Lemon Broccoli

Simple and fast, this Lemon Broccoli makes the perfect side dish. It is a delicious way to get in your greens!

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Love broccoli? Try this Scalloped Corn and Broccoli or Broccoli Salad.

I have decided that I need to step up my side dish. I do love side dishes, and we almost always have them. My kids are actually fairly good about eating vegetables, so unless the main dish is packed with veggies, I’ll usually have one or two on their plates. As someone who loves to make dinner for her family, I hate to admit that our side dishes usually come in the form of frozen vegetables. Heat and serve – that’s my normal side dish routine.

But that’s boring. And I’m not usually a fan of boring food.

In my quest to make more side dishes with fresh vegetables, I came across this recipe years ago. And it has become a staple ever since then.

This is such an easy side dish recipe, packed with flavor. The lemon brings so much freshness. And it’s pretty good for you, as well.

Here’s to no more boring side dishes!!

What You Need

One reason we make this recipe so often (besides the fact that it tastes good!) is because we usually have everything on hand. Here is what you need:

• Broccoli – I have only made this recipe using fresh broccoli. We like it when it’s still crisp-tender, so I’m not sure how well frozen broccoli would do.
• Butter – I use unsalted so that we can add in salt to our preference. If you use salted butter, you can cut back on the amount of salt. You can also cut this back to 1 tablespoon of butter for less fat and calories, but we love the extra flavor.
• Lemon Juice and Zest – I definitely suggest using fresh lemon here. Especially since you need the lemon zest. You should just need 1 lemon.
• Salt and Pepper – There are amounts listed for both of these, but I will usually just season to taste.

How to Make It

STEAM: Steam your broccoli – I have a steamer basket – if you don’t have a steamer basket, there are some alternatives below.

SAUCE: Make the “sauce” with the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

STIR: Stir it all together!

How to Steam Broccoli Without a Steamer Basket

If you don’t have a steamer basket, there are a few other ways you can cook your broccoli.

• Take a saute pan (one that has a lid) and and place your vegetables in it. Add just enough water to cover the bottoms of the vegetables. Place the lid on the pan, and place the pan over medium heat. Keep the lid on the pan as much as possible during cooking so that the steam doesn’t escape, and cook just until your vegetables are crisp tender. Be careful, because your vegetables can turn mushy quite easily this way.
• If you have a metal strainer that fits over one of your pots, this makes a great steamer. Place an inch of water in the bottom of your pan, place the strainer over the top so that it’s not touching the water, and place your vegetables in the strainer. Place the lid over the top, and cook until the vegetables are crisp tender.
• You can steam them in the microwave, as well. Add the vegetables to a microwave safe dish, and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the veggies. Cover with a plate (or if you cover with plastic wrap, make a hole or two so that the steam can escape), and cook until crisp tender.

More Easy Side Dishes

This Roasted Asparagus is one of my favorite spring recipes. I make it all spring long!

I love these Sauteed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes. Super easy, and family friendly.

Anytime my daughter chooses the side dish, she chooses these Glazed Carrots. They are almost as good as candy!

This Sweet Potato Hash is so good and super easy.

Want fresh and easy? Try this Herbed Tomato Salad.

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Lemon Broccoli

5 from 3 votes

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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Simple and fast, this Lemon Broccoli makes the perfect side dish. It is a delicious way to get in your greens!

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ▢ 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a pan with a steamer basket. Add the broccoli to the basket, cover and cook until crisp tender, about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the lemon juice and cook for 30-60 seconds. Stir in the lemon zest, salt and pepper. Add the broccoli and toss to coat.
• Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

slightly adapted from Weight Watcher’s New Complete Cookbook

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 of recipe, Calories: 93kcal (5%), Carbohydrates: 10g (3%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 6g (9%), Saturated Fat: 4g (25%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 15mg (5%), Sodium: 328mg (14%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 2g (2%)

Keywords: broccoli, lemon, lemon broccoli, side dish, vegetable