Roasted Broccoli Sesame Tahini (Printable Version)
Crispy roasted broccoli with creamy sesame-tahini dressing and a toasted seed crunch. A quick, flavorful side dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 1/4 lb broccoli, cut into florets
→ For Roasting
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Tahini Dressing
05 - 3 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
06 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 tbsp warm water (more as needed)
08 - 1 tsp maple syrup
09 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
10 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Crunchy Topping
11 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds (white or mixed)
12 - 2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), roughly chopped
13 - 2 tbsp crispy fried shallots or onions
14 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
04 - While the broccoli roasts, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, warm water, maple syrup, grated garlic, and salt until smooth and pourable. Add additional warm water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the dressing is too thick.
05 - In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and stir in the crispy shallots and parsley if using.
06 - Transfer the roasted broccoli to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing and sprinkle the crunchy topping over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tahini dressing turns simple roasted vegetables into something you would honestly pay restaurant prices for.
- That crunchy seed and shallot topping is so addictive you will start putting it on everything from salads to scrambled eggs.
- It is one of those rare side dishes that steals the spotlight from whatever main you served it beside.
02 -
- If you crowd the baking sheet the broccoli will steam instead of roast and you will miss out on all that beautiful char and crunch.
- Tahini brands vary wildly in thickness so always have extra warm water ready to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency.
- Check labels on store bought crispy shallots because some contain hidden gluten or unexpected additives.
03 -
- Flip the broccoli at the halfway mark and rotate the baking sheet front to back for the most even browning across the entire pan.
- Make a double batch of the crunchy topping and keep it in a jar because it elevates salads, soups, and grain bowls for days.