Savory and Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe
A Simple Yet Delicious Broccoli Salad That’s Always a Hit!
Most people tend to steam broccoli and dip it in spicy chili sauce, right? The broccoli salad I’m introducing today is a delightful variation: lightly blanched broccoli tossed with a simple dressing of salt, sesame oil, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and chopped green onions, bringing out a wonderfully nutty flavor. Broccoli is recognized as one of the world’s top 10 superfoods and is often called the ‘king of vegetables’ due to its rich content of Vitamin C and potassium. (Reference: Internet news) When blanching broccoli, don’t just toss it in boiling water. Instead, cut it into bite-sized pieces first, then soak it in a mixture of water with salt and baking soda for about 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly before cooking. This preparation step ensures cleaner broccoli and a better texture.
Ingredients
- 3 heads of broccoli
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds (crushed for extra flavor)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp fine salt (adjust to your taste)
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, prepare the broccoli. Trim off the thick bottom part slightly. Then, break the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Don’t discard the leaves – they are also packed with nutrients, so include them in your salad! 2. Now, let’s clean the broccoli thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine cold water, a generous pinch of coarse salt, and baking soda. Stir to dissolve. Submerge the prepared broccoli florets and leaves into this mixture and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This soaking process effectively removes any hidden dirt or impurities. After 30 minutes, rinse the broccoli under fresh, cold running water.
Step 2
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is rolling, carefully add the prepared broccoli. Blanch for just about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the broccoli mushy. Immediately drain the blanched broccoli and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain it well in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed. This is crucial for a well-seasoned salad.
Step 3
4. Transfer the well-drained broccoli to a mixing bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, 2 Tbsp of crushed sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, about 2/3 Tbsp of fine salt (adjust the salt to your preference), and 3 Tbsp of chopped green onions. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the broccoli. Mix until all the pieces are evenly coated with the dressing. Your delicious and nutty broccoli salad is now ready to serve! Tip: Crushing the sesame seeds before adding them will release more of their aromatic flavor.
