Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli is a simple yet delicious dish where fresh broccoli florets are coated in a crispy batter made with nori (seaweed), creating a flavorful, light, and crunchy texture. The broccoli is fried to perfection and can be served as a side dish or snack. The addition of Japanese mayonnaise and aonori (seaweed powder) in the batter gives it a savory depth and a hint of umami, making it an irresistible treat.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups (170g) broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp (15g) cake flour

For the Batter (Mayo Version):

• 1 ½ tbsp (22g) Japanese mayonnaise

• 7 tbsp (105ml) water

• 6 tbsp (48g) cake flour

• 3 tbsp (30g) potato starch

• 1 tbsp (6g) aonori (dried seaweed powder)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

For the Batter (Vinegar Version):

• 5–7 tbsp (80-105 ml) cold water or cold carbonated water

• 4 tsp (20ml) vinegar

• 6 tbsp (48g) cake flour

• 3 tbsp (30g) potato starch

• 1 tbsp (6g) aonori

• ¼ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Broccoli:
   Remove the stems from the broccoli florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Wash the florets well and drain.

2. Coat the Broccoli:
   In a container, add 2 tbsp of cake flour and toss the broccoli pieces to coat them evenly. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Batter:
   For the mayo version: In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, potato starch, aonori, water, salt, and pepper. If the batter is too thick, add 1 extra tbsp of water to reach a looser consistency, similar to tempura or pancake batter.
   For the vinegar version: Whisk together water, vinegar, cake flour, potato starch, aonori, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Adjust the water quantity to achieve the desired batter consistency.

4. Fry the Broccoli:
   Heat oil in a pan to 160-170°C (320-338°F). Dip each broccoli floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and place on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve:
   Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer, or snack!

Nutrients

• Calories: 140 kcal per serving (estimated)

• Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 3g

• Sodium: 450mg

The Flavorful Essence of Nori and Aonori

What sets Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli apart is the use of nori and aonori, which introduce a distinctly Japanese umami flavor to the dish. Nori, the seaweed commonly used in sushi rolls, provides a savory, oceanic depth that enhances the flavor of the broccoli without overpowering it. This adds a unique taste that’s familiar yet different from traditional vegetable preparations. Aonori, which is dried seaweed powder, further amplifies this flavor profile, adding a subtle but rich umami kick that makes this dish stand out.

The savory nori flavor in the batter pairs perfectly with the lightness of the crispy broccoli, creating a delicious contrast between the crunch of the coating and the tender bite of the vegetable. The inclusion of nori and aonori not only gives this dish a distinctive flavor but also elevates the broccoli in a way that brings out its natural sweetness and vibrancy.

The Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that offers a wide array of health benefits. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a perfect addition to any balanced diet. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, broccoli supports immune function, bone health, and overall cell health. The fiber content in broccoli helps with digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

While frying the broccoli in this recipe does add some calories and fat, it still retains the nutritional benefits of the vegetable. Broccoli’s high antioxidant content, particularly sulforaphane, makes it a great food for fighting inflammation and promoting overall health. By coating it in a batter made with ingredients like mayonnaise or vinegar and aonori, you are enhancing the flavor while still benefiting from the goodness of this powerhouse vegetable.

The Role of the Batter in Creating Crispiness

The batter in Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli plays a critical role in achieving that golden, crispy texture that makes this dish so addictive. The batter is light yet crunchy, and its consistency is key to creating the perfect crispiness. There are two variations of the batter you can make: one with Japanese mayonnaise and the other with vinegar and cold water.

The mayonnaise version of the batter adds a rich, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior, providing a delicate balance of flavors. The fat from the mayonnaise helps to create a crispier coating, while the addition of aonori gives the batter a savory depth. On the other hand, the vinegar version, with its use of cold carbonated water, creates a slightly lighter, airier batter that results in an even crunchier texture. The carbonation in the water contributes to the puffiness of the batter, adding to the lightness and crispiness of the finished dish.

Both versions of the batter allow the broccoli to be coated evenly, ensuring that every bite delivers that satisfying crunch. The addition of seasonings like salt, pepper, and the distinct taste of aonori guarantees that the batter complements the broccoli with a savory, umami flavor profile.

Frying to Perfection

The frying process is what brings this dish to life, transforming the battered broccoli into a crispy, golden delight. The oil should be heated to the ideal temperature, between 160-170°C (320-338°F), to ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly and crisps up without absorbing too much oil. This temperature allows the batter to fry quickly, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the broccoli’s interior tender and fresh.

The key to achieving perfectly fried broccoli is to dip each floret into the batter thoroughly and then fry it until golden brown. Since the florets are relatively small, they fry quickly, usually within 1-2 minutes on each side, making this a quick dish to prepare. The crispy exterior seals in the flavor, ensuring that each piece is packed with a burst of umami, while the broccoli inside remains fresh and flavorful.

Once fried, the broccoli is placed on a wire rack to allow any excess oil to drain away, keeping the florets crispy and light. Serving them immediately while hot ensures that they maintain their satisfying crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli

Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for different occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, this dish will be a hit. As a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, particularly Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken, miso-glazed fish, or beef stir-fry. The savory, umami-rich flavor of the broccoli complements the richness of these dishes and adds a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.

If you’re serving it as an appetizer, Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli can be enjoyed with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or a spicy mayo. The dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer something tangy, sweet, or spicy. The crispy broccoli also works well at picnics or casual gatherings, where it can be eaten at room temperature or served alongside other small bites.

For a more substantial meal, serve the broccoli with a side of rice or noodles, creating a satisfying and complete dish. The crispy texture of the broccoli contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy rice or noodles, offering a well-rounded and flavorful meal.

Health Considerations and Modifications

While Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli is undeniably delicious, it is also important to consider its nutritional value, especially since it is fried. The broccoli itself is an excellent source of nutrients, and the batter adds flavor and texture. However, the oil used in frying does contribute to the fat content. To make this dish a bit lighter, consider oven-baking the broccoli after coating it with the batter, which can help reduce the amount of oil absorbed.

For those looking to make the dish gluten-free, swapping out the cake flour for a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour can be an easy modification. The dish can also be made vegan by using a plant-based mayonnaise or substituting the mayonnaise batter with a vegan-friendly alternative. These modifications allow you to enjoy the flavors and textures of the dish while accommodating different dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Nori Salted Crispy Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish that offers the best of both worlds: a crispy, golden exterior with a fresh, tender broccoli center. The addition of nori and aonori in the batter elevates the dish, giving it a savory depth and umami richness that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the broccoli. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, this dish is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that is sure to become a favorite. Its ease of preparation, delightful texture, and ability to pair with a variety of meals make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a savory, crispy vegetable dish with a unique twist.