Broccoli Goma-ae (Sesame Dressing)

A rich, creamy, nutty glaze that clings to every floret.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of Broccoli (cut into bite-sized florets)
• The Sesame Paste:
  • 3 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tsp mirin
  • ½ tsp miso paste

Directions

• Place your bite-sized florets in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom—just enough to create steam.
• Cover the bowl tightly with a microwave-safe lid or a plate.
• Microwave on High for 2 minutes. I put just enough broccoli to fit in a standard pasta bowl and microwave in batches.
  • As soon as the timer goes off, carefully drain the hot water and immediately run the broccoli under cold tap water. This stops the internal heat from continuing to cook the broccoli and locks in that professional, bright green look.
• Pat the florets dry with a paper towel before tossing them in your Sesame Paste.
  • If the broccoli is wet, the sesame sauce will slide off; if it’s dry, the sauce will “grip.”
• The Sesame Paste:
  • Use a mortar and pestle to grind the seeds until they are half-crushed and oily.
  • Mix the crushed seeds with the soy sauce, sugar, and mirin and miso paste until it forms a thick, sandy paste.
• Add the broccoli to a bowl and fold in the paste until every nook and cranny of the florets is filled with the sesame mixture.

Notes:

• Prep ahead on a Sunday for the week ahead.
• Perfect bento side dish.