There is nothing quite as satisfying and flavorful as the Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe. This dish takes humble broccoli and transforms it into a crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive snack or side. The magic lies in smashing the florets to create crispy edges, loading them up with garlicky chili butter, then pairing everything with a rich, nutty peanut butter dip that hits all the right taste notes. Whether you’re craving something healthy yet exciting or want to impress guests with an unexpected treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture — from the crunch of the roasted broccoli to the creamy, spicy dipping sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Broccoli (1 medium head): The star ingredient, providing that fresh, earthy base and perfect texture for smashing.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps carry that wonderful garlic flavor throughout each floret.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings a punchy, aromatic depth that makes the broccoli irresistible.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that amplify all the flavors.
- Chilli flakes (1 tsp): Deliver a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp): Provide a subtle nuttiness and delightful crunch as a finishing touch.
- Crispy seaweed flakes: A sprinkle of umami-packed magic that adds interest and a unique texture.
- Peanut butter (1 tbsp): Creates the creamy, rich base of the dipping sauce, balancing the spice perfectly.
- Dark soy sauce (1 tsp): Adds savory depth and a hint of saltiness to the dip.
- Water (1 tbsp): Used to adjust the dipping sauce to just the right consistency for dipping.
- A pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes: These round out the flavors of the dipping sauce beautifully.
How to Make Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by cutting your broccoli into florets, and don’t toss the stems! Cube them up to include for extra texture and flavor. Boil or steam these pieces for about 5 minutes—just enough time for them to get tender but still firm enough to hold their shape during smashing. Drain thoroughly so they’re nice and dry before the next step.
Step 2: Smash and Season
Lay your cooked broccoli on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Grab a potato masher or even the flat bottom of a sturdy mug, and gently press down each floret until slightly flattened. This smashing creates crispy edges when baked. Next, melt the butter and stir in your minced garlic, then brush this fragrant mixture generously over every piece. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and those fiery chilli flakes to build exciting layers of flavor.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Pop the broccoli into a preheated oven at 180°C (or 350°F). Give it 25 to 30 minutes to roast, keeping an eye on the edges—they should turn golden brown and crispy, delivering a textural contrast that’s pure satisfaction. This roasting step is where the magic happens, turning simple broccoli into a crave-worthy delight.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Once your broccoli comes out of the oven, it’s time to sprinkle over sesame seeds and those little crispy seaweed flakes. These finishing touches not only add a visual appeal but also layer in nutty, umami-rich notes, elevating this recipe to something truly special.
Step 5: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, dark soy sauce, and water until smooth and dippable. Adjust the water to get the perfect silky texture. Finish with a pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to tie it all together with a gentle heat and savory kick. This sauce is the perfect partner to your crispy broccoli bites.
How to Serve Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this dish with extra toasted sesame seeds and a few more crispy seaweed flakes makes a simple, beautiful presentation that also adds crisp, toasty notes. You could even toss in some fresh chopped herbs like coriander or spring onions for bursts of freshness and vibrant color.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a snack or appetizer, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think fragrant jasmine rice or a light Asian-style noodle salad to create a colorful, balanced meal. The combo of crispy broccoli and creamy peanut dip adds dimension to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into finger food for your next gathering? Serve the smashed broccoli on a large platter with small individual bowls of peanut butter dipping sauce on the side, so everyone can help themselves. For a fun twist, thread the florets onto skewers to create veggie kebabs that are both eye-catching and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smashed broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the crispiness, avoid covering it too tightly right after baking to prevent steam from softening the edges.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the roasted broccoli without the dipping sauce for up to a month. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing them on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the crisp edges while warming the broccoli through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a dairy-free alternative instead of butter?
Absolutely! A dairy-free butter or even a mild oil like avocado oil works well to impart richness and help the garlic flavor stick to the broccoli.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chilli flakes add a gentle heat that complements the garlic and peanut flavors without overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Is the peanut butter dipping sauce sweet or savory?
It’s primarily savory with a hint of nuttiness from the peanut butter and umami from the soy sauce, balanced with a touch of spice from the chilli flakes. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect as a dip.
Can I prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut butter dipping sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving if it thickens.
What’s the best way to smash the broccoli florets?
A potato masher is ideal, but the flat bottom of a sturdy mug or small bowl works great too. The goal is to gently flatten each floret without breaking it into pieces.
Final Thoughts
This Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe is a joyful way to enjoy vegetables with an exciting twist. The balance of crispy textures, vibrant flavors, and creamy dipping sauce makes it an absolute winner on any table. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find a new favorite way to savor broccoli that keeps everyone coming back for more!
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Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful twist on steamed broccoli by smashing the florets and baking them until crispy and golden. Tossed with garlic butter, chilli flakes, and finished with sesame seeds and crispy seaweed flakes, it pairs perfectly with a creamy peanut butter and soy sauce dip for a deliciously unique appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into florets, including stem if desired)
For the Garlic Butter
- 1 tbsp butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
Toppings
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- A sprinkle of crispy seaweed flakes
Peanut Butter Dip
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- A pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F to prepare for baking the broccoli.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets and cube the stem if using. Boil or steam the broccoli for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Smash Broccoli: Arrange the broccoli florets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Using a potato masher or the flat bottom of a mug, gently smash each floret to flatten slightly for crispier edges.
- Season with Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic. Generously brush this garlic butter mixture over the smashed broccoli. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to taste.
- Bake Broccoli: Bake the prepared broccoli in the oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds and crispy seaweed flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Make Peanut Butter Dip: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, dark soy sauce, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the smashed broccoli warm alongside the peanut butter dip for dipping and enjoy this flavorful and unique dish.
Notes
- You can substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Adjust chilli flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to drain the broccoli well after boiling or steaming to ensure crispiness when baking.
- The crispy seaweed flakes add an optional umami crunch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- The peanut butter dip can be customized by adding a little lime juice or honey for extra tanginess or sweetness.
