Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Lemony Broccoli recipe—a quick and healthy side dish that's as easy to prepare as it is delicious! Perfectly steamed broccoli florets are tossed in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and golden olive oil, with a hint of garlic to elevate every bite. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds optional heat, while the vibrant green color and citrusy aroma make it a stunning addition to any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish pairs effortlessly with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or hearty grains, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Packed with nutrients, simple ingredients, and bold flavors, Lemony Broccoli is sure to become a staple at your table!
Wash and dry the broccoli florets thoroughly. Ensure they are cut into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Zest the lemon using a fine grater, then cut the lemon in half and juice it into a small bowl. Remove any seeds.
Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir to coat them evenly in the garlic and oil.
Pour 1 cup of water into the pan, cover with a lid, and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until it turns bright green and is just tender.
Remove the lid and allow any excess water to evaporate. If needed, increase the heat slightly.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the broccoli, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together to coat the broccoli evenly.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
Transfer the lemony broccoli to a serving dish. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own.
Calories |
505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.7 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1335 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.1 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 18.8 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 278 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 112 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.