Easy Sautéed Broccoli Recipe

When I’m in need of a quick, healthy side dish, this sautéed broccoli recipe is my go-to. The combination of garlic and lemon beautifully balances out the bitterness of the broccoli, making it hard to resist!

Every time I go grocery shopping, I always make sure to grab some broccoli. Even if I don’t have a specific plan for it, I know it’s a healthy and versatile vegetable to have on hand. This garlic broccoli recipe is my favorite way to enjoy broccoli – it’s quick, flavorful, and pairs well with almost any main dish.

If you, like me, often find yourself with a bag of broccoli in your fridge, save this recipe. You won’t regret it! This recipe involves cooking the broccoli in a skillet on the stove, but if you prefer using the oven, check out our roasted broccoli recipe.

Key Ingredients

• Broccoli: Use both the florets and the stems in this recipe for a delicious outcome. I recommend peeling the thick stalks first to reveal tender and tasty broccoli bites.
• Olive Oil and Butter (optional): I start by sautéing in olive oil and finish with a touch of butter for added richness. The butter is optional but adds a delicious flavor that complements the broccoli well.
• Garlic: The hint of garlic in this recipe adds depth of flavor and pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes or ginger, but a simple garlic infusion is usually sufficient for a quick and tasty side.
• Lemon: A popular choice among our readers, lemon adds a refreshing twist to the dish. The combination of lemon juice and butter creates a light and zesty sauce that coats the broccoli beautifully.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Sauté Broccoli

Tip 1: Preparing the broccoli. Start by dividing the broccoli crown from the main stalk. Cut the crown into small florets and peel the outer layer of the thicker stems. Chop the stems into bite-sized pieces, keeping the florets and stems separate.

1. Begin by browning the broccoli stems in a wide skillet with olive oil. Once they start to brown, add the florets and cook until they develop a golden color.
2. For the thick stems, ensure you peel away the tough outer layer before chopping them into similar-sized pieces as the florets. The stems will become tender and flavorful once cooked.

Tip 2: Brown the broccoli. Cook the broccoli stems first, then add the florets and allow them to brown slightly. This method enhances the flavor and texture of the broccoli.

Tip 3: Add water and cover. After adding garlic, pour in a bit of water and cover the skillet to steam the broccoli until vibrant green and tender.

Tip 4: Finish with butter and lemon. To elevate the dish, turn off the heat and add butter and fresh lemon juice to create a delightful lemony butter sauce that coats the broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

This sautéed broccoli pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile and flavorful side. Check out our dinner recipes for inspiration on what to serve alongside this delicious broccoli dish.

Some of our favorite ways to enjoy this sautéed broccoli include serving it with pork Milanese, slow cooker chicken meatballs, maple soy glazed salmon, classic meatloaf, buttered noodles, baked pork tenderloin with apples, and juicy lemon chicken thighs.

More Broccoli Recipes