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The Ultimate Guide: Perfectly Tender-Crisp Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Lemon Butter

Bright green, perfectly steamed broccoli florets topped with golden brown minced garlic served in a white bowl.
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Learn the foolproof stovetop method for steaming broccoli that keeps every piece bright green and tender-crisp. Finish this quick vegetable side with a simple garlic lemon butter sauce for incredible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of broccoli (about 1 pound)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash the head of broccoli. Cut the head into uniform, bite-sized florets. You can include the peeled and sliced stem if you prefer.
  2. Set up for steaming: Pour 1/2 cup of water into a large skillet or pot that has a tight-fitting lid. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring the water level is below the basket.
  3. Steam the broccoli: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket. Cover the pot immediately.
  4. Cook until tender-crisp: Steam the broccoli for 4 to 6 minutes. Check a piece after 4 minutes; you want it tender when pierced with a fork but still slightly firm (tender-crisp). Avoid overcooking to keep it bright green.
  5. Prepare the butter sauce: While the broccoli steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Remove from heat.
  6. Season and serve: Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the garlic butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately as a quick weeknight vegetable side.

Notes

  • For a restaurant-style copycat flavor, add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce before tossing with the broccoli.
  • If you prefer the microwave method for speed, place the florets and 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • To achieve bright green broccoli, plunge the cooked florets into an ice bath for 1 minute immediately after steaming, then drain well before saucing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/steamed-broccoli-tender-crisp-garlic-butter-recipe/