Best Ever Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter (Ready in 15 Mins!)
I’ll be honest: Weeknights can be chaotic. By the time 6 PM rolls around, the last thing I want to do is fuss over a complicated side dish, even though I know we need our veggies!
My grandmother used to say that the best comfort food is the simplest food, and this tested family favorite proves her right every time. This Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter recipe transformed boring, bland broccoli into an irresistible, flavorful staple. It truly is the perfect, easy dinner side.
If you need a quick win that the whole family will devour—even the pickiest eaters—look no further. It takes less than 15 minutes and is the ultimate healthy comfort food companion to almost any main course.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Steamed Broccoli
- Super Fast: Seriously, this side is ready in 15 minutes or less.
- Kid-Approved: The magic of garlic butter makes every bite delicious.
- Perfect Texture: We use steaming to achieve that ideal tender-crisp bite—never mushy!
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, fish, or pasta.
What You Need to Make the Best Broccoli
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! The key is using fresh, high-quality broccoli and real butter for that rich, savory coating.
Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and optional add-ins like lemon zest!
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Broccoli
- Don’t Overcook: Steam for 5-7 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and still offer slight resistance (tender-crisp). Mushy broccoli is sad broccoli.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: Skip the jarred stuff! Freshly minced garlic provides the punchy aroma and flavor that defines this side dish.
- Cut Uniform Florets: Try to make your florets roughly the same size so they steam evenly.
- Use High Heat for Butter: Make sure the garlic infuses quickly into the butter. If you cook it too slowly, the garlic flavor won’t be as potent.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? This recipe is highly adaptable!
- Make it Vegan: Simply substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter substitute or use olive oil instead.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (Calabrian chili flakes are great!) to the melted garlic butter for a little heat.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
- Lemon Zest Boost: A microplane zest of half a lemon stirred into the garlic butter brightens the flavor considerably.
Storage & Freezing
This side dish is definitely best served immediately while the broccoli is hot and the butter is shiny, but leftovers store well too!
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or briefly sauté it in a pan with a touch more butter or water to rehydrate the florets.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this finished dish, as the texture of the steamed broccoli will become very watery upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can! However, frozen broccoli holds more water, so you may need to reduce the steaming time slightly. Pat the florets dry before tossing with the garlic butter to prevent a watery sauce.
Q: How do I steam broccoli without a steamer basket?
A: If you don’t have a basket, place a heat-safe colander or metal sieve inside a large pot filled with an inch of boiling water. Ensure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the colander. Cover tightly and steam as usual!
Q: What is the best way to clean broccoli?
A: Rinse the head thoroughly under cold water. If you are worried about small bugs, soak the florets in a bowl of cold water mixed with a teaspoon of white vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinse again.
Time to Dig In!
This Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. It’s vibrant, buttery, garlicky perfection!
If you make this quick and easy side, please let me know how you enjoyed it. Pin this recipe for later so you always have a perfect veggie side ready to go!
Best Ever Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter (15 Mins!)
Ingredients
- 1 large head of fresh broccoli (cut into florets)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1 Prep the Broccoli: Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket above the water.
- Step 2 Steam: Cover the pot and steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, until it is bright green and fork-tender (but still slightly crisp). Remove the basket and drain any excess moisture.
- Step 3 Make the Garlic Butter: While the broccoli steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautu00e9 for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (do not let the garlic burn).
- Step 4 Combine and Serve: Transfer the hot steamed broccoli to a serving bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top. Add the salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of fresh broccoli (cut into florets)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
