Lemon Pepper Broccoli

Lemon Pepper Broccoli is a quick and flavorful side dish that pairs crispy, tender broccoli with zesty lemon, savory garlic butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy snack, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
• Healthy and Versatile: A keto-friendly, low-carb option packed with nutrients.
• Burst of Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan elevates simple broccoli to a whole new level.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Works well as a side dish or a standalone snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 crowns of broccoli
• 2-3 tbsp butter (garlic butter preferred)
• Lemon pepper (to taste)
• Garlic salt (to taste)
• Lemon juice (to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)

Directions

1. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
2. Steam or microwave the broccoli in a glass bowl with a wet paper towel for about 5 minutes until tender.
3. Melt butter in a pan over low heat.
4. Stir in garlic salt and lemon pepper, allowing the butter to absorb the flavors.
5. Add the steamed broccoli to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the butter mixture.
6. Spread the broccoli out in the pan and cook on high heat for a few minutes to achieve a crispy texture.
7. Finish with extra seasoning, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
• Herb-Infused: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the broccoli for an herby touch.
• Nutty Addition: Toasted almonds or pine nuts make a great garnish.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave briefly until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but adjust the steaming time slightly, as frozen broccoli cooks faster.

2. What’s the best way to steam broccoli without a microwave?

Use a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes.

3. Can I make this recipe without garlic butter?

Absolutely! Use regular butter and add extra garlic salt or fresh minced garlic.

4. How do I ensure the broccoli gets crispy?

Spread it evenly in the pan and avoid stirring too much while on high heat.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts work well as additions.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free seasonings.

7. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While best served fresh, you can steam the broccoli ahead of time and finish cooking it in the pan before serving.

8. What kind of lemon pepper seasoning is best?

Use a high-quality blend with real lemon zest for the most vibrant flavor.

9. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan offers better flavor and texture.

10. What can I pair this with?

This dish complements grilled chicken, fish, or steak, and also works well with pasta or rice.

Conclusion

Lemon Pepper Broccoli is a simple yet impressive dish that combines bright, savory, and crispy elements. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your meal. Try it today and savor the delicious balance of flavors!

Lemon Pepper Broccoli

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Broccoli is a simple, flavorful side dish made with garlic butter, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Perfect for quick dinners, it’s keto-friendly, vegetarian, and absolutely delicious!

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 crowns of broccoli, chopped
• 2–3 tbsp garlic butter (or regular butter)
• Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
• Garlic salt (to taste)
• Lemon juice (to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Broccoli:
   • Chop broccoli into florets.
   • Microwave or steam the broccoli in a glass bowl covered with a wet paper towel for about 5 minutes until tender.
2. Make Butter Mixture:
   • Melt butter in a pan over low heat.
   • Add garlic salt and lemon pepper to the melted butter, stirring to combine.
3. Sauté Broccoli:
   • Add steamed broccoli to the pan and toss to coat with the butter mixture.
   • Spread broccoli evenly in the pan and let it sit over high heat for a few minutes to get crispy.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
   • Add extra lemon pepper seasoning to taste.
5. Enjoy:
   • Serve warm as a side dish or light meal.

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Notes

• For added crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top.
• Adjust seasoning levels to fit your taste preference.
• Make it vegan by substituting butter with vegan butter and skipping the Parmesan.