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.
