This teriyaki broccoli recipe comes together in a flash, it’s also healthy and delicious. What more could you ask for in a vegetable side dish? It really hits all the spots. This is now a staple recipe in my home, so I had to share it with you!

Why you will love Teriyaki Broccoli:

Great for veggie haters: If you or your children dislike vegetables, especially ones like broccoli. This recipe is a must try. You won’t think twice about going in for another bite.

Taste like Asian Takeout: If you love Asian takeout, you will love this broccoli recipe. Imagine slightly crunchy broccoli florets in a mildly sweet, thick, and tangy sauce. Although I don’t claim it to be traditionally Asian, it’s still pretty good. Check my sweet and sour tofu and tofu katsu recipe for more Asian inspired dishes.

Healthy: this recipe is naturally vegan, it’s refined sugar free and oil/butter free, it can also be made gluten free by using gluten-free soy sauce.

Easy to make: When I say that this recipe comes together within a few minutes, I mean JUST that. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays and is now a go-to recipe for me and my family. Making this is such an easy and tasty way to incorporate more vegetables in your diet.

Here is the recipe for delectable Vegan TVP meatballs pictured below.

What is Teriyaki sauce and what is it made of?

Teriyaki sauce is an authentic Japanese sauce that is dark, thick, tangy, and slightly sweet. This delicious sauce is so versatile as it can transform a plain ol’ dish into something that will make your tastebuds dance.

Teriyaki sauce is made up of soy sauce, rice wine(mirin) and a sweetener. Variations include adding garlic, ginger or tomato sauce/paste to enhance the flavor.

Sesame seeds are often added to improve aesthetic appeal and to add an umami flavor. To achieve the thick and glossy consistency, a cornstarch slurry is usually included. A cornstarch slurry is made by mixing cornstarch with cold water in a 1:1 ratio.

Health benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli may reduce fluid retention in the body (edema)

Broccoli keeps you fuller for longer thanks to it being high in fiber. And since it is low in calories and sugars it is ideal for those wanting to lose weight as well as control blood sugar levels.

Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals that may specifically reduce the formation of cancer cells in the body.

Ingredients needed to make Teriyaki Broccoli

Broccoli- Of course, broccoli is the first ingredient needed to get this dish going.

To make vegan teriyaki sauce-

Vinegar for tanginess

Agave as a sweetener

Soy sauce or liquid aminos for umami flavor

Garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds to enhance flavor

And a little bit of water

Step by step instructions

Clean your broccoli by rinsing it under running water.

Cut the broccoli heads into bite-sized pieces.

Whisk together the ingredients to make the teriyaki sauce in a small bowl.

Add broccoli pieces into a skillet over medium heat.

Pour the teriyaki sauce in the skillet on top of the broccoli.

Allow the broccoli to cook uncovered for 3 minutes.

Add cornstarch slurry and stir until evenly combined.

Remove the skillet from heat when your broccoli is of a bright green color and it still slightly crunchy.

Substitutions and variations:

Broccoli– You can use other vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, or celery.

Tomato paste- a bit of ketchup or tomato sauce could be used instead.

Cane vinegar- You can substitute vinegar for mirin, you could also attempt this recipe with apple cider vinegar.

Agave syrup- white sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup can be used as substitutes.

Dark soy sauce- liquid aminos, or coconut liquid aminos are great substitutes for dark soy sauce.

Freshly minced garlic- you can use a half of a teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.

Freshly grated ginger– a pinch of powdered ginger should be sufficient as a sub for fresh ginger.

Sesame seeds- green onions/ scallions can be used as garnish instead.

How to serve Teriyaki Broccoli

You can transform this side dish into a teriyaki broccoli stir fry and throw in some noodles or pasta along with some tofu or tempeh.

With noodles or pasta

Alongside a bed of rice or quinoa

With a protein source

Topped off with sesame seeds or some green onions/ scallions for garnish

How to store

Refrigerate: You can keep this recipe in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe as the texture of the broccoli will become mushy and unpleasant.

To reheat: reheat this recipe in the microwave or skillet for until just warm enough. Avoid reheating it for too long so you won’t end up with soft and mushy broccoli.

How to use this teriyaki sauce in other dishes:

As a marinade: you can leave your choice of protein source in this sauce to marinate for a few hours or even overnight for a major flavor boost. Just make sure you leave out the cornstarch or whichever thickener you decide on.

Stir-fries: elevate the flavor of your next stir-fry by adding this sauce in the mix.

As a glaze: If you want a thick, sweet sauce to glaze a protein source after you bake or fry it, this would be a perfect choice.

As a dip: Allow this sauce to simmer and thicken over low heat before using it as a dipping sauce for fries, vegetables, or dumplings.

Made this recipe? Let me know how it went by leaving a rating and comment below