Vegan Sesame Cauliflower and Broccoli is a recipe that pairs well-roasted vegetables with the creamy, savory, & slightly sweet sesame sauce. The cauliflower takes lovely sauce, & the broccoli brings freshness & balance. Vegan Sesame Cauliflower and Broccoli makes a low, light eating option/turn it into a satisfying dish by serving it over rice/noodles. The nutty sesame flavor brings out the best in the vegetables, & it may turn out to be a new addition to your kitchen.
STATS
- Diet: Vegan
- Time for prep: 15 minutes
- Course: Main/Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Size/serving: 1 cup
- Mode of cooking: Oven roasting & stovetop sauté
- Total yield: 4 servings
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Working time (total): 40 minutes
EQUIPMENT
- Large baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon/spatula
- Small saucepan
INGREDIENTS:
- Two cups of florets of broccoli
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, split
- Two spoonfuls of tamari/soy sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- One medium cauliflower head, divided into florets
- A couple of tablespoons of rice vinegar
- Two tablespoons of cornstarch & two tablespoons of water
- One tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds
- One teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
- Two tablespoons of agave nectar/maple syrup
- Two sliced green onions
INGREDIENT NOTES
Cauliflower:
- Fresh bright florets chosen firm & white. Fresh may be better texturally; however, frozen will work.
Broccoli:
- Bright green broccoli florets provide color & a crunch. Chop off the stems & cut them evenly in order to cook at an equal speed.
Sesame oil:
- Adds a broadly nutty flavor. Toasted sesame oil produces the best flavour.
Soy sauce:
- Tamari makes an acceptable gluten-free alternative. Low-sodium helps to tone saltiness.
Rice vinegar:
- Forms an acidic character to offset the oiliness of the sauce. Where required, Apple cider vinegar can be used.
Maple syrup:
- Complements all kinds of flavors with its natural sweetness. Brown sugar/agave nectar is also alright.
Garlic & ginger:
- Fresh kinds have aroma & taste. Preferably, does not use powdered substitutes.
Cornstarch slurry:
- Thickens the sauce in order to have it coat the vegetables.
Sesame seeds:
- Roast in a dry pan till golden to be even more fragrant.
Green onions:
- Add a garnish of fresh mild onion flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Turn the oven on to 400°F/200°C. Put paper towels on a baking pan.
- Add a teaspoon of salt & 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the broccoli & cauliflower.
- Evenly distribute on the baking sheet.
- Vegetables should be soft & faintly browned after 20 to 25 minutes of roasting.
- To ensure even cooking, stir during the cooking process.
- Prepare the sauce while the vegetables roast.
- Put the rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger root, garlic, & soy sauce in a small pot.
- For two to three minutes, heat over a low flame.
- Add the cornstarch slurry & boil for 1 to 2 minutes/till the sauce shows its thickness.
- Take off the heat & add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil while whisking.
- Place the roasted veggies in a big bowl.
- After adding the sesame sauce, thoroughly toss to coat.
- Before serving, top with chopped green onions & toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over noodles/rice/just by itself.
TIPS
- Screen the baking sheet out & allow space to roast rather than steam them.
- To make slightly crunchy, roast a bit longer to have caramelized edges.
- In case you need more to pour on rice/noodles, then double up the sauce.
DATA STORAGE
Refrigerate:
- Retain leftovers for as long as three days in a tightly sealed bag. To preserve texture, reheat in a skillet over moderate heat.
Freezer:
- Not advised because thawing the veggies could make them mushy.
FAQS
Is it OK to use frozen cauliflower & broccoli?
- Yes, though, thaw & dry; otherwise, they have a soupy texture.
What do I do to make it spicy?
- Use the sesame sauce & add chili garlic sauce, sriracha/red pepper flakes.
Can I make it oil-free?
- Yes, don’t skip the sesame oil, & roast in a nonstick pan. The toasted oil will be eliminated & the taste will be more lightweight, nevertheless, tasty.
What shall I give with this?
- It also tastes best with jasmine rice, quinoa/stir-fried noodles.
Is it OK to add additional vegetables?
- Absolutely. The Bell pepper, snap beans/carrots are compatible with sesame sauce.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 160
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Sugars: 8g
