Lemon Garlic Broccoli

My Italian mom has been making broccoli this way for years, and it’s still my favorite. It’s one of those simple recipes that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make vegetables taste amazing. A little butter, garlic, fresh lemon, and parsley bring out the natural flavor of the broccoli. And don’t forget the tender stems. They’re just as good as the tops.

Whether you’re serving it with chicken, fish, steak, or my Crispy Parmesan Herb Tofu with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, this easy side dish goes with just about anything.

Ingredient Notes

• Butter — For a dairy-free option, use all olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter.
• Lemon zest — Don’t skip it. It gives the broccoli an extra pop of lemon flavor.

Grace

Lemon Garlic Broccoli

Fresh steamed broccoli tossed in a simple lemon garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley. An easy side dish that goes with just about any meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Ingredients

  

1 large head broccoli

florets cut into bite-sized pieces, stems peeled and julienned

1 tablespoon butter

1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small garlic clove, finely minced

3½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

You’ll Need

• 1 Vegetable peeler
• 1 Chef's knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 Steamer basket or steamer insert
• 1 Large skillet
• 1 Measuring spoons

Instructions

 

1. Cut the broccoli into florets. Peel the tough outer layer from the stems and cut them into thin julienne strips.
2. Steam the broccoli florets and stems until bright green and just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. The broccoli should be bright green and just tender. It will continue cooking a little when you toss it in the sauce.
4. While the broccoli is steaming, melt the butter with the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
5. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
7. Add the steamed broccoli and toss until evenly coated.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.