Cuisine: Asian · Dish Type: Side Dish · Prep: 5 min · Cook: 8 min · Servings: 4 · Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients
Broccoli:
- 1 lb broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons water
Garlic-Ginger Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Make the sauce: in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid. Microwave on high for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. (Alternatively, steam in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5–6 minutes.)
- Drain and toss: drain any excess water from the broccoli. Pour the garlic-ginger sauce over the hot broccoli and toss to coat.
- Garnish and serve: top with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Don't overcook: broccoli should be tender-crisp and bright green, not mushy. Check at 3 minutes and add more time if needed.
- Make it kid-friendly: reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The sauce is naturally sweet from the honey.
- Prep ahead: mix the sauce earlier in the day and store in the fridge. Steam broccoli just before serving.
- Texture tip: pat broccoli dry after steaming if there's excess moisture — helps the sauce cling better.
- Pairs perfectly with: bourbon chicken, teriyaki dishes, fried rice, or any Asian-inspired protein.