Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing

Steamed broccoli doesn’t have to be boring. Try this easy microwave-steamed broccoli tossed in a delicious sesame dressing.

By
Liz Mervosh
Liz Mervosh
Elizabeth "Liz" Mervosh is a recipe tester and developer for the Meredith Food Studios in Birmingham, Alabama and tests and develops recipes for brands including Southern Living, Real Simple, Food & Wine, People, Health, and Simply Recipes.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
and
Myo Quinn
Myo Quinn
Myo's recipes, writing, and food styling can be found on King Arthur Baking, Food Network, Delish, Food52, and more. She collaborated on the cookbook Delish Vegan Dinners and trained at Gramercy Tavern and Untitled at the Whitney Museum.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published February 21, 2023
Bowl of Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing with Utensils, Next to a Table Napkin, a Glass of Water, and a Bowl with More Sesame Seeds

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

We love steamed broccoli and it’s so easy to make it in the microwave. Here’s a recipe that takes basic steamed broccoli and upgrades it with a super flavorful sesame dressing, which is also made in the microwave. It takes 15 minutes—a quick and easy side dish that doesn’t even require you to turn the stove or oven on. This would be delicious with something sweet and savory, like bulgogi, braised short ribs, and gochujang chicken thighs served with a big bowl of rice. 

How To Make an Easy Yet Flavorful Sesame Dressing

The sesame dressing is made by first heating oil in the microwave and then stirring raw grated garlic and ginger into the hot oil. The ginger and garlic mellows out and lightly infuses the oil. A generous splash of apple cider vinegar adds acid (you can use red wine vinegar instead) and the nutty toasted sesame oil balances out the grassy broccoli. We love how the dressing soaks into the broccoli florets, giving them so much flavor.

Bowl of Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing with Utensils, Next to a Table Napkin, a Glass of Water, and a Bowl with More Sesame Seeds

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Our Easiest Broccoli Sides

Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 large cloves garlic, grated

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (from a 1-inch piece)

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 pounds)

  • 3/4 cup water

Method

  1. Make the sesame dressing: 

    Pour the oil into a small microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and use a paring knife to poke a hole in plastic wrap so steam can escape. Microwave on high until the oil is very hot, about 3 minutes. 

    Carefully remove and discard plastic wrap. Stir in the grated garlic and ginger (you should hear sizzling), and let it stand for 5 minutes. You can cook the broccoli in the meantime. 

    Whisk in the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

    Heated Oil Mixture in a Pyrex Measuring Cup for Microwave Broccoli Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
    The Rest of the Sesame Dressing Ingredients Whisked into the Pyrex Measuring Cup for Broccoli in the Microwave Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  2. Cook the broccoli: 

    Place the broccoli florets in a large microwave-safe bowl (we used a 8-cup glass measuring cup) and pour 3/4 cup water over the broccoli. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and microwave on high until broccoli is tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway through and re-covering the bowl. 

    Carefully remove the plastic wrap and drain the broccoli into a colander set in the sink, and transfer it back into the bowl.

    Editor's Note

    We developed and tested the recipe using a 1,200-watt microwave. Depending on the power of your microwave, you may need to cook the broccoli for longer, adding more time in 1-minute intervals. Look for visual cues—the broccoli is ready when it’s bright green, and tender, but not mushy.

    Bowl of Microwaved Broccoli for Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  3. Toss and serve: 

    Pour the prepared dressing over the cooked broccoli and toss to evenly coat. Garnish with more sesame seeds. Serve immediately or let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to let flavors meld. 

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us a rating below!

    Sesame Dressing Poured into Bowl of Microwave Broccoli

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
    Bowl of Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing Next to Utensils, a Glass of Water, and a Bowl with More Sesame Seeds

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
156 Calories
12g Fat
12g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 156
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 264mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 5g 19%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 102mg 508%
Calcium 75mg 6%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 480mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.