Korean Sesame Garlic Broccoli (Broccoli Namul) Recipe
Broccoli Namul is a simple and flavorful Korean side dish made by blanching broccoli and seasoning it with sesame oil, garlic, salt, and toasted sesame seeds. This light and healthy banchan offers a perfect balance of nutty, garlicky, and slightly salty flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of Korean meals or a wholesome addition to any table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, large, about 400 g, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 ½ tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional Add-ins
- ½ tsp soy sauce for deeper umami
- ½ tsp sugar for balance
- Thinly sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 45–60 seconds, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Gently squeeze the broccoli to remove excess water.
- Season: In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the florets with the seasoning.
- Finish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and give the mixture one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a bit more salt or sesame oil if desired. You may also add optional soy sauce or sugar to enhance flavor balance.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli namul warm or chilled as a banchan (Korean side dish), perfect alongside rice and Korean main dishes like Black Pepper Chicken.
Notes
- Do not overcook the broccoli to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Rinsing with cold water immediately after blanching stops the cooking and helps retain the bright color.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and sesame oil to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Optionally add soy sauce and sugar for more depth and balanced sweetness.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for extra freshness and color.
