Tender stem Broccolini with Satay Sauce

Contrary to common belief Broccolini is not baby broccoli. It is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli with small florets, long stalks with few leaves all of which are edible.Broccolini is quite mild with a sweet earthy flavour and is extensively used in Asian cuisine. It is an extremely versatile vegetable which can be grilled, steamed, sautéed or roasted.

Broccolini is great to use in a salad or as a side dish as it is fresh and vibrant. To retain its original flavour, colour and taste its best to cook the broccolini for only a few minutes.

Young tender broccoli stems, lightly steamed are elevated to a different level when smothered with this creamy, flavourful satay sauce. The textures in this dish are extremely interesting as the crunch of the broccoli and peanuts pair perfectly with the creaminess of the sauce. Delicious simplicity on a plate.

Satay sauce originated from Indonesia and it varies from region to region. It is now also uses extensively in Chinese cooking which you can see is several Chinese dishes and restaurant menus. This sauce is a classic Indonesian dipping sauce which is always great to have on standby, and perfect as a dressings on salads or side dishes. It has a great balance of flavours as the sweetness of the peanut butter and palm sugar is balanced with the saltiness and acidity of the soy sauce and lemon juice which adds a great fresh flavour to the sauce. In addition, the chilli flakes and sambal sauce add a hint of spiciness to the dressing to ensure it has a kick and more intense flavour. The topping of sesame seeds adds a nuttiness which completes the dish and makes a perfect side or appetiser.

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Helpful Tips and Tricks to Make Tender stem Broccolini:

• Make sure you remove the broccolini from the steamer in time as you don’t want to loose its natural crunchiness and vibrant colour.
• The peanut sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a week.

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Tenderstem Broccoli with Satay Sauce

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 2 voted )

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Ingredients

• 250 grams tenderstem broccoli (broccolini)
• 4 tbsp chunky peanut butter
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp sambal sauce
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp palm sugar
• 4 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, pounded
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• Salt to taste

method

1. Combine the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sambal sauce, chilli flakes and palm sugar in a small saucepan over a low heat, stirring until warm. 
2. Add the lemon juice, roasted peanuts, and 4 tbsp of water and stir until completely combined.
3. Trim and wash the broccolini stems. Place in a steamer and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until tender. 
4. Remove the broccolini from the steamer and arrange on a serving plate. Pour the hot satay sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Or you can sit fry the broccolini with the satay sauce before putting onto the serving plate.

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