Learn how to sauté broccoli with this easy sautéed broccoli recipe! This is an easy-to-make broccoli side dish cooked in garlic and olive oil that pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, pasta and whole grains.
Never underestimate the power of basic cooking techniques! Whether you are roasting broccoli, steaming broccoli or sautéeing broccoli, it’s often the simplest technique that yields the most delicious results.
This easy broccoli recipe is cooked on the stovetop with garlic and olive oil in just minutes. I love serving it alongside my baked turkey meatballs or my crispy cast-iron salmon. It’s a bright and flavorful way to cook broccoli and can really be enjoyed in so many different ways (it would be delicious in this crustless broccoli quiche!).
how to sauté broccoli
If you have never sautéed broccoli before, be prepared to fall in love! The entire process takes just 10 minutes and couldn’t be any easier to do. Here’s a general run down on how to do it (you will find the step-by-step recipe down in the recipe card below).
Step one, sauté! Begin by cooking the garlic in olive oil. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the broccoli along with a fat pinch of salt and pepper, and saute for just a couple of minutes. When the broccoli shifts from pale green to vibrant green, you are ready for the next step.
Next, steam. To ensure your broccoli is nice and tender, add a splash of water and pop on the lid. This will allow the broccoli to steam and become fork tender. I recommend cooking anywhere from 3-5 minutes depending on how al dente you like your broccoli.
Season and serve. Remove the lid and cook for an additional minute or until any excess water has evaporated from the pan. Adjust your seasonings and enjoy.
how to season broccoli
Fresh, seasonal broccoli doesn’t need much to taste delicious. A simple combination of olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper is really all you need to make your broccoli shine! But for those looking to add a bit more flavor and dimension, here are a handful of ways to season your broccoli:
- Lemon. Once the broccoli is cooked and ready to serve, finish the pan with a fat squish of fresh lemon juice. So bright and lovely.
- Red pepper flakes. If you like heat, try sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the top. If you want to infuse the heat into your broccoli, add the pepper flakes to the pan when you are suaténg the garlic.
- Parmesan cheese. Earthy, nutty parmesan cheese is a delicious way to add more flavor. Simply sprinkle it over the top before serving.
- Fresh herbs. To give the broccoli a fun, bright, seasonal vibe top with fresh parsley, cilantro or oregano.
These are just a handful of ideas to get you started! Remember; what grows together goes together! Play with mixing and matching different seasonal ingredients to come up with your very own broccoli combinations.
more simple vegetable side dishes:
- roasted popcorn broccoli
- oven roasted asparagus
- simply steamed beets
- roasted cauliflower
- braised red cabbage
- bok choy stir fry
If you make this sautéed broccoli recipe, be sure to leave a comment and ★ rating below letting me know how it turned out. Your feedback is so helpful for me and our Clean & Delicious community (thank you!).
Sautéed Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets, (1 head of broccoli)
- 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add in the garlic with a pinch of salt and sauté until fragrant (about 30-60 seconds).
- Add broccoli to the pan, season with salt and pepper and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in 1/4 cup of water, pop on the lid and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Remove the lid and cook until any extra water has evaporated out of the pan.
- Adjust seasonings, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- To add even more flavor to the broccoli, swap the water with low sodium veggie or chicken broth.
- If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top of the broccoli.
- Store any leftover sautéed broccoli in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to five days.
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