Charred Broccoli with Peanuts & Coconut Tahini

This quick, savoury stir-fry is all about contrast: charred greens, crunchy peanuts, and a glossy, umami-rich Coconut Tahini sauce that brings everything together. Simple, fast, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again — perfect as a midweek staple or an easy side that steals the show.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• About 200 g tenderstem broccoli (or regular broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• A handful of plain peanuts (skin on or off)

• 2–3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• Olive, sunflower, or peanut oil, for frying

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Coconut Tahini (Original works beautifully)

• 1 tsp cornflour

• Cold water, for mixing

• Steamed rice, to serve

To garnish:

• Black sesame seeds or nigella (onion) seeds

 

Method

Step 1 – Toast the peanuts

Place a dry frying pan over medium heat and add the peanuts. Toast, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside — keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Step 2 – Prep the broccoli

If using tenderstem broccoli, slice any thicker stems lengthways so they cook evenly. If using regular broccoli, cut into small florets and thin slices of stem.

Step 3 – Char the broccoli

Heat a generous drizzle of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the broccoli and cook without stirring too much, allowing the edges to catch and lightly char. Fry for a few minutes until vibrant green with some colour.

Step 4 – Add the garlic

Add the sliced garlic to the pan and fry briefly, stirring, until just beginning to turn golden. This should only take 30 seconds or so.

Step 5 – Build the sauce

Lower the heat to medium–low and return the toasted peanuts to the pan. Add the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and Coconut Tahini. Stir gently to coat everything.

Step 6 – Thicken and gloss

Mix the cornflour with a small splash of cold water, then pour into the pan. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. The sauce will thicken quickly and become glossy — add a splash more water if needed to loosen.

Step 7 – Serve

Serve immediately over steamed rice and finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or nigella seeds. Simple, savoury, and deeply moreish.