Are you tired of bland, mushy vegetables that make you dread eating healthy? Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with this mouthwatering Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic recipe! In just 15 minutes, you'll transform ordinary broccoli into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This simple yet elegant dish proves that nutritious eating can be incredibly delicious and effortless.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cool running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed.
- Trim the broccoli stems if they appear woody or tough, cutting the florets into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare a steamer basket by filling a medium saucepan with about 1-2 inches of water, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high to maintain a steady steam.
- Carefully place the broccoli florets into the steamer basket in a single layer, allowing steam to circulate around each piece.
- Cover the steamer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp when pierced with a fork.
- While the broccoli steams, prepare the lemon-garlic sauce by mincing the garlic clove finely.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, whisking to create a light dressing.
- Once the broccoli is cooked, immediately remove from heat to prevent overcooking and maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving dish and drizzle the lemon-garlic sauce over the top, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot as a nutritious side dish, garnishing with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Always select bright green, firm broccoli florets with tight, compact heads to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Size Matters: Cut florets into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout.
- Don't Overcook: Watch your steaming time carefully! Broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy or dull-colored.
- Maximize Flavor: The lemon-garlic sauce is key - whisk ingredients thoroughly and drizzle immediately after steaming for maximum taste impact.
- Temperature Trick: Serve immediately after cooking to preserve nutrients and maintain that beautiful vibrant green color.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
