Imagine transforming the humble broccoli into a restaurant-worthy side dish that's so addictively delicious, you'll be fighting over the last crispy bite! This Asian Roasted Broccoli with Cashews is not just another vegetable recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of crunch, umami, and nutty goodness. Whether you're a veggie lover or someone who typically pushes greens around the plate, this recipe will completely revolutionize how you think about broccoli.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup cashews, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the broccoli head thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy roasted edges.
- Cut the broccoli into uniform-sized florets, aiming for pieces about 1-
- 5 inches in size to ensure even roasting. Discard the thick stem or save for another recipe.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger to create a flavorful marinade. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Place broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the broccoli and toss gently to coat each piece evenly, ensuring complete coverage.
- Spread the marinated broccoli florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and crispy edges.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning the broccoli once halfway through cooking to promote even browning and caramelization.
- During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle chopped cashews over the broccoli to toast them lightly and add a crunchy texture.
- Remove from oven when broccoli edges are crispy and golden brown. Immediately sprinkle sesame seeds over the roasted broccoli.
- Transfer to a serving platter and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot as a side dish or light vegetarian main course.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure to thoroughly pat your broccoli dry before roasting to achieve those irresistible golden edges.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each broccoli floret some breathing room to ensure even roasting and maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh ginger if possible—it provides a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to pre-ground ginger.
- For extra flavor depth, consider adding a small drizzle of honey or sriracha to the marinade for a sweet or spicy twist.
- Toast your cashews separately first if you want an even more intense nutty flavor before adding them to the broccoli.
- Experiment with different nut options like almonds or peanuts if cashews aren't your favorite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 105kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
