Zesty Broccoli Ramen Delight
Indulge in this flavorful Zesty Broccoli Ramen Delight. This dish marries tender broccoli with ramen noodles in a tangy, sweet dressing, creating a perfectly balanced meal. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful side dish, this recipe is sure to please both veggie lovers and noodle aficionados alike. With a refreshing lemon and honey dressing, enhanced by the crunch of unsalted peanuts, this recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients while being easy to prepare. Serve it chilled or warm, and enjoy a delicious and nutritious dish that highlights the natural goodness of broccoli.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli
4 cups (cut into bite-sized florets)
Ramen noodles
1 package (oriental flavor, uncooked)
Corn oil
1 tablespoon (to toss with noodles)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Honey
1/4 cup (preferably raw or local)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Unsalted peanuts
1 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook them according to the package directions (2-3 minutes) without adding the flavoring packet. Drain the noodles and toss them in a bowl with the corn oil to prevent sticking.
2
In the same pot, blanch the broccoli florets by adding them to the boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately refresh it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ramen noodles and blanched broccoli. Pour the lemon and honey dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6
Before serving, stir in the chopped unsalted peanuts for an added crunch. Reheat gently in the microwave for 2-3 minutes if desired, and serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Broccoli Ramen Delight?
It is a flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli and ramen noodles with a tangy, sweet lemon and honey dressing, topped with crunchy peanuts.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include broccoli, ramen noodles, corn oil, lemon juice, honey, black pepper, salt, and unsalted peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Should I use the seasoning packet included with the ramen?
No, the instructions specify to cook the noodles without adding the flavoring packet.
How long should I cook the ramen noodles?
Cook the noodles according to the package directions, which is typically about 2-3 minutes.
How do I keep the ramen noodles from sticking together?
After draining the noodles, toss them in a bowl with one tablespoon of corn oil.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be cut into 4 cups of bite-sized florets.
What is the process for blanching the broccoli?
Add the florets to boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain and refresh under cold water.
Why do I need to refresh the broccoli under cold water?
Refreshing under cold water stops the cooking process immediately, preserving the bright green color and crisp texture.
What goes into the dressing for this dish?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup honey, black pepper, and salt.
Can I use raw honey for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe recommends using preferably raw or local honey for the best flavor.
How long does the dish need to be refrigerated?
The dish should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When should I add the peanuts?
Stir in the chopped unsalted peanuts just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
Can this dish be served warm?
Yes, you can serve it chilled or reheat it gently in the microwave for 2-3 minutes if you prefer it warm.
What type of ramen is recommended?
The recipe suggests using oriental flavor ramen noodles, though any standard package of ramen noodles will work.
What is the texture of the broccoli in this dish?
The broccoli should be tender-crisp, meaning it is cooked through but still has a slight snap.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is categorized as a vegetable dish and contains no meat products.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh is preferred for the 'zesty' flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
How much honey is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey.
Is there a specific oil I must use?
The recipe specifies corn oil, but other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil can also be used.
Can I use salted peanuts if I don't have unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional teaspoon of salt added to the dressing to avoid over-salting.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Is this dish considered a main or a side?
It is versatile and can be served as a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish.
Does this recipe contain many nutrients?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from the fresh broccoli and provides healthy fats from the peanuts and oil.
How much salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to taste.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, you can substitute the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much broccoli do I need in total?
You will need 4 cups of broccoli florets.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it is a very easy and quick recipe, requiring only boiling and tossing of ingredients.
Why is it called 'Delight'?
It is named for its refreshing taste and the satisfying combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements.