Garlic Chilli Broccoli & Cashews (Paleo)
If you're looking for a quick, flavour-packed Paleo side dish that’s as nourishing as it is tasty, look no further than this Garlic Chilli Broccoli with Cashews. With its bold seasoning, satisfying crunch, and vibrant green colour, this dish proves that vegetables don’t have to be boring.
Perfect as a dinner side or even a savoury snack, this dish can easily become part of your weekly routine. It comes together in just minutes and brings a balance of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist. The subtle heat from the chilli complements the roasted cashews, while the garlic and coconut aminos enhance the flavour without overpowering the natural goodness of the broccoli.
Quick Garlic Chilli Broccoli with Cashews: A Perfect Paleo Side
Equipment
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 500 g broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 red chillies deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 handful cashews
- Juice of a lime
- A splash of coconut aminos
Instructions
- First, in a frying pan, add the garlic, chilli, and olive oil and bring to a medium heat. Fry until golden and slightly soft, taking care not to burn.
- Next, cut the broccoli into medium-sized florets. Add to the pan along with the cashews, and coat well with the chilli and garlic oil.
- Then, add your coconut aminos, stir, and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Finally, add a squeeze of lime, stir again, then serve.
Why Broccoli Deserves a Spotlight
Broccoli is one of those vegetables that’s often underestimated. It’s rich in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and it’s one of the best low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredients you can include in your meals. If you’re following a Paleo diet, it also helps support a balanced, vegetable-forward approach to eating that fuels your body without relying on grains or processed carbs.
When paired with high-quality fats like those from cashews, and the umami depth of coconut aminos, broccoli becomes the hero of your plate. This isn’t a side dish you’ll forget—it might even steal the show.
Chilli and Garlic – A Classic Pairing
Garlic and chilli are a natural match. Garlic adds a bold, savoury depth, while the chilli provides that little kick that elevates the whole dish. Whether you use fresh chilli, dried flakes, or both, you can control the heat to suit your preference. Add a pinch for mild warmth or go bold for a spicier experience.
The fragrance of garlic sizzling in olive or coconut oil is one of the most satisfying kitchen aromas, and it forms the flavour base of this dish. Once the chilli is added, it creates a beautifully aromatic profile that’s reminiscent of stir-fried Asian greens—only with Paleo-friendly ingredients.
What Are Coconut Aminos?
If you're new to coconut aminos, think of it as the Paleo answer to soy sauce. Made from the fermented sap of coconut blossoms, it has a similar umami flavour profile but is gluten-free, soy-free, and far lower in sodium. It’s naturally sweet and salty, and pairs perfectly with both vegetables and proteins.
In this Garlic Chilli Broccoli recipe, coconut aminos add depth and a slight sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the chilli’s heat and the crunch of the cashews.
Let’s Talk Cashews
Cashews bring a rich, buttery crunch that rounds out this dish. Lightly toasted, they add texture and nuttiness that elevates the simple greens to something special. You can toast them in a dry pan or oven until golden, but be careful not to overdo it—they can catch quickly and turn bitter.
Cashews are also a great Paleo snack on their own, full of healthy fats and essential minerals. For this dish, they absorb the flavours of the garlic and coconut aminos, becoming little savoury bites of perfection.
Make It Your Own
One of the strengths of this dish is its versatility. While broccoli and cashews are a fantastic combo, you can absolutely switch things up based on what you have on hand. Try adding:
- Thinly sliced red or yellow capsicum for a pop of colour
- Carrot ribbons or julienned zucchini for extra variety
- Toasted almonds, macadamias or pecans instead of cashews
- A drizzle of lime juice just before serving for a zesty finish
Whether you're feeding fussy eaters or experimenting with meal prep, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. The base ingredients offer a neutral foundation that works with a range of flavour additions.
Quick Enough for Any Day of the Week
With minimal prep and under 15 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal when time is tight. Because it’s so fast and requires only one pan, it makes a brilliant weeknight side dish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, seared steak, or even as a topping for a cauliflower rice bowl. It’s also great on its own when you’re after a warm, savoury snack that won’t derail your nutrition goals.
Don’t forget to make a double batch—it stores well in the fridge and is delicious cold or reheated the next day. You might even find yourself reaching for it between meals instead of reaching for something less nutritious.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve made extra or want to include this dish in your meal prep, it stores beautifully. Here’s how to make the most of leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal, as the broccoli may lose its crispness when thawed.
- To reheat: Sauté in a hot pan for a few minutes or microwave in short bursts to maintain texture.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but a quick pan reheat restores much of the original texture if you’re reheating the next day.
Health Benefits at a Glance
This dish packs a serious nutritional punch. Here’s a snapshot of what you’re getting with every serving:
- Broccoli: High in fibre, vitamins C and K, and contains compounds that support detoxification.
- Garlic: Supports immune health and adds natural antibacterial properties.
- Chilli: May help boost metabolism and circulation.
- Cashews: Provide healthy fats, magnesium, and protein.
- Coconut aminos: A low-sodium, soy-free flavour booster full of natural minerals.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste, and this dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly crave-worthy.
Other Broccoli-Based Favourites
If you enjoyed this Garlic Chilli Broccoli with Cashews, don’t miss my Zesty Lemony Broccoli. It’s another vibrant way to enjoy this humble veg and works beautifully as a side dish or a light lunch.
Or, if you’re struggling to get more greens into your diet, check out these 18 ways to get more veggies into your meals. It’s all about making vegetables exciting, and this recipe certainly does that.
Let’s Keep It Delicious and Paleo
With dishes like this one, eating Paleo doesn’t feel restrictive. It feels flavourful, fun, and deeply nourishing. Once you’ve made this a few times, you’ll likely find it becomes one of your regulars—not just because it’s good for you, but because you’ll genuinely crave it.
If you’ve tried this Garlic Chilli Broccoli with Cashews, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments. Did you add your own twist? Did your family enjoy it as much as mine did? Let me know!
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