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Broccoli with Orange-Ginger Dressing and Walnuts

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on August 22, 2007

Time

30 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Broccoli with Orange-Ginger Dressing and Walnuts

Ingredients

Steamed Broccoli

1 ½ pounds broccoli (about 1 medium bunch), rinsed½ teaspoon table salt

Dressing

1 tablespoon peanut oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 3 tablespoons orange juice from 1 large orange1 medium clove garlic, peeled1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled¼ teaspoon table salt 2 medium scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin⅔ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped coarse

Before You Begin

If you prefer, follow the illustrations below, skip step 1, and proceed directly to steaming.

Instructions

  1. Separate florets from stalks at points where floret stems meet stalks. Cut off woody bottoms of stalks; trim away 1/8-inch of outer peel. Cut stalk in half lengthwise and then into bite-sized pieces. If desired, separate florets into smaller sections and peel stems; arrange in steamer insert or basket.
  2. Bring about 1-inch water to boil in deep, wide pot. Lower insert or basket with broccoli into pot so it rests above water; cover and simmer until just tender, 4 1/2 to 5 minutes. Remove broccoli.
  3. Process first eight ingredients in workbowl of food processor or blender, scraping down sides as needed, until dressing is smooth.
  4. Gently toss steamed broccoli with dressing, scallions, and walnuts. Adjust seasonings; serve hot or at room temperature.
Broccoli with Orange-Ginger Dressing and Walnuts

Broccoli with Orange-Ginger Dressing and Walnuts

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

30 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

Steamed Broccoli

1 ½ pounds broccoli (about 1 medium bunch), rinsed
½ teaspoon table salt

Dressing

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice from 1 large orange
1 medium clove garlic, peeled
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
¼ teaspoon table salt
2 medium scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin
⅔ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped coarse

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

Steamed Broccoli

1 ½ pounds broccoli (about 1 medium bunch), rinsed
½ teaspoon table salt

Dressing

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice from 1 large orange
1 medium clove garlic, peeled
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
¼ teaspoon table salt
2 medium scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin
⅔ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped coarse

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

Steamed Broccoli

1 ½ pounds broccoli (about 1 medium bunch), rinsed
½ teaspoon table salt

Dressing

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice from 1 large orange
1 medium clove garlic, peeled
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
¼ teaspoon table salt
2 medium scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin
⅔ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped coarse

Test Kitchen Techniques

Why This Recipe Works

To meet the challenge of adding flavor without fuss to broccoli, we tossed uncooked dressings and sauces with steamed broccoli. We found that potent flavorings like chiles, ginger, garlic, citrus juices, and spices, which stand up to the strong flavor of broccoli, were best in our broccoli recipes.

Before You Begin

If you prefer, follow the illustrations below, skip step 1, and proceed directly to steaming.

Instructions

  1. Separate florets from stalks at points where floret stems meet stalks. Cut off woody bottoms of stalks; trim away 1/8-inch of outer peel. Cut stalk in half lengthwise and then into bite-sized pieces. If desired, separate florets into smaller sections and peel stems; arrange in steamer insert or basket.
  2. Bring about 1-inch water to boil in deep, wide pot. Lower insert or basket with broccoli into pot so it rests above water; cover and simmer until just tender, 4 1/2 to 5 minutes. Remove broccoli.
  3. Process first eight ingredients in workbowl of food processor or blender, scraping down sides as needed, until dressing is smooth.
  4. Gently toss steamed broccoli with dressing, scallions, and walnuts. Adjust seasonings; serve hot or at room temperature.

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