Orange or Lemon Broccoli
Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and zesty Orange or Lemon Broccoli recipe, a quick and flavorful side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This simple yet elegant dish features tender-crisp broccoli infused with the refreshing tang of freshly squeezed citrus juice and zest, perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. Whether you choose orange for a sweet citrus twist or lemon for a lively zing, this recipe is as versatile as it is delightful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a sophisticated addition to holiday feasts, this healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or hearty grain bowls. Serve it warm and garnish with extra zest for a pop of flavor and color that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams broccoli florets
- 1 whole orange or lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Pat dry.
Zest the orange or lemon, then juice it. Set both the zest and juice aside separately.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and toss to coat them in the oil and garlic.
Sprinkle the water over the broccoli, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the broccoli steam for 3–4 minutes, or until it turns bright green and tender-crisp.
Remove the lid and add the citrus juice, zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to evenly coat the broccoli.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the citrus juice to slightly reduce and flavor the broccoli.
Remove from heat and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Garnish with additional zest if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish to complement any main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
446 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.3 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1329 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.6 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.1 g | ||
| Protein | 19.4 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 265 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 300 mg | 6% | |
*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.
