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Garlic Lemon Sautéed Broccoli – The Perfect Easy Side Dish
If you’re looking for a side dish that is quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Lemon Sautéed Broccoli is going to be your new go-to. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to serve alongside a holiday roast or at a dinner party. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe highlights the natural freshness of broccoli, enhancing it with golden sautéed garlic and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice. The combination makes the broccoli taste light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious — even for people who don’t normally love vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Done in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Versatile – Works as a side for chicken, fish, beef, pasta, or even vegetarian mains.
- Customizable – Add red pepper flakes for spice, Parmesan cheese for richness, or toasted almonds for crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large head of broccoli – Cut into florets. Fresh broccoli works best, but you can use frozen (just steam first).
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced finely for maximum flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is key for brightness.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Optional: red pepper flakes – For a little heat and extra depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli – Wash and cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry so they sauté instead of steaming in the pan.
- Sauté the garlic – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Cook the broccoli – Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp (bright green and slightly softened, but still has some bite).
- Finish with lemon – Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Toss well to coat.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy warm as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor – Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Make it nutty – Toast slivered almonds or pine nuts and toss them in at the end.
- Add herbs – Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme pair beautifully with lemon and garlic.
- Meal prep friendly – This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats quickly.
What to Serve Garlic Lemon Sautéed Broccoli With
This recipe pairs beautifully with so many meals. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled chicken or roasted chicken thighs
- Baked salmon or pan-seared cod
- Pasta with olive oil and Parmesan
- Steak or pork chops
- As part of a grain bowl with quinoa or rice
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just steam or microwave frozen broccoli first to thaw and soften it, then sauté quickly with the garlic and oil before finishing with lemon.
How do I keep broccoli bright green?
Don’t overcook it. Broccoli only needs 5–7 minutes to reach tender-crisp perfection.
Can I make this without oil?
You can use butter for a richer taste, or substitute avocado oil or even a small splash of vegetable broth if you want to keep it lighter.
Garlic Lemon Sautéed Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat, squeeze in lemon juice, and toss with optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Lemon Sautéed Broccoli is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you get a vibrant, flavorful side dish that complements just about any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside chicken, fish, or pasta, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your plate.
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