GF, DF

A super quick and super tasty side for any occasion. Fresh broccolini is fried with garlic and sesame seeds, drizzled with a zesty sweet chili glaze and topped with a generous sprinkle of fried shallots. Put together in 15 minutes, this is a side that will freshen up any meal!

Using just a few simple pantry ingredients, this recipe makes broccolini very addictive. You can opt for a low sugar sweet chili sauce if you are wanting the recipe slightly healthier.

I like serving this side with Asian meat curries and rice. The glaze and juices go so beautifully with rice so make sure you serve the broccolini with a spoon to scoop up all the tasty goodness. This recipe also pairs well with grilled meat and roast veg. It’s so versatile!

What's in this recipe?

Sweet chili glaze

Sweet chili sauce
The main component in this glaze and makes the broccolini sweet, sticky and delicious. Opt for a low sugar sauce if you are wanting this recipe slightly healthier.
Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice provides a touch of acidity to the glaze and brings out the chili flavour. It prevents the sauce from being too heavy and ‘drowning’ out the freshness of the broccolini. Can be substituted with fresh lime juice.
Fish sauce
A touch of saltiness and umami that also helps to lift the glaze. Can be substituted with soy sauce.

Garlic & sesame fried broccolini

Broccolini
Our vege hero! I love how the heads mop up all the sauce while the long stalks give you that fresh crunch to offset a heavy meal. I like to lightly fry my broccolini over high heat to give them a little charr while the inside still has a little bite. Can be substitued with regular broccolini, gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or caulini.
Sesame oil & extra virgin olive oil
We use a combination of oils here, so the sesame oil isn’t too overpowering. Olive oil can be substituted with canola or vegetable oil however I prefer extra virgin olive oil as it is a healthy fat.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is thinly sliced to give you tasty little toasted garlic chips in the final dish. Do not crush the garlic or it will burn.
Sesame seeds
White sesame seeds are used to further enhance that toasted sesame flavour. A combination of white and black sesame seeds can be used for extra colour. Do not use solely black sesame seeds as they don’t toast as well.
Soy sauce & black pepper
Soy sauce gives the broccolini the saltiness it needs to enhance the flavour. It also acts as steam to cook the broccolini perfectly. Black pepper offers a special heat and crunch to the dish.
Fried shallots
Because who doesn’t like anything that’s topped with fried shallots? Tasty little heroes!

Step-by-step photos

Mixing together chili glaze

Slicing garlic

Frying broccolini with garlic & sesame seeds