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Sauteed Broccoli is a healthy side dish made with crisp-tender broccoli flavored with garlic, lemon and red pepper flakes. Plus it’s ready in only 10 minutes!
The broccoli is caramelized in a pan for deep flavor and then steamed until it’s tender-crisp for maximum flavor, color and nutrients. It’s an amazing side to any entree like Roast Chicken, Baked Chicken Drumsticks, or Baked Salmon.
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Why We Love This Recipe
Broccoli is one of those veggies I can eat any time. Luckily my kids love it just as much and I can get them to eat it a variety of ways. Some of their favorite broccoli recipes are Broccoli Rice Casserole and Broccoli with Cheese Sauce.
But the easiest and healthiest way we cook broccoli is this easy saute method.
This sauteed broccoli recipe is:
- Ready in 10 Minutes – Such a fast side dish!
- Made with Simple Ingredients – Pick up some fresh broccoli and you might have everything else on hand.
- Caramelized and Flavorful – Sauteing broccoli adds so much flavor and texture vs simple steaming.
How To Saute Broccoli
You cannot go wrong with this easy method for sauteeing broccoli. It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Cook Broccoli – Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil to the pan. Place the broccoli halves cut side down and cook, undisturbed, until the bottoms are golden brown.
Add Flavor – Add the sliced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the broccoli and toss and cook for just 30 seconds.
Finish Cooking – Lean the skillet to the side so you can blot up the excess oil with a paper towel. Add the butter, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Cover the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes to desired doneness.
Serve Immediately and Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Broccoli can be eaten cooked or raw and both are loaded with nutrients! While cooking the broccoli can reduce some of the Vitamin C, sauteed broccoli is still packed with nutrients.
You do not need to boil broccoli before stir frying or sauteing. Raw broccoli can be added straight to the hot pan. To finish cooking, you can add a little water to the pan and cover with a lid.
In addition to adding a little fat from oil and salt to season broccoli, you can add other simple ingredients to make it even more flavorful. Some favorites are lemon zest or juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Broccoli is best served same day, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.
More Broccoli Recipes
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta
- Roasted Broccolini
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole (Chicken Divan)
Sauteed Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or other neutral oil
- 3 cloves garlic sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large heavy non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to the hot pan and place broccoli cut side down, leaving undisturbed for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Add garlic, lemon zest and a pinch of salt, toss and cook for 30 seconds. Lean pan to the side and carefully blot any excess oil with a clean paper towel, held with tongs. To the pan add butter, red pepper flakes and water. Cover and cook about 1 min for crisp, 2 min for crisp tender or 3 min for very tender. Serve immediately.
