Name: Microwave Asian-Inspired Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Ingredients: 450 g Broccoli, Cut Into Florets; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Sesame Oil; 1 tsp Grated Ginger; 1 Garlic Clove, Minced; 1 tsp Honey; 1 tsp Sesame Seeds, Toasted

Ingredients

450g Broccoli Cut Into Florets
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp Grated Ginger
1 Garlic Clove Minced
1 tsp Honey
1 tsp Sesame Seeds Toasted

Method

Step 1: Add Broccoli to a Dish

Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. For 450g of broccoli florets, you’ll need around 2 tbsp of water. Ideally keep the broccoli in a single layer to get an even cook but a little overlapping is fine.

Broccoli florets in a microwave safe dish from above

Step 2: Cover and Microwave

Cover the bowl with cling film and pierce a few holes in the top to allow the steam to escape. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes. Check for doneness. The broccoli should be tender but still crisp.

This is based on a 900w microwave. If you have a lower-wattage microwave, then add 1 minute to the cooking time. If you have a higher-wattage microwave then start checking it for doneness after 3 minutes.

Broccoli florets in a glass dish, covered with cling film

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and honey in a small bowl using a whisk until fully incorporated. Give it a taste and adjust accordingly. If you need a little more saltiness, then add some more soy. If you want it to be nuttier, then add more sesame.

Making an Asian-inspired dressing in a glass bowl from above

Step 4: Combine

Drain any excess water from broccoli, add the sauce, and toss. Make sure the sauce completely coats the broccoli and gets in all the gaps.

Microwaved broccoli being combined with an Asian dressing in a glass dish from above

Step 5: Garnish

Give it a taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly before sprinkling with sesame seeds before serving.

Sprinkling sesame seeds over cooked broccoli

Tweaks

Add Acidity Acidity works well with the saltiness and nuttiness of the sauce, so add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of zest.
Add Heat If you like the heat of chilli, then add a little grated fresh red chilli to the sauce or a pinch of dried chilli flakes at the end.
Make a Glaze If you want to glaze the broccoli with a stickier sauce, then reduce the sauce in a pan over medium heat.

Substitutes

Change the Sweetness If you don’t have honey, then you can use other forms of liquid sweetness, such as maple syrup or agave.
Adjust the Sauce Tweak the sauce for your personal tastes. If you want a saltier sauce then add more soy, if you want it nuttier then add more sesame and if you want more warmth then up the ginger.
Use Other Broccoli Types This recipe works particularly well with Tenderstem broccoli.

Storage

In the Fridge To store leftover Asian-dressed broccoli, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3 days. Remember to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its quality.

In the Freezer To freeze Asian-dressed broccoli, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, spread it on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Transfer the frozen broccoli to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips

Dress When Hot: The broccoli will absorb the flavour from the sauce if you dress it when hot. The heat will also mellow the raw garlic flavour in the sauce.

Cut Uniformly: Get an even cook across each floret by cutting them to uniform sizes. You don’t have to be overly precise but roughly the same size is a must.

Toast the Seeds: Sesame seeds release a stronger, nuttier flavour when they are toasted. Simply add them to a dry pan and heat over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Char the Broccoli: The dressing works really well with broccoli that has charred edges. You can do this on a griddle pan, on the BBQ, using a blowtorch or under the grill.