Tired of bland, boring vegetables that make your taste buds yawn? Get ready to revolutionize your side dish game with this mind-blowing Grilled Broccoli recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. By marinating broccoli in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar, you'll transform this humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli by washing the head thoroughly and cutting it into even-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly 1-2 inches in size for even grilling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil until the ingredients are well combined and create a smooth marinade.
- Place the broccoli florets in the marinade and gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the broccoli marinate for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the broccoli from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Arrange the broccoli florets on the grill, placing them perpendicular to the grates to prevent falling through. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally to achieve nice char marks and slightly crispy edges.
- The broccoli is done when it has developed a golden-brown color, slight caramelization, and is tender but still maintains a slight crunch.
- Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. If desired, drizzle any remaining marinade over the grilled broccoli for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or as part of a larger meal, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper or sesame seeds if preferred.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your broccoli florets uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent charring.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the broccoli sit in the sauce for at least 5-7 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Grill Temperature is Key: Maintain a medium-high heat around 400-450°F to get those beautiful char marks without burning the broccoli.
- Prevent Sticking: Always clean and lightly oil your grill grates before cooking to ensure easy flipping and beautiful presentation.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, looking for a golden-brown color and slightly crispy edges.
- Optional Garnish: Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a final drizzle of the marinade for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
