Crispy, salty, and full of bold umami, Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli is the kind of side dish that steals the show—whether you’re serving up a quick family dinner or looking to wow friends at a weekend gathering. With golden-roasted broccoli at its heart, this recipe gets its irresistible crunch from a combination of high-heat roasting and a genius sprinkle of crumbly roasted nori and toasted sesame seeds. Each bite is a medley of flavors and textures: think nutty, savory, briny, and just a touch of warmth from garlic powder. If you’re ready to fall in love with broccoli all over again, this is the dish to try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli is how just a handful of pantry staples can come together to deliver such satisfying complexity. Each ingredient here plays a vital role in giving the dish its crave-worthy taste, snappy texture, and gorgeous color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Broccoli: Use a fresh, firm head and cut it into small, bite-size florets so every piece cooks evenly to crispy-edged perfection.
- Olive Oil: Adds fruity notes and helps the broccoli roast up crunchy and golden in the oven.
- Sesame Oil: For that signature toasty, nutty aroma—just a little brings so much depth.
- Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning the broccoli and letting those bright flavors shine!
- Garlic Powder: A dusting of this adds savory warmth without overwhelming the nori’s delicate brininess.
- Roasted Nori: Crumbled over top, it brings a pop of ocean magic and that classic umami hit.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For extra crunch and a subtle, nutty finish—plus they look gorgeous sprinkled on top.
How to Make Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat is the secret to getting your broccoli irresistibly crispy, while the parchment keeps cleanup breezy and ensures nothing sticks.
Step 2: Toss the Broccoli
In a large bowl, combine your broccoli florets with both olive oil and sesame oil, then sprinkle in the sea salt and garlic powder. Toss everything thoroughly—using your hands is best!—to guarantee each piece is glistening and evenly coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Spread the seasoned broccoli evenly across your lined baking sheet, making sure the florets aren’t crowded or overlapping. Give them room to breathe so hot air can circulate and crisp up those edges. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure every edge gets its crunchy, caramelized moment.
Step 4: Finish With Nori and Sesame
The moment your broccoli comes out of the oven, don’t wait! Immediately scatter the finely crumbled roasted nori over the hot florets so it melts slightly and hugs each piece. Finish with toasted sesame seeds for a final layer of warmth and crunch. Serve hot—Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli truly shines when it’s fresh and sizzling!
How to Serve Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli
Garnishes
A final shower of extra toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes can take these crispy bites over the top. For a burst of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon is delicious, or try thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, peppery finish to your Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli.
Side Dishes
This dish is a fabulous match for anything from sticky rice bowls to noodle stir-fries. Pair Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli alongside miso-glazed salmon, tofu stir-fry, or a creamy coconut curry for a full, satisfying meal with Asian-inspired flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli into an appetizer by threading florets onto skewers and dipping them in spicy vegan mayo. You can also heap them onto a platter as a party snack, or top grain bowls for a punch of flavor and crunch. Guests will keep coming back for more!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli, cool it to room temperature first, then pop it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though be aware that the crisp factor may mellow a bit over time.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the broccoli’s texture will soften after thawing, and you’ll lose some of that crave-worthy crispiness. If you do want to freeze, spread cooled broccoli on a tray to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within one month for best results.
Reheating
To bring leftover Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli back to life, reheat in a hot oven (400°F) or toaster oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. This helps restore some of the crunch, especially if you spread the florets in a single layer. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make everything a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli florets?
Yes! If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before tossing with oils and seasonings. While it may not get quite as crispy as fresh, it’s a handy shortcut that still tastes fantastic in Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli.
What if I don’t have nori sheets?
You can substitute with furikake seasoning (which includes dried seaweed) or even a sprinkle of crushed seaweed snacks from the snack aisle. Just adjust the salt depending on how salty your alternative is.
Is there a way to make this oil-free?
For an oil-free option, mist broccoli lightly with water, then roast longer at a slightly lower temperature (about 400°F). The texture will be less rich but still delicious—though you’ll miss some of that classic crispiness.
Can I make Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. It’s a speedy option and ideal if you’re craving that signature crunch without heating the whole oven.
What protein pairs best with this dish?
Tofu, grilled chicken, or salmon are all amazing with Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli. The umami-rich notes and crispy texture complement these proteins perfectly, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that one side dish everyone asks for seconds of, Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli absolutely fits the bill. It’s surprisingly easy, endlessly flavorful, and the kind of vegetable moment that turns skeptics into super fans. Give it a try, and let your dinner table shine with savory goodness!
Print
Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy a delightful and flavorful twist on classic roasted broccoli with this Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli recipe. The combination of crispy broccoli florets seasoned with savory nori and sesame is sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 sheet roasted nori, finely crumbled
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, sesame oil, sea salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Roast the broccoli: Spread the broccoli on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.
- Add seasoning: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crumbled nori and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve hot for maximum crispiness.
Notes
- For extra umami, drizzle tamari or soy sauce before roasting.
- This recipe can also be prepared in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
