Tip: Toast raw sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and golden.