The magic of smashed veggies continues with this irresistible take on broccoli. Gently boiled then smashed and roasted to crispy perfection, each floret is infused with buttery garlic, fiery chilli, and finished with a delightful sprinkle of sesame seeds and seaweed for crunch and umami.
This is not your average side dish — it’s a flavor-forward, texture-rich celebration of vegetables. Whether served as a shareable snack, paired with grains for a full meal, or enjoyed straight off the tray, this recipe makes broccoli the star of the show. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and easily adaptable for nut-free diets.
Full Recipe:
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1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
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1 tbsp butter or dairy-free alternative
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tsp chilli flakes
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1 tsp sesame seeds
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A sprinkle of crispy seaweed flakes
Optional Peanut Butter Dip:
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1 tbsp peanut butter
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1 tsp dark soy sauce
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1 tbsp water
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Pinch of salt, pepper, and chilli flakes
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan (350°F).
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Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain well. (Alternatively, steam for better nutrient retention.)
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Spread the broccoli on a lined baking tray. Using a potato masher or flat-bottomed mug, gently smash each floret to flatten.
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Melt the butter or dairy-free alternative, mix with minced garlic, then brush over the smashed broccoli.
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Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.
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Remove from the oven, and finish with sesame seeds and seaweed flakes.
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Mix dip ingredients in a small bowl and serve on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 57 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Smashed Broccoli is the New Roasting Trend You Need to Try
Smashed vegetables are taking over the food scene, and broccoli has finally taken its rightful place in the spotlight. While many people associate smashed recipes with potatoes, the method works wonders on a variety of vegetables—and broccoli is one of the most exciting. With its tree-like shape and naturally crunchy texture, smashing broccoli before roasting helps increase the surface area, creating irresistibly crispy edges while preserving a tender center.
This Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli recipe is not just another way to roast vegetables—it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to spice up their veggie routine. It combines the satisfying crunch of roasted florets with bold flavors from garlic, chilli flakes, sesame, and crispy seaweed. If you’ve been stuck in a broccoli rut, this dish is here to renew your love for green vegetables.
A Flavourful Twist on a Classic Vegetable
Broccoli has long been a staple in healthy diets, often boiled or steamed until limp and flavorless. But when prepared thoughtfully, it can become the highlight of your plate rather than just a healthy afterthought. This recipe layers flavors and textures in a way that brings broccoli to life.
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of garlic and chilli—two bold ingredients that complement broccoli’s earthiness perfectly. Roasting garlic with the broccoli mellows its intensity and infuses each bite with rich, aromatic warmth. Meanwhile, the chilli adds just enough heat to wake up your palate without overwhelming the dish.
The final touch is a topping of sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. Sesame seeds bring a subtle nuttiness and crunch, while the seaweed introduces a surprising but welcome burst of umami, creating a multi-layered flavor profile that’s as sophisticated as it is satisfying.
Texture is Everything
One of the best things about smashed broccoli is the contrast in textures. The pre-cooked broccoli is smashed flat, which gives it more contact with the baking tray and ensures even browning. The florets crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating golden, crunchy bits that are irresistible.
The use of butter or a vegan alternative helps encourage caramelization, while also adding richness. Whether you opt for dairy or plant-based fat, you’ll find it plays an important role in turning what could be a basic side dish into a culinary standout.
Smashed broccoli is the kind of dish you can’t stop picking at. It’s addictive, crave-worthy, and makes a strong case for eating more vegetables—not because you should, but because you actually want to.
Nutritional Powerhouse in Every Bite
Beyond taste and texture, this dish is packed with nutrients. Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, and fiber. It’s also high in antioxidants, including sulforaphane, which is known for its potential cancer-fighting properties.
Garlic, another key ingredient, has long been praised for its health benefits, including immune system support and cardiovascular health. Chilli flakes contribute capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.
The addition of sesame seeds and seaweed isn’t just for flavor—they’re also rich in minerals. Sesame seeds are a great source of calcium and magnesium, while seaweed offers iodine, which supports thyroid health. Altogether, this dish provides an impressive mix of micronutrients in just a few flavorful bites.
Dietary-Friendly and Customizable
One of the biggest advantages of this smashed broccoli recipe is how versatile and inclusive it is. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan (if using plant-based butter), dairy-free, and nut-free (unless served with the optional peanut dip). That makes it a great choice for family gatherings or potlucks, where dietary preferences or restrictions can vary widely.
Even better, this recipe is easy to adapt. You can increase or decrease the chilli to suit your spice tolerance, use coconut oil instead of butter, or swap seaweed for another crunchy topping like toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. If you’re avoiding soy, the dipping sauce can be modified to use coconut aminos or tahini for a creamy variation.
You can even turn this side dish into a main by serving it over grains like quinoa or brown rice, or alongside a protein of choice like tofu, tempeh, or grilled meat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While this dish stands beautifully on its own, it’s also extremely versatile as part of a larger meal. Try pairing smashed chilli garlic broccoli with a warming bowl of miso soup for a Japanese-inspired lunch. Serve it alongside sticky rice and grilled tofu for a complete vegan dinner. Or use it as a bold side dish to elevate a simple protein like roasted chicken or baked salmon.
The optional peanut butter dipping sauce adds another dimension of flavor—creamy, salty, slightly sweet, and rich. It acts as a wonderful contrast to the crisp texture of the broccoli and the heat of the chilli flakes. Serve it on the side for dipping or drizzle it lightly over the top before serving.
This dish also works beautifully as a warm appetizer or finger food for parties. Serve on a platter with toothpicks and a dipping bowl in the center, and you’ve got an eye-catching, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s actually good for you.
Great for Meal Prep
Another reason to love this recipe? It keeps well. You can make a batch early in the week and reheat it as needed for lunches or dinners. The crispy edges will soften slightly when reheated, but the flavor will still be on point. If you’re planning ahead, store the seaweed separately and add it just before serving to maintain its crunch.
The dipping sauce can also be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to a week, making it easy to recreate the full experience anytime. This flexibility makes the dish a smart option for busy households or anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.
A Creative Entry Point for Vegetable Skeptics
If you have kids (or adults!) in your home who are resistant to eating vegetables, smashed broccoli might just change their minds. Its crispy, savory, slightly spicy flavor and fun, smashed appearance are far more appealing than the soggy steamed veggies many people grew up with.
Let kids help with the smashing step for a fun and interactive cooking experience. Getting them involved in the preparation can increase their willingness to try—and even enjoy—new foods. Serve with a creamy dip on the side, and you might just find them asking for seconds.
The Bottom Line: Delicious, Nutritious, and Surprisingly Addictive
Smashed Chilli Garlic Broccoli is one of those dishes that perfectly balances simplicity with boldness. It uses just a handful of pantry staples and a basic cooking method, yet the result is anything but ordinary. It’s crispy, flavorful, nutrient-packed, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re looking for a standout side dish, a veggie-based snack, or a new way to get your greens in, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s proof that vegetables can be exciting, indulgent, and delicious—especially when you don’t hold back on flavor.
This recipe encourages us to think differently about how we prepare and enjoy vegetables. It’s not about hiding the broccoli in sauces or disguising it with cheese—it’s about celebrating its natural flavor and elevating it with just a few key ingredients. So the next time you’re staring down a head of broccoli, don’t steam it—smash it.