Garlic Butter Steamed Broccoli
This Garlic Butter Broccoli recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for busy days or when you need a nutritious addition to your plate. Steamed to tender perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish highlights the natural sweetness of broccoli while adding a delicious savory depth. Whether paired with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or a hearty vegetarian main course, this side dish is a must-try.
Preparation Time:
10 min
Difficulty:
Novice
Ingredients:
- 150g of fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Steamer
- Bowl
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer for about 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Pour the garlic butter over the steamed broccoli and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 98kcal
- Carbs: 10g
- Proteins: 3g
- Fats: 8g
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Looking for a healthy, tasty, and quick side dish? Garlic Butter Broccoli has got you back! Here's why you'll want to make room for it on your plate:
- Quick & Easy: Done in 10 minutes, this recipe is the perfect weeknight companion. No slaving away in the kitchen all night—steam, toss, and enjoy!
- Healthy: Broccoli is more than just a pretty face for a green veggie; it's full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that contribute to good health overall. It is especially rich in Vitamin C, which is perfect for fighting illness, and Vitamin K, which is great for the bones.
- Delicious: Okay, admit it—plain steamed broccoli can be pretty bland. But mix it with buttery, garlicky yumminess, and suddenly you have yourself a recipe fit for even picky eaters!
- Beginner-Friendly: No fancy methods required. If you can melt butter and steam broccoli, you're ready to take on this recipe. It's ideal for newbies looking for a simple yet flavorful way to increase the veggies in their lives.
Cooking Tips for the Best Broccoli
Want your broccoli to be perfectly tender and flavorful every time? Follow these simple tips:
- Don’t Oversteam: The goal is to get your broccoli bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy. Steaming for about 3 minutes is usually the sweet spot. If you cook it too long, it loses both its color and texture.
- Melt Butter Gently: If you microwave butter for too long, it can splatter or burn. The best method? Heat it in short bursts of 10 seconds or melt it over low heat on the stovetop.
- Toss Evenly: To make sure every bite is packed with garlicky butter goodness, stir or toss the broccoli immediately after adding the garlic butter. This ensures even coating and maximum flavor!
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Let's unpack the easy ingredients that make this recipe a winner—and how you can get creative depending on your taste!
- Broccoli: Fresh florets are best for a bright, crisp-tender texture. If you're using frozen broccoli, you might have to steam it for an additional minute because it lets out more water.
- Butter: This is what makes the dish so comforting and rich in flavor. If you are dairy-free, olive oil or vegan butter works wonderfully—both are ideal!
- Garlic: The star of the dish! Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor kick, but if you're in a bind, garlic powder will do. Just use ¼ teaspoon as a substitute.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper are enough. But if you like, a squirt of lemon juice for a splash of brightness or some parmesan cheese for an added burst of umami flavor will do the trick.
Serving Ideas
This Garlic Butter Broccoli is quite versatile and goes well with everything! Here are some tasty serving ideas:
- With Proteins: Serve it well with grilled chicken, steak, baked salmon, or even a fried egg for a speedy snack.
- With Carbs: Serve it with pasta dishes, rice bowls, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. You can even mix it in your favorite pasta for some greens!
- With Extra Toppings: Feeling like going the extra mile? Sprinkle some parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or chopped nuts (such as almonds or pine nuts) for a crunchy, flavorful boost.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli
Besides being tasty and simple to make, broccoli is a superfood, too! Here's why you need to consume more of it:
- Rich in Fiber: Aids digestion, makes you feel fuller longer, and encourages gut health. Bloating? Guess what? Broccoli can actually assist!
- Packed with Antioxidants: It is full of nutrients such as sulforaphane, which has been associated with decreased inflammation and cancer prevention.
- Low in Calories: It is a low-calorie side dish that contains just 98 calories per serving—a great option for someone who wishes for something tasty but does not want to go overboard on calories.
Fun Fact
Broccoli has been around since ancient Rome! The Romans loved it so much that they cultivated their own varieties—so you’re basically eating a dish fit for an emperor!
You may be amazed to know that broccoli is a cousin of cabbage, kale, and cauliflower. They're all part of the Brassicaceae family. Talk about a power family tree!
Did you know that garlic has an antibacterial compound called allicin? It's like having a built-in immune system booster!
In the 1990s, then President George H.W. Bush said, "I do not like broccoli." He even went so far as to ban it on Air Force One! Don't worry, though—most everyone loves it!
Broccoli contains more Vitamin C than an orange! Broccoli cooked as one cup will give you 135% of your daily Vitamin C.
With its irresistible garlic-butter flavor, quick prep time, and amazing health benefits, this Garlic Butter Broccoli is a side dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Don't forget to share your opinion with me.
Enjoy!
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