If you’re after a dish that’s packed with flavor, packed with texture, and so fun to eat, then you are absolutely going to love the Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe. This recipe combines crispy tender broccoli with a spicy, garlicky punch and pairs it with a rich, nutty dipping sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for snacking, sharing at parties, or pairing with your favorite mains, this recipe transforms humble broccoli into something truly unforgettable and crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy textures and flavors that make this dish shine.
- Broccoli (1 medium head): The star of the show, providing crunch and earthiness when smashed and roasted.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps that garlic infuse beautifully with the broccoli.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Imparts a fragrant punch to enhance the veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that highlight all other flavors.
- Chilli flakes (1 tsp): Bring warmth and a gentle heat kick to both broccoli and the dipping sauce.
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp): Add a subtle nutty crunch that complements the peanut sauce.
- Crispy seaweed flakes: A unique, savory garnish that elevates the dish with umami notes.
- Peanut butter (1 tbsp): The creamy base of the dipping sauce, rich and comforting.
- Dark soy sauce (1 tsp): Brings depth and a savory saltiness to the peanut dip.
- Water (1 tbsp): Used to smooth out the peanut butter sauce for perfect consistency.
How to Make Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Get Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C if you have a fan oven) which equals about 350°F. This will ensure it’s perfectly hot by the time your broccoli is ready for roasting.
Step 2: Prepare Your Broccoli
Cut your broccoli into florets and don’t toss the stem! Dice it as well to maximize yumminess. Boil or steam these pieces for about 5 minutes to soften them just slightly, then drain thoroughly so they roast crisply without steaming in the oven.
Step 3: Smash Time
Lay the broccoli on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and give each floret a gentle smash using the bottom of a mug or a potato masher. This increases surface area, so that wonderful crispiness develops as they roast.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Brushing
Melt the butter and stir in your minced garlic. Brush this garlicky butter generously over the smashed broccoli, then sprinkle your salt, pepper, and chilli flakes evenly across the pieces. This step is crucial for layering flavor right before roasting.
Step 5: Roast to Crisp Perfection
Pop the broccoli in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden and crisp. The texture at this point is everything—crispy edges meet tender centers, infused with aromatic garlic and chili.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once roasted, take the broccoli out and sprinkle sesame seeds and crispy seaweed flakes over the top. These add a contrast in texture and an extra flavor punch that makes this recipe so irresistibly good.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, dark soy sauce, and water. Stir until smooth and adjust the water if you want it thinner. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes for that extra kick that pairs perfectly with the roasted broccoli.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your smashed broccoli warm alongside the luscious peanut butter dipping sauce. Each bite offers a delicious contrast of crispy vegetable and creamy, spicy dip that’s truly addictive.
How to Serve Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For extra brightness and crunch, try garnishing with fresh chopped coriander or spring onions. A few extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also amp up the nutty flavor even more, making every bite exciting and fresh.
Side Dishes
This Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or a light noodle salad for a wholesome meal. It also works wonderfully as a vibrant side next to grilled tofu, chicken, or fish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the broccoli on a large platter arranged around the dipping sauce bowl, topped with seaweed flakes and sesame seeds. Or toss the roasted broccoli into a salad bowl with a drizzle of the peanut sauce for a delightful warm salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover smashed broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the peanut butter sauce separate to avoid sogginess. This way, the broccoli will remain crispy enough to enjoy later.
Freezing
While broccoli tends to lose a bit of crispness after freezing, you can freeze the roasted broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To get that crispiness back, reheat the broccoli in an oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the wonderful roasted texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly first. It might not get as crispy as fresh broccoli, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Is the peanut butter dipping sauce spicy?
The sauce has a gentle heat from the chilli flakes that you can adjust to your liking. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the chilli flakes from the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil to replace the butter. The peanut butter dipping sauce is naturally vegan.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer a different nutty flavor. Just adjust the seasoning slightly since these nut butters have different sweetness and salt levels.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a warm, mild heat from the chilli flakes that complements the garlic and peanut butter really well. You can easily increase or decrease the chilli to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, transforming a humble veggie into a star dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding friends or treating yourself, I promise this will become a fast favorite for its unique combination and mouthwatering taste. So go ahead, give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli recipe offers a delicious, crispy, and flavorful vegetable dish perfect as a snack or side. Broccoli florets are lightly steamed, smashed for extra texture, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden and crispy. Served with a spicy peanut butter dip enhanced with soy sauce and chili flakes, this recipe blends savory, spicy, and nutty flavors in a simple yet impressive way.
Ingredients
Broccoli
- 1 medium head of broccoli (cut into florets, including stem if desired)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 1 tbsp butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
Toppings
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- A sprinkle of crispy seaweed flakes
Peanut Butter Dip
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water (plus more to adjust consistency)
- A pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F to ensure it is ready for baking the broccoli to a perfect golden crisp.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into florets and cube the stem if using. Then boil or steam the broccoli for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
- Smash Broccoli: Arrange the broccoli florets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Using a potato masher or the flat bottom of a mug, gently smash each floret to flatten slightly, increasing surface area for crispiness.
- Make Garlic Butter & Brush: Melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter generously over the smashed broccoli. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes for seasoning.
- Bake Broccoli: Bake the broccoli for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy around the edges, turning once if desired for even crispness.
- Add Toppings: Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds and crispy seaweed flakes for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Dip: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to taste.
- Serve: Serve the smashed broccoli warm alongside the peanut butter dip for a deliciously spicy and nutty pairing.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan.
- Adjust chilli flakes quantity according to your spice preference.
- Ensure broccoli is well-drained before smashing to avoid sogginess.
- The peanut butter dip consistency can be adjusted for thicker or thinner dips by changing the amount of water added.
- Crispy seaweed flakes add umami, but omit if unavailable or substitute with toasted nori or sesame seeds.
