Broccoli with Garlic
Easy broccoli with garlic! An easy side dish that will make anyone love broccoli. I’ve served this so many times to rave reviews– you’ll be making this garlic broccoli over and over again!
File this under ‘I can’t believe I haven’t shared this recipe yet.’ My mom has been making this garlic broccoli for decades and it’s hands down my favorite way to enjoy broccoli.
I’ve served this to dozens of people over the years, and it always gets rave reviews. Tender broccoli is lightly steamed and tossed in a simple olive oil and garlic sauce.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this broccoli with garlic is so delicious and simple to make. The perfect side dish for whatever you are making!
Why this Recipe Works
This garlic broccoli recipe works because you lightly steam the broccoli while it’s still bright green and slightly crisp. This prevents soggy, sulphur-tasting broccoli, which often happens with overcooking cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli.
Instead, you’ll lightly steam the broccoli until tender-crisp and then add it to a warm olive oil and garlic dressing. The warm broccoli heats the garlic, allowing it to almost melt into the broccoli. It’s so incredibly fantastic, you have to make it!
Ingredient Notes
- Broccoli: To prep, peel the broccoli stem and then thinly slice to create long, skinny handles of broccoli.
- Garlic: The key to this recipe is finely grating the garlic into the olive oil. You’ll need a microplane for best results, then a large, wide knife to create a garlic paste. This allows the garlic to melt into the warm broccoli and create the best-tasting broccoli.
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Good-tasting olive oil also makes this recipe. For cost and taste, my preferred brands are California Ranch and La Tourangelle, but there are plenty of olive oil brands out there.
How to Make this Garlic Broccoli
Make the garlic dressing
Finely mince the garlic or use a microplane, then use the back of a wide knife to rub the garlic along a cutting board until a garlic paste forms. Whisk in olive oil and add salt and pepper.
Steam the broccoli
Steam the broccoli in lightly salted water until just tender, then add the broccoli directly to the garlic olive oil bowl and toss together. Season to taste, adding more salt/pepper as desired and serve.
Serving Ideas
You can serve this garlic broccoli as a side to just about anything. It’s great with any protein/starch meal, in a bowl, in a salad, or even just on its own.
This one tastes best at room temperature, so if you make it ahead of time, then bring it to room temperature an hour or two before serving.
Try it served with:
- BBQ Tofu
- Puttanesca Beans with Garlic Bread
- Mushroom Galette
- Tofu BBQ Sandwich with Slaw
- Baked Tofu Nuggets
More Broccoli Recipes
- Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup
- Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pizza
- Charred Broccoli and Mozzarella Sandwich
- Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli
- Roasted Broccoli with Curry Dipping Sauce
If you try this broccoli with garlic recipe, make sure to come back to leave a comment and a rating. Your feedback helps other readers, and seeing you make my recipes makes my day!
Broccoli with Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the woody end of the broccoli and peel the outer stem. Slice the florets into thin stems, keeping the floret and stalk part attached.
- Finely mince the garlic cloves and use the side of a large knife to press the minced garlic into a cutting board. Continue to go back and forth along the minced garlic until a paste is formed. Place the paste in a small bowl and whisk in the olive oil and a good pinch each of salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli to the salted water and cook until bright green and tender when pierced with a fork, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the broccoli and place in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to combine. Season to taste, and serve at room temperature.