Simple Garlic Broccoli Recipe

Garlic Broccoli make a perfect combination for a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish. This simple broccoli and garlic recipe turns everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Golden-browned broccoli florets, sautéed in fragrant olive oil with garlic and herbs, offer a satisfying texture and bold flavour. It’s the ideal way to turn an ordinary vegetable into something truly irresistible.

Many people struggle to enjoy broccoli because of its sometimes bitter taste or overly soft texture when boiled. This recipe solves that problem by using two cooking techniques—searing and steaming—to achieve the perfect balance of crispy, caramelised edges and a tender interior. A quick toss with garlic and olive oil enhances its natural flavours, making it an absolute treat for your taste buds.

Why You Should Cook This Garlic Broccoli

This dish is a must-try, whether you’re a fan of broccoli or looking for a way to enjoy it more. Here’s why:

• Quick and effortless – Takes only 10 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
• Healthy and nutritious – Broccoli is packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Perfect for meal prep – Garlic broccoli stores well and can be reheated easily.
• Versatile – Works as a side dish, a light lunch, or a topping for bowls and salads.
• Packed with flavour – The combination of crispy broccoli, aromatic garlic, and herbs makes this dish truly addictive.

This recipe is great for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing taste. The browning process gives the broccoli a deep, nutty flavour, while the garlic and olive oil add richness. Even if you don’t typically enjoy broccoli, this dish might just change your mind. Looking for more interesting recipes for vegetables? Then try these easy summer carrots!

Ingredients and Their Role in the Dish

Each ingredient in this dish contributes to its amazing taste and texture:

• Broccoli – The star ingredient! When sautéed, it develops a slightly sweet, earthy flavour with crispy edges.
• Olive oil – Helps to crisp up the florets and adds a rich, smooth taste.
• Garlic – Adds deep, savoury notes and enhances the overall flavour.
• Dried parsley – Provides a mild herbal touch, but you can swap it for other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing out the best in the broccoli.
• Water – A small splash is used to briefly steam the broccoli, ensuring it’s tender inside while still crisp outside.

These simple ingredients work together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The balance of caramelisation, gentle steaming, and garlic-infused olive oil makes this recipe shine.

How to Cook Broccoli and Garlic

This dish is cooked in three quick steps:

1. Sear the broccoli – Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the broccoli florets. Cook without stirring for a few minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
2. Steam to soften – Add a splash of water, cover the skillet, and let the broccoli steam for a couple of minutes. This ensures it’s cooked through while still crisp.
3. Sauté with garlic – After the water evaporates, mix in the garlic and herbs. A quick stir, a final seasoning check, and your dish is ready to serve.

Ideas for Substitutions

This Garlic Broccoli recipe is flexible, allowing you to switch ingredients based on what you have on hand:

• Different herbs – Instead of parsley, use rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil.
• Alternative oils – Olive oil is ideal, but avocado oil or even butter works well.
• Extra flavour – Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Cheesy twist – Finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra richness.
• Soy sauce or balsamic glaze – For an umami boost, drizzle a little soy sauce or balsamic vinegar before serving.

How to Serve Broccoli and Garlic

Garlic Broccoli pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some serving ideas:

• As a side dish – Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• With pasta – Toss with spaghetti or penne for a simple yet flavourful pasta dish.
• In a grain bowl – Add garlic broccoli to a bowl with rice or quinoa, topped with a fried egg or avocado.
• With crusty bread – Pair it with fresh bread and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant appetiser.
• With wine – A glass of cold white wine makes this a light but satisfying meal.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers of garlic broccoli , store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat. This helps restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the broccoli too soft.

Freezing is not recommended because broccoli becomes mushy after thawing. However, if you do need to freeze it, spread the cooled broccoli on a tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, roast it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

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Yield: 4 servings

Easy Garlic Broccoli

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This simple broccoli and garlic recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a crispy, flavourful side dish. Sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, it's quick, healthy, and perfect for any meal.

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 broccoli crown, cut into smaller florets
• 3-4 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tbsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp water

Instructions

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until browned.

Pour in 3 tbsp water and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it steam for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for another 2 minutes until the water evaporates.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, garlic, dried parsley, and salt.

Push the broccoli to the edges of the skillet and pour the garlic-oil mixture into the centre. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir everything together, ensuring the broccoli is well coated.

Check for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Swap dried parsley for rosemary, thyme, or basil.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Finish with grated Parmesan or toasted almonds for extra texture.

This simple broccoli and garlic recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a classic vegetable with a gourmet touch. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s always a winner at the table!