Sautéed Broccoli
on Oct 19, 2023, Updated Apr 11, 2024
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Are you tired of the same old boring vegetables on your plate? Looking for a way to add some excitement to your meals without sacrificing nutrition? Look no further than Sautéed Broccoli!
Sautéed broccoli is an incredibly flavorful side dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight meal or a home cook eager to try something new, sautéed broccoli offers a delightful burst of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
- Popular Substitutions and Variations
- How To Make Sautéed Broccoli
- Recipe FAQs
- Expert Tips
- Seasonings For Sautéed Broccoli
- What Pairs Well with Sautéed Broccoli?
- Can I Prepare Sautéed Broccoli in Advance?
- More Vegetable Dishes To Consider
- Sauteed Broccoli Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Sautéed broccoli is a flavor powerhouse. The high heat of sautéing caramelizes the natural sugars in the broccoli, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty taste. The addition of garlic and a dash of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick that takes this vegetable to a whole new level.
- Crunchy and Tender: The magic of sautéed broccoli lies in its texture. It’s tender on the inside, yet retains a pleasant crunch on the outside. This perfect balance of textures makes it incredibly satisfying to eat.
- Quick and Easy: With our busy lives, we all need a go-to side dish that’s ready in a flash. Sautéed broccoli takes only about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence.
Recipe Ingredients
- Broccoli:Fresh and vibrant, the star of our dish brings a burst of green goodness to your plate.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of liquid gold – this olive oil adds a rich, velvety texture to our sautéed broccoli.
- Garlic: The aromatic essence that elevates our dish to another level – these minced cloves infuse our broccoli with irresistible flavor.
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat: If you’re feeling adventurous, these fiery red pepper flakes will bring the sizzle to your sautéed broccoli, turning up the flavor with a touch of heat.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Herbs & Spices: Freshly grated lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a zesty twist to your sautéed broccoli. For a different flavor profile, try adding a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil.
- Nuts: Tossing in a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can add crunch and flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference or skip it entirely if you’re not a fan of spicy foods.
How To Make Sautéed Broccoli
Step #1. Start by rinsing the broccoli under cold running water, removing dirt and debris, and cutting it into bite-sized florets while also trimming the stalk ends.
Step #2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step #3. Add broccoli florets and toss them with the garlic and oil to coat evenly.
Step #4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe FAQs
You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil for sautéing broccoli. Choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning.
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to sautéed broccoli for added flavor and variety.
To prevent soggy broccoli, do not overcrowd the pan while sautéing. This allows the moisture to evaporate and the broccoli to brown slightly.
Fresh broccoli is best but you can use frozen broccoli for sautéing, but make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pan. Frozen broccoli might release more moisture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Expert Tips
- When choosing broccoli, look for firm florets with a deep green color and tight cluster formation. The stem should be firm and not overly woody. Store fresh broccoli in the refrigerator in a produce bag and consume within a week.
- Medium-high heat allows the broccoli to sear slightly while retaining its vibrant green color and crunch.
- Starting with garlic adds depth of flavor to the oil, but ensure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic will make the dish bitter.
- Broccoli should be sautéed until tender-crisp for the best texture, but if you prefer it softer, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Seasonings For Sautéed Broccoli
You can season sautéed broccoli with salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
What Pairs Well with Sautéed Broccoli?
Sauteed broccoli is versatile and pairs well with various proteins like grilled chicken, easy grilled salmon, beef, or air fryer tofu. It’s also a nutritious addition to grain bowls or pasta dishes.
Sautéed broccoli makes a great side dish on its own, but you can also use it in beef and broccoli stir-fry, pasta dishes, rice bowls, and salads.
Can I Prepare Sautéed Broccoli in Advance?
While it’s best to enjoy sautéed broccoli when it’s freshly cooked, you can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat it briefly in a pan before serving.
More Vegetable Dishes To Consider
Side Dishes and Salads
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Vegetable Sides
Cauliflower Wings
Vegetable Sides
Brussels Sprouts in the Oven
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Sauteed Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, washed and cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and toss them with the garlic and oil to coat evenly.
- Sauté the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender-crisp. You can adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of tenderness.
- Season the sautéed broccoli with salt and pepper to taste.
- For an extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the broccoli.
Notes
- Broccoli: When choosing broccoli, look for firm florets with a deep green color and tight cluster formation. The stem should be firm and not overly woody. Store fresh broccoli in the refrigerator in a produce bag and consume within a week.
- Heat Level: Medium-high heat allows the broccoli to sear slightly while retaining its vibrant green color and crunch.
- Garlic Timing: Starting with garlic adds depth of flavor to the oil, but ensure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic will make the dish bitter.
- Tenderness: Broccoli should be sautéed until tender-crisp for the best texture, but if you prefer it softer, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
