If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that is sure to satisfy then this recipe for Garlic Broccoli is it! It’s made with only 4 simple ingredients but packs an undeniably delicious flavour that will be loved by all!
You can’t go wrong with broccoli, am I right? It’s a favourite in this house. Whether we’re munching it raw in this creamy broccoli salad with bacon, having it perfectly roasted straight from the oven, or sneaking it into some vegan mac and cheese, week after week it’s always on the top of my grocery list.
Pair it with some perfectly crisp thinly sliced garlic and now we’re talkin’ cause you and I both know that garlic just makes everything better. After just one bite, I’m sure you will agree that although this flavour combo may be as simple as it gets, it’s one you’re going to want to keep making on repeat.
I know I’m not the only one that’s all for easy and versatile side dishes. And there’s nothing better than when easy is also quick and delicious. garlic broccoli fits that description perfectly. It goes well with virtually any meal, comes together in just 15 minutes and is great for busy weeknights.
It’s crisp yet tender and the little almost burnt but delicious bits of sliced garlic are truly it’s match made in heaven. You can even easily customize this recipe for garlic broccoli by adding things such as parmesan cheese, soy sauce or chili flakes. But rest assured, the delicious combo of garlic and broccoli is pure magic all on it’s own.
If you’re a broccoli lover who also firmly believes that garlic truly makes everything better, then I don’t think I have to convince you to add this simple garlic broccoli to your meal plan for this week!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR GARLIC BROCCOLI
Yup, that’s right. All you need are 4 simple ingredients to make this recipe for garlic broccoli. And that’s if we’re counting the salt and pepper. Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe for garlic broccoli, you want to make sure everything you’re using is fresh and of good quality. Let’s discuss them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Broccoli: Well, duh! Broccoli is the star of the show when it comes to this quick, healthy and simple to make side dish. Broccoli is high in Fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron and Potassium. Since broccoli is the main ingredient and bulk of this recipe, go for as big of a head as you can find. I like using fresh broccoli but you could also use frozen in a pinch.
- Garlic: The other star of the show and pairs perfectly well with the broccoli. It’s crispy edges and distinct garlic flavour add deliciousness to the dish. If you’re a fellow garlic lover, you could probably agree that the crispy cooked garlic bits are the best part of this dish! Fresh thinly sliced garlic works best in this recipe.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavour to this recipe for garlic broccoli. As always, good quality, extra virgin works best. However, you can use a different oil, such as avocado, or even butter instead if you prefer.
- Salt/Pepper: Adds flavour and balance to the dish.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BROCCOLI (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for garlic broccoli in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Cut the florets into even bite sized pieces to ensure even cooking in the same amount of time.
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for a couple of minutes first. This will soften them up before cooking as well as brighten their natural green colour. EXTRA TIP: To stop the broccoli from cooking further after blanching, drain them and run them under cold water.
- Thinly slice the garlic. As oppose to a mince or a dice, you want to thinly slice your garlic for best results. It’ll crisp up nicely in the oil rather than burn. You really want to taste those crispy bits in your final dish! On that note, keep an eye on the garlic as it’s cooking and stir frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin your overall dish.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Add more salt and pepper, if needed. Or try drizzling it with an extra squirt of olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated parmesan cheese, chili flakes or balsamic if you want to change things up a bit and are feeling a little adventurous.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You want to cut your garlic into very THIN slices. Don’t finely mince or grate it or it’ll burn in the first step of the recipe. A sharp kitchen knife and careful hands should get the job done just fine. Thin slices cooked in enough oil will crisp up nicely rather than burn giving us the perfect crispy garlic we need in this recipe.
This Garlic Broccoli is a great side dish for so many meals. Serve it up with your favourite sandwich or burger, next to all your favourite chicken recipes, with this Greek style pork souvlaki, or these delicious homemade meatballs. Add it to spaghetti squash or pasta or to soups, stews, stir frys, bowls and/or all your favourite broccoli dishes.
If stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge, this Garlic Broccoli will last about 4 days. To reheat, simply toss it in some olive oil in a skillet until heated through, use a microwave or reheat on a sheet tray in an oven.
MORE GREAT SIDE DISH RECIPES
CARAMELIZED PAN SEARED BOK CHOY
CREAMY BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON
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RECIPE FOR GARLIC BROCCOLI
Ingredients
- 1 large head Broccoli trimmed and cut into bite sized florets
- 3-4 Cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 2 minutes or until the broccoli is bright green and barely tender. Drain, run under cold water and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until crispy but not burnt.
- Add the broccoli, salt and pepper and toss to combine. Cook a few additional minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the broccoli and garlic are cooked and crisp to your liking.
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Nutrition
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