Korean Fusion: Fried Sesame Broccoli Bites

Korean Fried Sesame Broccoli Bites

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 pound broccoli, chopped into small pieces and steamed
1 teaspoon salt

Korean Fusion: Fried Sesame Broccoli Bites with Ponzu Sauce

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 green onion

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
generous pinch of salt to taste

3 eggs

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup panko
vegetable oil

Green onion or parsley and sesame seeds to garnish

Directions:

1. Cut the broccoli head very short from the stem. Cut the head into small florets. Peel the stems and cut into small pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and broccoli, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it reaches the desired tenderness. Drain, immediately blanching the broccoli. Dry well before step 2.

2. Combine the broccoli with sesame seeds, 1 green onion, sesame oil, garlic, salt and 1 whisked egg (to use as a binding agent). Toss well to evenly distribute seasoning.

3. Create breading station - flour, whisk 2 eggs, panko

4. Wash hands then spoon broccoli mixture into hands to create 2-3 inch diameter balls. Squeeze together to firmly compact into round ball.

5. Coat in flour, then egg wash, then panko crumbs. Repeat.

6. Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees.

7. Carefully place several broccoli balls into oil for 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and place on cooling rack or paper towels.

8. Serve with ponzu sauce!

Happy Sunday Funday! Without further delay, let me introduce to you (finally) the recipe for my Korean fusion-inspired FRIED sesame broccoli bites! And once you pop one of these addicting bite-size snack attacks, trust me when I say this, you won't be able to stop! To add a touch of heat I made a chili ponzu dipping sauce consisting of soy sauce, orange + lemon juice, mirin and red chili pepper powder. This healthy appetizer will surely be a hit at any get-together/party/event! And even though fried foods are not the healthiest choice when it comes to eating right, there is broccoli in this fried dish so it's not all completely bad like a fried oreo for example! Ha ha! It's definitely a great way to get anyone into this green veggie, especially if you're not a fan of it!

There is one thing I highly DO NOT recommend when working with anything fried. I was so exhausted when making these broccoli bites, I had mistaken the vegetable oil for water and covered the pot with a lid! 😳 Let's just say that I definitely experienced my first grease fire in the kitchen but I handled it like a champ! Lesson learned? Don't try to fry anything when you're that sleep-deprived! You're only asking for trouble, honey! Hope y'all enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Coming up this week on the blog, a new look, and a giveaway in honor of a birthday girl (aka; me)! Stay tuned...

Love & xx's,

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