Charred Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Name: Charred Broccoli with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs broccoli florets (3 small heads); Olive oil spray; Salt and pepper; 1/4 cup natural peanut butter*; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and/or almond flakes

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This easy charred broccoli recipe with spicy peanut sauce is a wonderful, bright side dish with notes of sweet and spicy.

Broccoli on a plate with peanut sauce, almond flakes and sesame seeds.

Charred broccoli with peanut sauce is absolutely AMAZING! It is a very easy side dish that is ready in about 15-20 minutes and it takes minimal effort to whip up. I adore how nutrient-dense broccoli is, it’s packed with fibre, and this dish is a true mood booster. It's light, flavourful, and won't leave you feeling weighed down.

The broccoli is broiled for a charred flavour, then coated in a delicious peanut sauce with toasted almonds and sesame seeds. The dry heat of the broiler caramelises the florets while keeping the stalks crisp-tender. Once you try it, you'll crave it repeatedly.

Charred broccoli with peanut sauce and almond flakes on a plate.

Ingredients you’ll need

For this charred broccoli recipe you’ll need a broccoli plus some condiments to make the sauce.

Fresh broccoli: Frozen broccoli is not recommended as it cooks differently. Fresh broccoli provides a hearty texture and chars up nicely.
Creamy peanut butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without additives for the best texture.
Garlic cloves: Alternatively, use garlic powder if cloves are not available.
Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a rich flavour.
Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity; substitute with apple cider vinegar or lime juice if needed.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is preferred to avoid excessive saltiness. Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free option.
Honey or maple syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Hot sauce: Sriracha or any chili sauce/paste can be used to adjust the spiciness of the peanut butter sauce.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to make charred broccoli

Prepare the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into long florets and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Spray with oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

Roast the broccoli: Place the sheet pan in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the broccoli halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know it’s done when it is mostly a nice golden brown (with some black charred bits on the buds) and can be pierced with a fork but still has some resistance.

Make the sauce: Meanwhile, in a small bowl or screw-top jar, combine the peanut butter, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Whisk or shake the jar until the ingredients are creamy and emulsified. Thin out with 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed.

Serve: Place the broccoli on a serving platter, drizzle with the sauce, sprinkle with the nuts and seeds, and enjoy!

How do you cut fresh broccoli?

If you purchase your broccoli in crowns, you will need to cut it into pieces for broiling. Here are a few tips:

Remove the large leaves from the heads of broccoli. You can discard them, add them to soups, or include them in a salad.
Cut each head into quarters or sixths off the large center stem. Some of the florets may be large, so trim them down further if needed.
If you are using bagged cut broccoli florets, you may still need to trim them to size so they are mostly similar in size for roasting. Note that the cooking time may need to be reduced if the pieces are smaller.

Variations

Here are a few suggestions if you want to jazz up this recipe:

Instead of the spicy peanut sauce, try lemon herb tahini sauce.
No into spice? Drizzle with my hoisin peanut sauce instead.
Garish with lemon juice, zest ad parmesan.
Serve over a bed of ricotta pesto.
Toss it with pasta for a nice light Vegetarian meal.

How to store

Keep leftover charred broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe FAQ

Is charred broccoli best served warm or cold?

This is best served warm, it can be eaten room temperature but the Broccoli has the best crisp texture right out of the oven, because of this I suggest serving warm.

Do I have to char the broccoli to make this?

No, you can also just roast the broccoli to soften it well, to your preference and then continue with the other add ins.

What do you do with the broccoli stalks?

Broccoli stalks are super versatile and nutritious addition to meals. Peel and slice them thinly for stir-fries or salads, chop for pasta dishes, or blend into soups. Grate for slaws or salads, or roast/steam for a nutritious side.

Charred broccoli with peanut sauce and almond flakes on a plate with tongs.

More Vegetable side dishes

Roasted Cauliflower & Carrots

Air Fryer Cabbage with Peanut Sauce

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Asparagus

Sumac Cauliflower With Tahini

If you try this charred broccoli recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.