It’s speedy, it’s simple, it’s scrumptious…it’s sautéed broccoli tossed in garlic and lemon! Whether served as a side dish or tossed into pasta and more, it’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Say “no more!” to boring ole steamed broccoli that just gets kicked around your dinner plate or woefully swallowed by your kiddos. Broccoli can be fun, guys! Trust me! Here’s how…
Sautéing broccoli caramelizes the outside of the florets, adding toasty, sweet flavor that’s balanced out by bits of slivered garlic and a fresh pop of lemon juice. And it’s not just about better flavor; sautéed broccoli is crisp-tender instead of yucky-mushy (thank goodness!).
This recipe is really not complicated at all. It goes with pretty much any main course and can easily be tossed into Lemon Pasta, stir-fry and more for a touch of green and to get those veggies in.
Recipe Ingredients
- Broccoli florets – broccoli should be cut into bite-size florets for even sautéing!
- Garlic – garlic…because how can you go wrong with garlic?
- Lemon – lemon adds a touch of citrusy acid that brightens up the broccoli.
- Water – sear the broccoli and then finish by steaming it until tender. If you simply sear and sauté it, it’s difficult to get that fork-tender result!
- Extra virgin olive oil – olive oil helps to evenly sauté the broccoli, yielding delicious, toasty marks. Olive oil also adds flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – red pepper flakes are optional, but a little heat adds another layer of flavor.
How to Sauté Broccoli
Learn how to sauté broccoli! Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline.
- Add.
Drizzle olive oil throughout a large nonstick pan and add the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat.
Heat pan over medium-high heat until the garlic sizzles. Then add the broccoli florets in a single layer.
- Sear.
Let the broccoli sear, without touching, for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss.
Toss broccoli. Add lemon juice and water. Toss again.
- Cover.
Cover and let steam for 4-6 minutes over medium-high heat until just tender.
- Serve.
Toss, add a sprinkle more salt, and serve.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create different versions of sautéed broccoli! Here are a few ideas:
- Parmesan crusted: with 1 minute left of sautéing, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the broccoli.
- Sesame soy: sauté broccoli with soy sauce and sesame oil instead of lemon and olive oil.
- Honey mustard: dip the final product in honey mustard.
- Italian herb: add in a blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Cajun style: finish with Cajun seasoning.
- Add mushrooms: do a 50/50 blend of baby bella mushrooms and broccoli.
- Pesto: drizzle the final product with pesto.
- Gremolata: spoon some fresh gremolata over the sautéed broccoli before serving.
Sautéed Broccoli Serving Suggestions
Served as a side dish or incorporated in other recipes, here are some of my favorite ways to serve sautéed broccoli!
- Side dish on weeknights and weekends alike
- Mixed into pastas like Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Pasta Primavera or Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Mixed into stir-fry
- Added to a grain bowl
- Addition to an Egg White Frittata or Omelette
- Served with dips like Beer Cheese, ranch, etc.
More Veggies Recipes You’ll Love!
Sautéed Broccoli With Garlic and Lemon
Equipment
- Large nonstick pan with lid
Ingredients
- 1 pound bite-sized broccoli florets
- 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ½ lemon, plus more to garnish
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil throughout a large nonstick pan. Add the thinly sliced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat pan over medium-high heat until the garlic just starts to sizzle. Then add the broccoli florets in a single layer.
- Let the broccoli sear, untouched, for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss broccoli with tongs. Add the juice of ½ a lemon and water. Toss again.
- Cover and let steam for 4-6 minutes over medium-high heat until just tender. Don’t lift the cover too many times or the broccoli won’t steam properly!
- Toss again, add a sprinkle more salt, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Video
Notes
- While sautéed broccoli is best served right away, store leftovers in an airtight container once cooled completely for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little more olive oil or, covered, in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Loved your recipe! It’s versatile and never thought of pairing with lemon!
Thank you for this wonderful site.
Hi!
Thanks so much for your review and kind words! I love the lemon too 🙂
Grace