Sesame-Braised Leeks

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Braising leeks amplifies their silky texture—making for a melt-in-your-mouth side dish with savory depth of flavor thanks to brown sugar, fish sauce and toasted sesame oil. Plus, they're high in vitamin K and manganese, which are good for healthy bones.

By
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 18, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Sesame-Braised Leeks
Photo: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Soy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-Free
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Ingredients

  • 2 large leeks (about 1 pound total)

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

  1. Trim roots and dark green tops from leeks, leaving 5 to 8 inches of white and light green parts. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise. Keeping the layers intact, rinse well, taking care to remove any grit; pat dry. Whisk broth, brown sugar and fish sauce in a small bowl and place next to the stove.

  2. Heat sesame oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add leeks to the pan, cut-side down, and cook, without turning, until starting to brown, 2 to 5 minutes. Pour the broth mixture around the leeks and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook until the leeks are very soft and the liquid has completely evaporated, 20 to 30 minutes.

  3. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the leeks to a serving platter, cut-side up. Add butter to the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Pour the sauce over the leeks. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, April 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

97 Calories
7g Fat
8g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1/2 leek
Calories 97
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 5g
Added Sugars 3g 6%
Protein 2g 4%
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Vitamin A 557IU 11%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 20mcg 5%
Vitamin K 14mcg 12%
Sodium 378mg 16%
Calcium 25mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 17mg 4%
Potassium 121mg 3%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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