Are you tired of bland, mushy vegetables that make you dread eating healthy? Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with this incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious Steamed Broccoli with Broccoli Sauce! In just 15 minutes, you'll transform ordinary broccoli into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a nutrition-packed flavor explosion that proves healthy eating can be absolutely irresistible!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup broccoli stems, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broccoli. Rinse the 1 pound of broccoli florets and 1/4 cup of chopped broccoli stems under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Shake off excess water.
- In a large pot or steamer, fill the bottom with about 1-2 inches of water. Place a steaming basket or insert into the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and chopped stems to the steaming basket.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, or until the florets are bright green and tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain the vibrant color and nutrients.
- While the broccoli is steaming, prepare the broccoli sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Once the broccoli is cooked to your desired tenderness, carefully remove the steaming basket from the pot. Allow any excess water to drain off.
- Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving dish. Drizzle the prepared broccoli sauce over the steamed broccoli, ensuring even coverage.
- Gently toss the broccoli in the sauce to coat evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the steamed broccoli immediately as a side dish. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Steamed Broccoli with Broccoli Sauce!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Always select bright green, firm broccoli with tight, compact florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcook: The key to perfect steamed broccoli is maintaining its vibrant color and crisp texture. Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as the florets turn bright green.
- Use a Steamer Basket: A proper steamer basket ensures even cooking and helps retain nutrients that can be lost through other cooking methods.
- Season Immediately: Dress your broccoli with the sauce while it's still hot to help the flavors absorb more effectively.
- Experiment with Variations: Try adding minced garlic, red pepper flakes, or toasted nuts to the sauce for an extra flavor dimension.
- Preserve Nutrients: Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, preserving up to 90% of the broccoli's nutrients compared to boiling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 55kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
