5-Minute Skillet Broccoli {Three Ways!}

User Reviews

4.7

129 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    2 mins

  • Cook Time

    3 mins

  • Total Time

    5 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    American

5-Minute Skillet Broccoli {Three Ways!}

This skillet broccoli recipe cooks fresh broccoli florets in olive oil until lightly browned, then simmers briefly with chicken or vegetable broth to achieve a bright green, crisp-tender texture. Three seasoning variations—Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, or an Asian-style sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds—offer distinct flavor profiles, supporting quick preparation and versatility as a side dish.

Description

The broccoli is sautéed in hot olive oil over medium-high heat to develop slight browning for deeper flavor, then broth is added and covered to steam the florets until crisp-tender. This method preserves the broccoli’s vibrant color and texture, balancing a bit of roastiness with tenderness.

After cooking, the broccoli can be seasoned in three different ways: sprinkling shredded Parmesan cheese for a savory touch, adding fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness, or drizzling toasted sesame oil and seeds for an Asian-inspired note. Each option provides a simple way to customize the vegetable to match various meals.

This quick side dish pairs well with a variety of proteins and grains, and can be halved if preparing smaller portions. Substituting water for broth will still cook the broccoli but may reduce the richness of flavor.

Frozen broccoli has not been tested with this recipe, and a lid or foil is needed to cover during simmering for the steaming step.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 to 2 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or other cooking oil
  • 6 cups broccoli florets
  • Pinch of coarse kosher salt
  • ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth, see note

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is rippling and hot. Add the broccoli in a mostly single layer and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let the broccoli "roast" in the hot skillet for 30 seconds or so and then give it a good stir. You can let it keep browning for a minute for more flavor or move on to the next step.
  2. Pour in the broth, immediately cover the skillet with a lid (or foil), and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the broccoli simmer for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Add additional time if you want the broccoli more tender.
  3. Remove from the heat, add seasonings to taste (additional salt or variations below), and serve.

Notes

  • This recipe can be halved using the same skillet, ensuring you have a lid or foil to cover during steaming.
  • Water can replace broth if needed, but may result in less flavor; adjust salt accordingly.
  • Frozen broccoli has not been tested in this method.
  • Try variations by topping cooked broccoli with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest, or sesame oil with toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1 Serving Calories 53kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 102mg (4%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 53kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 102mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.7

129 reviews
Excellent

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