Asian Broccoli Salad

by Joanne March 13, 2023 (updated July 25, 2023)

There’s no mayonnaise in this Asian Broccoli Salad! Crisp tender broccoli florets are tossed in an Asian dressing for a refreshing and light vegetable side dish. It’s such an easy recipe.

You know that feeling you get when you’re just craving something really fresh and light, usually after you’ve eaten something really rich and indulgent?

Unless I’m craving a simple salad, I’m usually craving this fresh broccoli, which I toss in an Asian style ginger sesame dressing instead of the usual mayo based dressing.

This is one of those things that I like to keep in the fridge at all times so I can snack on something healthy and full of fiber all throughout the day. If you need a new healthy side dish, you’ll love this!

As far as how you prepare the broccoli, my preferred method is always blanching, which means dropping the broccoli florets into boiling water for about 60 seconds, then shocking them in ice water.

That way they are vibrantly green, and very crisp, with just the raw edge taken off. No mushy broccoli here, and no raw broccoli either.

Other Ways to Cook

I recommend this blanching cooking method the first time you make the recipe, but you can also roast the broccoli on a baking sheet, or even follow the instructions for Charred Broccoli and cook the florets in a single layer under the broiler.

You may also steam in a bamboo steamer or pot, or saute the florets in a large skillet for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. Use a high heat tolerant cooking oil.

To get started, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 90 seconds. Then shock in a large bowl of ice water for 15 seconds to stop the cooking process.

Let the broccoli drain:

Blanched Broccoli Florets in Fine Mesh Strainer

In a medium bowl, make the dressing by combining rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes for a little heat, and scallions (aka green onions):

Korean Broccoli Salad Dressing in Metal Bowl with Sesame and Scallions

It has very Korean flavors, and is reminiscent of what they often serve at the banchan at Korean restaurants.

Toss the crisp broccoli florets in the dressing and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator or at room temperature for at least one hour, for best results. Enjoy your delicious salad!

For a more traditional rendition, try this classic Broccoli Salad.

This is a delicious side dish for Korean Kalbi Beef, Ground Pork Stir Fry, and Sesame Soba Noodles.

Recipe Tips and FAQ

How do you store leftover Asian-style broccoli?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, but know that the broccoli’s crunchy texture will diminish each day.

Can you add other vegetables?

Other favorite vegetables to pair here would be green beans, snow peas, red bell peppers, and bok choy. Blanch them to a crisp tender texture as well.

What other ingredients can you add?

Next time you can also add 1/2 tsp of black pepper for extra spice, or specifically Korean chili pepper flakes.

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