5 Best Steamed Broccoli Recipes

delicious steamed broccoli dishes

So, you think broccoli's just a boring veggie? Think again! Steamed broccoli can be a superstar in your kitchen with the right recipes. From zesty Garlic Lemon Steamed Broccoli to a cheesy casserole that'll make your taste buds dance, there's a world of flavor waiting for you. And let's not forget about the crunchy salad and protein-packed quinoa bowl. Curious about what else you can whip up? Keep on exploring!

Garlic Lemon Steamed Broccoli

Garlic lemon steamed broccoli is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements a variety of main courses. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon paired with the earthy notes of garlic improves the natural taste of the broccoli, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

This simple recipe isn't only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and placing a steamer basket over it. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

While the broccoli is steaming, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Once the broccoli is done, transfer it to a serving bowl, drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over it, and add the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh broccoli, as frozen broccoli may not yield the same vibrant taste and texture.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other seasonings or herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an extra layer of flavor.

If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can steam it for an additional couple of minutes, but be cautious not to overcook it, as it can lose its bright color and nutrients.

Enjoy your garlic lemon steamed broccoli as a nutritious side dish or even as a light main dish paired with grains or proteins!

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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

cheesy broccoli baked dish

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender broccoli, this casserole isn't only a great way to enjoy your veggies but also a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, steam the broccoli florets until they're tender but still bright green, about 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, and if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Extra Tips:

For a creamier casserole, consider adding an extra cup of cheese or a dollop of sour cream to the mixture before baking.

You can also customize this dish by adding cooked chicken or other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients.

If you're short on time, you can use frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just reheat it in the oven before serving.

Sesame Soy Broccoli Stir-Fry

Sesame Soy Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli while adding a flavorful twist. This vibrant dish combines fresh broccoli with a savory sesame soy sauce, making it a perfect side or a light main course.

With its crunchy texture and rich taste, this stir-fry is sure to please both veggie lovers and skeptics alike. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a gathering.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and honey (or maple syrup) together, then pour it over the broccoli.

Continue to stir-fry for another minute, allowing the sauce to coat the broccoli evenly. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crunchy.

You can customize this stir-fry by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Serve it over rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal, or enjoy it as a flavorful side dish.

Broccoli Salad With Cranberries and Feta

cranberry feta broccoli salad

Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Feta is a delightful dish that combines the crispiness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the tanginess of feta cheese. This salad isn't only vibrant in color but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or a healthy snack on its own.

The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your family and friends, and it's easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a quick lunch option.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or sliced almonds)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Begin by steaming the broccoli florets until they're bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.

Once cooled, drain and pat dry. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

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Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Extra Tips:

For a twist on this salad, consider adding some diced apples or pears for extra sweetness and crunch.

You can also customize the salad by incorporating other ingredients like bell peppers or cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

If preparing ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the broccoli and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Enjoy your Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Feta as a nutritious addition to your meals!

Spicy Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

For a hearty and nutritious meal, the Spicy Broccoli Quinoa Bowl combines the health benefits of steamed broccoli with protein-packed quinoa and a kick of flavor from spices.

This dish isn't only vibrant and visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions

Instructions:

Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness.

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and is fluffy.

While the quinoa cooks, steam the broccoli florets until they're bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, olive oil, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.

Extra Tips:

For added texture and flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in the saucepan with a little olive oil before adding water; this improves its nuttiness.

Adjust the spice level according to your preference—if you like it mild, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of soy sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

This dish is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables or proteins, such as chickpeas or grilled chicken, to make it your own!


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