Quick Oven Roasted Sesame Broccoli Recipe

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Sesame roasted broccoli is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any meal. Broccoli is roasted to perfection with a crispy texture and a nutty flavor from the sesame seeds.

This delicious side dish is easy and made with a few simple ingredients but delivers great flavor, making it perfect for anything from a quick weeknight dinner to a special occasion. This 5 ingredient recipe is vegetarian and vegan.

Broccoli in a bowl with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top.

Roasted sesame broccoli is probably my favorite easy side dish because:

  • A: It’s so easy to roast broccoli – just season it, toss it on a sheet pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes and you’re done. 
  • B: Broccoli is nutritious and so delicious! Roasting broccoli caramelizes the outside and gives it a bold, savory, and nutty flavor!

This roasted broccoli will easily become one of your new favorite side dishes. Try adding spices to the mix before roasting it, like onion or garlic powder, or nutritional yeast.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for its crisp texture and vibrant flavor, which frozen broccoli may not fully replicate.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

Bowls with broccoli, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and soy sauce sit on a white marble counter top.
  • broccoli: You’ll need about a pound of fresh broccoli for this recipe, which is about 8 cups. Broccoli offers a crispy texture and a mild earthy flavor. Roasting broccoli enhances those characteristics. This recipe is easy to double. Just use 2 sheet pans.
  • soy sauce:  soy sauce brings a salty savory umami kick to this roasted broccoli
  • sesame oil: sesame oil adds a nuttiness to this recipe
  • sesame seeds: roasted sesame seeds give a nutty aroma and offer a pleasing crunch.
  • red pepper flakes: for a bit of spice!

Substitutions

  • soy sauce: you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
  • sesame oil: you can use a different oil for a more neutral flavor
  • red pepper flakes: don’t like heat? Omit the red pepper flakes to eliminate the spiciness.
Broccoli in a bowl with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top.

Instructions

Prep Tips

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Soy sauce is added to a bowl of broccoli.
  1. To start the recipe, add the broccoli florets to a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and then season with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
Broccoli is stirred in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
  1. Stir to mix well.
Broccoli sits on a sheet pan.
  1. Place the coated broccoli in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the broccoli.
Cooked broccoli sits on a sheet pan.
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes depending on how charred you like your broccoli.

To serve the broccoli, plate it and then sprinkle sesame seeds over top.

Broccoli in a bowl with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top.

Tips for making crispy roasted broccoli

  • size matters: make sure to do your best to cut the broccoli florets to about the same size for even roasting.
  • dry thoroughly: make sure to dry your broccoli completely before roasting. Any liquid will help to steam the broccoli which won’t result in a crispy texture.
  • don’t overcrowd: make sure to give the broccoli space on the baking sheet. When the broccoli is too close or touching it doesn’t allow the moisture to escape and instead traps it, leaving you with soft or soggy broccoli.
  • hot oven: Roasting the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) ensures crispy broccoli that’s cooked on the inside. Using low heat can overcook the broccoli without crisping it!

What to serve with sesame broccoli

For a quick weeknight dinner serve this roasted broccoli recipe with lemon pepper pasta, Instant Pot brown rice, a smashed avocado chickpea sandwich, a crispy chicken burger. For a comfort food themed dinner, serve alongside a butter pie, or some spicy mac and cheese. Try it with even more vegetables in this Ukranian vegetable nests.

For date night try this broccoli with creamy tomato pasta sauce with chicken and spinach, or with spicy gochujang noodles.

If you’re including this broccoli in your holiday meal planning, serve it with browned butter mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, and homemade brioche buns.

Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. I usually just microwave any leftover to reheat them.

This broccoli is best served right when you make it because it’s at it’s most crisp!

Broccoli in a bowl with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top.

FAQs

Can I use other seasonings for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, or nutritional yeast.

Broccoli in a bowl with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top.
5 from 2 votes

Sesame Roasted Broccoli

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
This delicious side dish is easy and made with a few simple ingredients but delivers great flavor, making it perfect for anything from a quick weeknight dinner to a special occasion. Vegetarian and vegan.

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb broccoli 8 cups
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200℃).
  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
  • Spread the broccoli on the line baking sheet making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Roast for 15-20 minutes, depending on how charred you like your broccoli.

Video

Notes

  • size matters: make sure to do your best to cut the broccoli florets to about the same size for even roasting.
  • dry thoroughly: make sure to dry your broccoli completely before roasting. Any liquid will help to steam the broccoli which won’t result in a crispy texture.
  • don’t overcrowd: make sure to give the broccoli space on the baking sheet. When the broccoli is too close or touching it doesn’t allow the moisture to escape and instead traps it, leaving you with soft or soggy broccoli. This recipe is easy to double, just use 2 sheet pans!
  • hot oven: Roasting the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) ensures crispy broccoli that’s cooked on the inside. Using low heat can overcook the broccoli without crisping it!
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. I usually just microwave any leftovers to reheat them.
This broccoli is best served right when you make it because it’s at it’s most crisp!

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.

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Broccoli in a bowl with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top with a text title for Pinterest.

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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