Make this effortless, healthy Easy Sauteed Broccoli your signature veggie as a side or a great addition to a pasta or wholesome bowl.
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Broccoli has been around FOREVER and can be found in almost any cuisine. So I was quite surprised to recently read that Thomas Jefferson recorded planting broccoli in 1767 and took credit for introducing the versatile vegetable to the United States.
Ok. I consider myself pretty intelligent and well-educated. I can name all the US Presidents in consecutive order, I know Jefferson was the third. I have also seen Hamilton a few times and have dined at Jefferson’s favorite restaurant in Paris, Cafe Procope. I HAD NO IDEA THAT HE HAD A GARDEN BOOK!!
As a foodie and lover of all things historic, this is the coolest thing ever. I feel a little silly for not knowing. Like, I purchased Martha Stewart, Gardening 101, clearly not knowing that it is not the oldest gardening book, like, ever. Jefferson had a famous garden, like a scientific lab, in Monticello Virginia, which you can visit.
Ok. Wow. Thank you Jefferson for the broccoli, but enough with this super cool history, and back to Easy Sauteed Broccoli. I make broccoli often. It is my husband’s favorite vegetable, it has tons of health benefits, and force my kids to eat it too.
I remember growing up, my mom would boil broccoli. This however makes it lose some nutrients. For my whole adult life I have been steaming, THEN sauteeing broccoli, which makes me use a few more pots and pans than necessary.
You will love this recipe because you sautee the broccoli and garlic, then steam it, all in the same pan. Also, you will only be using one pan! Easier clean-up is always a perk!
Is Sautéed Broccoli Healthy?
Yes! I love it when I can confidently say that a recipe is healthy. Broccoli contains tons of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is beneficial in reducing inflammation, promoting eye health, and is great for your immune system.
This recipe has very little fat since we will use EVOO to sautee the broccoli and garlic. It also checks all the boxes for special diets and dietary restrictions. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly.
Sauteeing THEN Steaming?
As I mentioned, I always steamed broccoli before either sauteeing or roasting it. However, this recipe has changed things. Here you will add olive oil, garlic, and broccoli to the pan and saute until the broccoli is bright green and the garlic nice and fragrant. Then, add two tablespoons of water to the pan and cover. Not only is this super quick and easy, but you also save the step of steaming in either a pot or a steamer.
BONUS: You can use this sautee/ steam method with many other vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedge for serving
- Red pepper flakes (optional) for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté
Warm the oil and sauté the broccoli and garlic with seasoning until vibrant and aromatic.
Steam
Add water and cover the skillet to steam the broccoli to tender perfection.
Flavor
Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, then season to taste.
Enjoy
Serve the delicious sautéed broccoli.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
If you have leftovers or wish to make this ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Hello, easy meal prep for the week! Either reheat in a pan for a few minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
After a few minutes test your broccoli by sticking a fork in it. The fork should easily go in, then it is done!
This dish is very basic, but we do recommend a fresh squeeze of lemon and a dash of red pepper flakes. Other delicious options include topping your sauteed broccoli with a dash of soy or ponzu sauce, chopping up some scallions or green onions, or a bit of parmesan cheese. Note: The cheese will make this dish no longer vegan.
You can purchase broccoli in florets, cuts, crowns, or a bunch. If you buy a bunch, just cut off the huge main stalk, then trim the broccoli about an inch down from the crown for florets.
Serving Suggestions
One of my favorite dishes to serve this Easy Sauteed Broccoli with is Seared Tuna Steak. A perfect light dinner for “no-meat Mondays” or a fancy summer lunch to whip up in just MINUTES if you have company. Of course, this broccoli dish is also a perfect side for Sirloin Steak or this tasty Lemon Pepper Chicken .
You can also add Easy Sauteed Broccoli to this delightful Ginger Rice, Cauliflower Fried Rice, Angel Hair Pasta , or any grain bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedge for serving
- Red pepper flakes optional for serving
Instructions
- Warm the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets, thinly sliced garlic, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Sauté the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of water, then cover the skillet. Let the broccoli steam until it becomes tender, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper according to your taste. Serve immediately.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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