Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Garlic Butter
In short: Bright green steamed broccoli tossed with garlic butter, lemon zest and a pinch of chili. A fast, simple side for fish, chicken and pasta. It takes about 13 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Total
- 13 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 135 kcal
Steamed broccoli has a bad reputation when it is cooked until gray, but timed properly it is bright green, tender and slightly sweet. The finishing touch is a quick garlic butter made while the broccoli steams, brightened with lemon at the end. It is a five-minute side for fish, chicken, pasta or rice, and one of the easiest ways to get vegetables on the table without turning on the oven.
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into florets of similar size, about 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) wide. Peel and slice the stalk into coins if you like.
- Bring about 2 cm (1 inch) of water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket and a lid.
- Add the broccoli, cover and steam for 4 to 5 minutes, until bright green and just tender when pierced with a knife.
- While it steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, without letting it brown. Take the pan off the heat.
- Tip the broccoli into a warm bowl and pour over the garlic butter. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper and chili flakes, toss gently and serve straight away.
Tips
- Timing matters, so check at 4 minutes: the broccoli should still have a slight snap. If you cook it ahead, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and warm it briefly in butter.
- Use olive oil for a dairy-free version. Grated Parmesan, toasted breadcrumbs or sliced almonds make good finishing touches.
Questions and answers
How long should I steam broccoli?
Florets take 4 to 5 minutes for tender-crisp broccoli and 6 to 7 minutes for soft. Frozen broccoli takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
Can I steam broccoli without a steamer?
Yes. Put 2 cm (1 inch) of water in a pan with a lid, bring it to a boil, add the broccoli and cover. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl with 2 tablespoons of water for 3 to 4 minutes.
How do I keep broccoli green?
Do not overcook it, and serve it right after steaming. Add lemon juice only at the very end, because acid turns it olive-green.
How long does it take to make Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Garlic Butter?
About 13 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Garlic Butter?
About 135 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 135 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 195 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
