Sneak Peek: Sesame Shiitake Broccoli Recipe from Zenbelly Cookbook

The Zenbelly Cookbook,an epicurean’s guide to paleo cuisine
is available for preorder!

To celebrate my first cookbook, I’ll be sharing a recipe from it each week so you can get a sneak peek. This week’s feature is Sesame Shiitake Broccoli. If you’d like a copy now, you can preorder the book here.

What can you expect from The Zenbelly Cookbook? Below are the features I’m most excited to share:

1. 1. How-To Guides

      The opening pages are packed with practical tips and techniques illustrated with step-by-step photos. You’ll find guidance on sourcing quality ingredients, proper knife handling, and breaking down a whole chicken, among other essential skills.

   2. Photography

      Each recipe includes two photos: an ingredients shot and a plated photo. I enjoyed arranging the ingredient compositions—there’s something calming about organizing them—and I hope the visual “before” makes the recipes easier to follow.

   3. Recipes

      While a few popular blog recipes made the cut (like NY Style Pizza Crust and No Joke Chocolate Cake), the majority of the book—about 100 of the 110 recipes—are brand new and developed especially for this collection.

   4. Menus

      The book includes several curated menus, from an adventurous Thanksgiving spread to a multi-course dinner party menu that’s mostly make-ahead. These menus are designed to help you present impressive meals while staying relaxed and organized.

I’ll share a new sneak peek every Wednesday for the coming months. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe. I’ll only email when there’s a new recipe or news about the blog or book, and I won’t share your address.

This week I’m sharing my Sesame Shiitake Broccoli. As a child I tolerated broccoli mainly two ways: covered in cheese, or stir-fried in a salty brown sauce. The stir-fry remains one of my favorite approaches; here I’ve given it a paleo update and added shiitake mushrooms for extra umami. Don’t skimp on the sesame seeds—they really make the dish.

Sesame Shiitake Broccoli

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4

2 tablespoons coconut oil
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and halved
1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 cup coconut aminos
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
1 teaspoon black and/or white sesame seeds

• Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• When the oil shimmers, add the mushrooms and sauté 1–2 minutes, until they begin to soften. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Add the broccoli to the pan and cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened.
• Add the grated ginger and cook 2 more minutes.
• Pour in the coconut aminos and water and continue cooking 2–3 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
• Stir the mushrooms back in, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

All links are provided for information. Some are affiliate links to books, products, or services. Sponsored posts are clearly labeled. Ads displayed on this site may be served by ad networks and do not necessarily indicate endorsement by Zenbelly.