Perfectly Tender-Crisp Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter Drizzle
Learn the simple technique to steam broccoli so it stays bright green and tender-crisp, not soggy. Finish it with a quick garlic butter sauce for a restaurant-style side dish ready in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Total Time: 13 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into uniform florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets and pat them dry slightly. Cut the florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Set up the steamer: Pour about one inch of water into a large pot or deep skillet. Place a steamer basket inside, making sure the water level is below the basket bottom. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Steam the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets into the steamer basket. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a steady steam. Steam for 4 to 6 minutes.
- Check for doneness: Test a floret with a fork. You want it tender when pierced but still slightly firm (tender-crisp). If it is too firm, cover and steam for one more minute.
- Prepare the sauce while steaming: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Finish the dish: Carefully transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the broccoli. Add the salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve this quick vegetable recipe right away.
Notes
- For microwave steaming, place florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a lid and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes.
- If you prefer a richer flavor similar to Texas Roadhouse broccoli, use 3 tablespoons of butter and add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to the garlic butter sauce.
- To keep the broccoli bright green, immediately plunge the cooked florets into an ice water bath (blanching technique) for 1 minute after steaming, then drain well before adding the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 10