FASTER: Once the broccoli is steamed, you can quickly season it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, granulated garlic powder, and a touch of lemon juice and zest—for an easy, shortcut version.
My husband’s go-to is just butter, salt, and pepper—always a hit with the kids too.
Want to elevate it? Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet twist!
steamed brocolli with garlic
Steamed broccoli with garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish rich in nutrients, offering a delicious way to enjoy one of nature’s healthiest vegetables. Versatile, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a wholesome staple for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 cups of broccoli florets or broccolini, about 8 ounces—be sure to save the stems
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or substitute with butter or ghee
- 4 to 10 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- A generous pinch of chili flakes Aleppo or Urfa Biber work especially well
- Zest from one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cut or tear the broccoli into small, evenly sized florets to ensure they cook uniformly. Slice the stems into thin disks about ⅛-inch thick.
- Add ¾ inch of water to a medium pot and place a steamer basket on top, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Arrange the broccoli stems in the basket first, then layer the florets on top. Cover with a lid, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam the broccoli, covered, for about 5 minutes or until it’s fork-tender. Check doneness with a fork (see notes for more).
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the chili flakes. Once the garlic turns golden, stir in the lemon zest and immediately turn off the heat.
- Using tongs, transfer the steamed broccoli to the skillet. Season well with salt and pepper, and gently toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or chili flakes to your liking. If desired, drizzle in a bit more olive oil to fully coat the broccoli.
- Serve warm and enjoy!