Easy Sautéed Broccoli Recipe
Quick and delicious sautéed broccoli with perfectly charred edges and tender florets. Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients for a healthy side dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli 1 lb, about 6 cups florets
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Cut broccoli into evenly sized florets. Slice the stems into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and has a glossy, wavy appearance.
- Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli to the hot skillet and cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes. Cover with a fitted lid and continue cooking for about 6 minutes, stirring every minute or two to prevent burning while allowing edges to char.
- Season: Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Finish with 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while hot.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Variations: Add grated Parmesan, nutritional yeast, chili flakes, or try citrus variations with orange or lime zest.
Frozen broccoli: Can be substituted for fresh. Frozen broccoli contains 35% more beta-carotene but lacks the prebiotic-rich stems.
Baby broccoli: This method works great for baby broccoli or broccoli rabe. Slice stems lengthwise and adjust cooking time as they cook faster.
Perfect texture: Check doneness by piercing florets with a fork - you want some resistance but not crunch. Adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes if needed.
Variations: Add grated Parmesan, nutritional yeast, chili flakes, or try citrus variations with orange or lime zest.
Frozen broccoli: Can be substituted for fresh. Frozen broccoli contains 35% more beta-carotene but lacks the prebiotic-rich stems.
Baby broccoli: This method works great for baby broccoli or broccoli rabe. Slice stems lengthwise and adjust cooking time as they cook faster.
Perfect texture: Check doneness by piercing florets with a fork - you want some resistance but not crunch. Adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes if needed.