Sesame Charred Broccolini
with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Take a look at this beauty. Sesame charred broccolini with peanut sauce might be the best vegetarian side dish ever. It’s simple, bold, and packed with flavor.
I love peanut butter, especially when it transforms into a creamy, savory peanut sauce. Pair it with broccolini—the cooler, more elegant cousin of basic broccoli—and you get something truly irresistible. If you haven’t tried broccolini yet, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
As the broccolini chars, it develops crisp edges and deep flavor. Then comes the sauce: ginger, garlic, lime, and just the right amount of heat. You can use mild red peppers or go hotter if you prefer. Add in red pepper flakes, crunchy peanuts, scallions, and fresh lime juice, and everything comes alive.
And here’s the big secret: although it looks like something you’d order at a restaurant, you can absolutely make it at home. Easily. Most ingredients are pantry staples. The flavors shine without extra fuss. And depending on your mood, this sesame broccolini recipe can stay a vegetarian side—or become a full entrée with rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Broccolini
Fast: Chars in minutes. Sauce comes together quickly.
Healthy: A fresh, fiber-rich vegetarian recipe with tons of nutrients.
Flexible: Keep it mild or make it spicy.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Restaurant-worthy: But simple enough for weeknights.
Side dish recipes you NEED to make.
Pro Tip: For extra char and flavor, dry the broccolini well before cooking. Moisture creates steam and prevents browning. A super hot pan makes all the difference.
If you make this Sesame Charred Broccolini with Peanut Sauce, tag me and follow along on Instagram @whitesparrowfoodco for more fresh, vibrant, and gluten-free recipe inspiration!
Sesame Charred Broccolini with Peanut Sauce
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 large bunch fresh broccolini, ends trimmed
- 1 red pepper (hot or mild), sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1-2 scallions, sliced thinly
- 1/2 lime, sliced into wedges
- red peppers flakes, for garnish
Peanut Sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup high quality peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 large pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons (or more) hot water
- optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce
Instructions
- To make the peanut sauce, saute the sesame oil and garlic clove in a small saucepan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add in the ginger, peanut butter and cocout aminos.
- Turn the heat to very low heat. Swirl with a fork and mix to combine. slowly add in the rice wine vinegar, red pepper flakes and hot water.
- Continue to stir to combine – add more water if needed to thin out so that it forms a sauce but it still thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In another saucepan, heat the seasame oil up over medium/high heat.
- When the pan is hot, add the broccolini to the pan and let sit for 2 minutes or until the underside is browned and toasted. Flip over with tongs and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of peanut sauce to the pan with the broccolini. Toss with tongs and serve on a plate. Drizzle 1-2 more tablespoons of sauce on top (serve the rest at the table). Garnish with sliced red peppers, roasted peanuts, scallions and red pepper flakes. Squeeze a lime wedge on top and serve with the rest.
Notes
High quality peanut butter is just peanuts and maybe salt – nothing else. Stir slightly and measure.
If needed blend the sauce with an immersion blender to make it super smooth.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: vegetarian
- Method: stove-top
- Cuisine: side dish
Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @whitesparrowfoodco or #whitesparrowfoodco I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe!
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