Miso Broccoli

Say goodbye to bland steamed broccoli and give this miso broccoli a try. Perfectly tender and easy to make, it’s an easy and healthy side dish that will become a weeknight favorite in no time!

In need of a healthy vegetable side that’s more exciting than your typical plate of steamed broccoli?  Try this miso broccoli.  Perfectly tender and packed with flavor, it’s an easy side you’ll turn to again and again.

Broccoli is a staple at my house, and I love finding new ways to enjoy it. From roasting (check out my roasted broccoli and cauliflower recipe) to making fritters (broccoli and goat cheese fritters) or blending it into soups (broccoli spinach soup), broccoli is a mealtime favorite. But one of the easiest (and most flavorful) ways to prepare it is sautéing it.

When you need a quick, healthy addition to your meal, this sautéed broccoli with miso sauce checks all the boxes. It’s a breeze to make with just a handful of ingredients and can easily be paired with whatever you’re serving, or tossed with your favorite noodles for a satisfying vegetarian main.

Sautéed Asian Broccoli

Sautéing broccoli is one of the best ways to prepare broccoli to preserve its delicious crisp-tender texture. The miso sauce is fast and easy to whisk together and filled with classic Asian flavors. Its deep, savory flavor adds a wonderful complexity to any dish, making it the perfect complement to vegetables. Once you’ve mastered the technique you can easily swap out the broccoli for other vegetables. All you need are a few minutes and a handful of ingredients.

Ingredient Notes:

(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.  As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

• Broccoli – Use either whole broccoli heads, cut into florets, or a pre-packaged bag of florets for convenience. For best results, keep the florets small and bite-sized.
• Olive Oil – Choose extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Miso – White or yellow mellow miso works best here. Be sure to check that it’s gluten-free if needed.
• Coconut Aminos – A great alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos adds a mild sweetness. You can also use gluten-free tamari.
• Sesame Oil – Toasted sesame oil brings a lovely, nutty depth to the sauce.
• Maple Syrup – Just a hint of sweetness balances the salty miso and soy sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger – Freshly grated garlic and ginger are key to the sauce’s flavor. Avoid using dried or powdered versions.
• Sesame Seeds – A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice texture and finishing touch.

How to Sauté Broccoli:

There are three key steps to achieving the perfect sautéed broccoli: sauté, steam, and season.

1. Sauté: Cook the broccoli over high heat to retain its vibrant green color and develop a little caramelization around the edges.
2. Steam: Add a splash of water, cover, and let the broccoli steam briefly until just tender, ensuring a crisp-tender texture.
3. Season: Once the broccoli is cooked, toss it with the miso sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Make Miso Broccoli:

(Here are the basic steps and some helpful tips on how to make the recipe.  Find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

1. Start by whisking together the miso sauce ingredients and setting it aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the broccoli and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is browned in spots.
3. Add a splash of water to the pan, cover, and let the broccoli steam until it’s just tender.
4. Remove the pan from heat, pour in the miso sauce, and toss to coat the broccoli. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve!

Variations:

1. Spicy miso sauce: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the miso sauce.
2. Additional veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like snow peas or carrots.

More Broccoli Recipes:

• Broccoli Cauliflower Rice
• Basil Broccoli
• Broccoli Lentil Salad