Charred Broccoli Salad with Crispy Noodles

This charred broccoli salad with crispy noodles is a textural delight. The broccoli gets pretty aggressively charred on one side, which gives you a nice mix of textures: some bits are deeply charred, caramelised, and fully cooked through, others are tender with a slight bite, and others still are very crisp and virtually raw. The crispy instant ramen noodles and crushed peanuts add yet more crunch, and everything is tossed together with a delicious Chinese chilli oil-based dressing. It truly is the most delicious salad. Let’s dive into the details of this flavour-packed dish.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Why You Should Char Your Broccoli
• The Perfect Crunch: Crispy Noodles and Peanuts
• Exploring Alternatives to Instant Ramen Noodles
• Chilli Oil: Spice Up Your Salad
• Combining the Charred Broccoli Salad
• Serving and Storage
• Sourcing Specialty Ingredients

Ingredient Breakdown

• Broccoli: The star of the salad, providing a range of textures from deeply charred to tender and crisp.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the broccoli, ensuring it gets a nice char without sticking to the pan.
• Instant Ramen Noodles: Adds a delightful crunch to the salad when air-fried and pounded into small pieces.
• Roasted Peanuts: Finely chopped to add a nutty flavour and extra crunch.
• Fresh Coriander: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the other flavours.
• Sichuan Chilli Oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding a spicy, aromatic kick.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dressing.
• Rice or Chinese Black Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness, balancing the flavours.
• Agave: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.

Why You Should Char Your Broccoli

Charred broccoli is a fantastic way to elevate a simple vegetable into something truly special. The charring process creates a spectrum of textures and flavours:

• Deeply Charred and Caramelised: These bits are fully cooked through, offering a smoky, slightly sweet flavour.
• Tender with a Bite: These parts are cooked just enough to be tender while still retaining some bite, providing a contrast in texture.
• Crisp and Virtually Raw: The parts that remain crisp add a fresh, crunchy element to the salad.

This method of cooking broccoli ensures that every bite of this charred broccoli salad is interesting, with a variety of textures and flavours that keep your palate engaged.

The Perfect Crunch: Crispy Noodles and Peanuts

One of the standout features of this charred broccoli salad is the combination of crispy ramen noodles and roasted peanuts. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:

• Crispy Noodles: Air-frying the instant ramen noodle block at 200℃ for 5 to 6 minutes transforms it into a crunchy delight. Once golden, the noodles are crushed into small pieces, adding a satisfying crunch to the salad.
• Roasted Peanuts: Finely chopping roasted peanuts adds another layer of crunch and a nutty flavour that complements the charred broccoli and crispy noodles.

Exploring Alternatives to Instant Ramen Noodles

While crispy instant ramen noodles are a delicious addition to this charred broccoli salad, there are several other options you can use to add crunch and texture:

• Air-Fried Chickpeas: Crispy and high in protein, air-fried chickpeas are a great alternative for those looking for a gluten-free option. Simply toss chickpeas with a bit of oil and seasoning, then air-fry until crispy.
• Sunflower or Other Seeds: Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame can add a delightful crunch. They are high in protein and also gluten-free. Lightly toast the seeds in a dry pan to enhance their flavour before adding them to the salad.
• Crispy Rice: Cooked rice can be transformed into a crispy topping by air-frying or pan-frying until golden and crunchy. This option adds a unique texture and is perfect for anyone looking to switch things up. It’s also gluten-free.

Chilli Oil: Spice Up Your Salad

Chilli oil is the heart of this charred broccoli salad’s dressing, adding a spicy, aromatic kick that ties all the flavours together. Sichuan chilli oil is particularly known for its bold, complex flavour. If you’re interested in making your own chilli oil, I have several recipes available that can guide you through the process. Making your own chilli oil allows you to customise the heat level and flavour to your preference.

For those who want to explore homemade chilli oil, check out my chilli oil recipes here. These recipes range from simple to more complex, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a chilli oil novice or a seasoned pro.

Combining the Charred Broccoli Salad

Once you have all your components ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Here’s how:

• Prep the Broccoli: Trim the woody end from the broccoli head and peel the stem to remove the thick, fibrous outer layer. Halve the broccoli head and season with salt and pepper.
• Char the Broccoli: Heat a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Place the broccoli halves flat-side-down and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, until nicely charred on the bottom. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes, then transfer to a chopping board.
• Air-Fry the Noodles: While the broccoli cools, air-fry the instant ramen noodle block at 200℃ for 5 to 6 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a mortar, season with salt and pound into small pieces with a pestle.
• Slice the Broccoli: Once cool enough to handle, cut the broccoli into thin slices. It will break apart into uneven pieces, which adds to the texture of the salad.
• Assemble the Salad: Transfer the broccoli to a salad bowl along with the crispy noodle bits, peanuts and fresh coriander.
• Make the Dressing: Combine the Sichuan chilli oil, light soy sauce, rice vinegar and agave in a small bowl. Pour this over the salad and toss to combine.

Serving and Storage

To serve, transfer the charred broccoli salad to a shallow serving bowl and enjoy immediately. The fresh coriander adds a burst of herbaceous freshness that ties all the flavours together. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that while the flavours will continue to develop, the noodles will quickly lose their crispiness.

Sourcing Specialty Ingredients

• Sichuan Chilli Oil: Available in Asian grocery supermarkets, specialty food stores or online.
• Light Soy Sauce: Found in most supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.
• Rice or Chinese Black Vinegar: Available in Asian supermarkets, some large nationwide supermarkets or online.

This charred broccoli salad with crispy noodles is a celebration of textures and flavours, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this unique salad!