This Mediterranean lemon garlic broccoli is a quick side dish ready in under 15 minutes. Tender-crisp steamed broccoli is tossed in lemon garlic sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Serve it with chicken, fish, steak, turmeric rice, or noodles. Here's how to make it with step-by-step photos and a video recipe.
I've tried many ways to make cook broccoli, but steaming it first and then tossing broccoli in sauce is my favorite. It keeps the broccoli tender-crisp and juicy while soaking up the delicious lemon garlic sauce.
Boiling broccoli can cause some water-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin C and folate, to leach into the cooking water. Steaming broccoli is a simple way to help retain more of these nutrients while keeping broccoli tender-crisp.
There's no butter in this Mediterranean broccoli recipe. Olive oil keeps the lemon garlic sauce light while letting the garlic, lemon, and spices shine. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or skip them for a milder version. It's also great for meal prep and pairs beautifully with Mediterranean yellow rice and Mediterranean lemon garlic chicken.
Like easy meal-prep recipes? Try my garlic butter chicken bites and black pepper chicken stir-fry.
Every bite of this Mediterranean broccoli recipe is spicy, tangy, garlicky, and packed with savory flavor. Try this Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Broccoli and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
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Watch how to make it
Ingredients Notes
This easy Mediterranean broccoli recipe is so versatile. You can add a different seasoning, cooked chicken, or keep it simply flavored with garlic, salt, and pepper. Here's what you will need to make this Mediterranean lemon garlic broccoli recipe.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredients, quantities, and a printable version.
- Broccoli: Use fresh, firm broccoli florets for the best texture. The florets should be bright or light green and should not have yellow or wilted spots. Soft or old broccoli will not give you the same tender-crisp texture. Cut the florets into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives this Mediterranean broccoli recipe a nice tangy flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference here. I usually chop it finely, but you can also mince it.
- Olive oil: This is used to lightly saute the garlic and make lemon garlic sauce. It also adds a light Mediterranean flavor.
- Broth: You can use this homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth. A little chicken or vegetable broth adds flavor and helps create a light lemon garlic sauce that coats the broccoli.
- Salt and black pepper: You don't need too many seasonings for this recipe. Salt and pepper are enough to bring out the flavors of the garlic, lemon, and broccoli.
- Sesame seeds: These are optional. I like to sprinkle a few on top before serving.
How To Make Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Broccoli (with Step-By-Step Photos)
Step 1: Steam the broccoli florets for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer to a colander and let the excess water drain off before stir-frying.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
Step 3: Add chicken or vegetable broth, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Stir and bring the lemon garlic sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the steamed broccoli and toss for 1-2 minutes, until well coated with the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
For a spicy kick, try serving the broccoli with a quick harissa yogurt dip. Mix harissa paste with thick yogurt and serve it on the side. This creamy, slightly spicy harissa dip goes really well with the fresh lemony broccoli.
My Tips for Making The Best Lemon Garlic Broccoli
- Use fresh, firm broccoli: Avoid soft or yellowing broccoli. Fresh florets give the best tender-crisp texture.
- Don't skip the broth. A small amount adds extra savory flavor and helps create a light lemon garlic sauce that coats the broccoli florets. It also keeps the broccoli moist without making it watery.
- Don't overcook: Once the steamed broccoli goes into the lemon garlic sauce, 1-2 minutes is enough. Cooking it longer can make it mushy.
- Serve immediately: This broccoli tastes best when served hot, while it is still tender-crisp.
Recipe FAQs
It pairs well with grilled or pan-seared chicken, fish fry, steak, yellow rice or cumin rice, noodles, or spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino or garlic chili oil noodles. I especially like serving it with turmeric rice and Mediterranean lemon garlic chicken for an easy meal prep.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli gives the best tender-crisp texture. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and drain any excess water. There's no need to steam it again. Add it directly to the pan and cook until it reaches your preferred texture, then toss with the lemon garlic sauce.
Steam the broccoli just until tender-crisp and avoid overcooking it. Once you add it to the lemon garlic sauce, toss for only 1-2 minutes.
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. The broccoli may be slightly softer than when freshly made, but it still makes a convenient side dish for meal prep.
Yes, you can use butter instead of olive oil in this lemon garlic broccoli recipe. Butter gives the broccoli a richer, buttery flavor that pairs really well with the garlic and lemon. I prefer olive oil for a lighter Mediterranean-style flavor, but butter is a delicious option too.
Recipe Card
Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Video
Equipment
- 1 Heavy-bottomed pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
- 2 tablespoon chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Place a steamer basket or strainer over the pot, making sure it does not touch the water. Add the broccoli, cover, and steam for 5-6 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
- Make the lemon garlic sauce: Add chicken broth (or vegetable broth), black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Toss with broccoli: Add the steamed broccoli and toss for 1-2 minutes, until well coated and heated through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Steam until tender-crisp: Don't overcook the broccoli; it should still have a slight bite.
- Drain well: Let the steamed broccoli drain before stir-frying to remove excess water.
- Don't burn the garlic: Sauté just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
- Add lemon at the end: This keeps the lemon flavor fresh and bright.
- Adjust the spice: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or skip them for a milder version.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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