Broccolini Gomaae Recipe

I recently tried out a broccolini recipe that involved blanching the greens and dressing them with a flavorful sesame concoction. The combination of toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and mirin gave the dish a savory depth, while the quick ice bath preserved the broccolini’s vibrant color and crispness, making it a delightful side that’s both elegant and effortless.

I cherish the straightforwardness and health attributes of Broccolini Gomaae, a dish from Japan that pairs a slight variation on my vegetable of choice with the unmistakable aroma of toasted sesame seeds. So, you get this nutrient-dense, flavor-packed plate of Broccolini with incredibly complex flavors—umami-enhanced with soy sauce and mirin; balanced, sweet, and toasty, thanks to sugar and sesame oil; and then, of course, there’s the toasted sesame seeds, which is another component of gamasuri.

Broccolini Gomaae Recipe Ingredients

• Broccolini: Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K.

  Adds a crunchy, nutritious touch.

• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Provides healthy fats and protein.

  Adds nutty flavor and texture.

• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich with salty taste.

  Source of protein and essential amino acids.

• Mirin: Sweet, tangy rice wine.

  Adds depth and balance to flavors.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness, balances soy saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: Aromatic oil rich in healthy fats.

  Enhances sesame aroma.

Broccolini Gomaae Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 300g broccolini
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Pinch of salt

How to Make this Broccolini Gomaae Recipe

1. Take a big pot and put in it a sufficient amount of water. Add a little salt (not too much, or you will ruin the broth), and place it over the largest burner on the highest heat. Bring it to a boil. In this case, 1 liter of water will suffice for 100 g of pasta.

2. As the water heats, prepare the broccolini by trimming its ends. If you have any thicker stems, cut them in half lengthwise so that everything cooks evenly.

3. When the water has reached a rolling boil, toss in the broccolini and let it have a 2-3 minute dip until it emerges bright green and tender-crisp.

4. Transfer the broccolini directly to ice water to halt the cooking process and keep its bright color.

5. In a skillet that’s not moist over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown and aromatic.

6. Move the toasted sesame seeds to a mortar with pestle or a spice grinder, and grind them until they’re coarsely crushed.

7. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed sesame seeds with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

8. Thoroughly drain the broccolini, then use a paper towel to blot it dry. The goal here is to get rid of any extra moisture before you go on to the next step. This is your last chance to remove moisture from the broccolini before it gets cooked in oil.

9. In a big mixing bowl, mix the broccolini with the sesame dressing until uniformly covered.

10. Move the broccolini dressed for serving onto a plate and top with additional sesame seeds, if desired. Serve while still hot.

Broccolini Gomaae Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Big pot
2. Large burner
3. Kitchen knife
4. Cutting board
5. Skillet
6. Mortar and pestle or spice grinder
7. Small bowl
8. Mixing bowl
9. Plate
10. Colander or strainer
11. Ice water bowl
12. Paper towels
13. Tablespoon
14. Teaspoon

FAQ

• What is broccolini?Broccolini is a vegetable that is akin to broccoli but has reduced-size florets and elongated, delicate stalks. It’s a crossbreed of broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
• Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?Absolutely, standard broccoli can take the place of this veggie, although its texture and the length of time until it is tender might be slightly different.
• Is it necessary to toast the sesame seeds?The nutty flavor that is fundamental to the dish comes from sesame seeds, and toasting them intensifies that. So, this is a step that you really shouldn’t skip.
• Can I make this dish in advance?Certainly, Broccolini Gomaae can be made a few hours in advance. Keep it in the refrigerator, but if you want the best taste, eat it fresh.
• Is this dish vegan?Broccolini Gomaae is vegan. It has no animal products in it.
• How do I toast sesame seeds?To warm sesame seeds, put them in a skillet that has no moisture over a fire that is of medium heat, keeping them in motion, until they have taken on a brown color and are giving off an aroma.
• Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?Indeed, low-sodium soy sauce is a viable option to diminish the saltiness of the dish while retaining its intended flavor.

Broccolini Gomaae Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use regular broccoli or asparagus for a similar texture and flavor profile, instead of broccolini.
Sunflower seeds can be used in place of toasted sesame seeds and will lend them a nutty flavor. This substitution will, however, make the end product taste just a touch less like traditional tahini.
For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari.
In the absence of mirin, a mixture of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar can mimic the sweet and tangy flavor.
For a less intense sesame flavor, substitute sesame oil with a few drops of tahini.

Pro Tips

1. After blanching the broccolini, make sure to plunge it into ice water rapidly to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.

2. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, keeping a close eye on them and stirring frequently to prevent burning. Properly toasted seeds will enhance the dish’s nutty flavor.

3. If using thicker stems of broccolini, slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking throughout, resulting in a uniformly tender texture.

4. Adjust the amount of sugar in the sesame dressing according to your taste preference. You can omit or reduce the sugar for a less sweet flavor or add a hint more if you prefer it sweeter.

5. To elevate the dish, consider garnishing with thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat and added complexity.