Sautéed Frozen Broccoli
A surprisingly delicious and fast way to prepare frozen broccoli. Sautéed with garlic until tender-crisp and lightly browned, this simple side dish is perfect for any weeknight meal and ready in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
Heat oil and add broccoli.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the pan. There's no need to thaw them first.
TIPUsing a large pan gives the broccoli space to brown instead of just steaming, which creates better flavor and texture.Steam the broccoli to thaw.
Cover the pan with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes. This will thaw the florets quickly and cook them partway through.
Sauté until tender-crisp.
Remove the lid. The water from the broccoli will start to evaporate. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 4-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and you see some nice browned spots on the florets.
Add garlic and season.
- Push the broccoli to one side of the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the empty space and cook for about 30-60 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir the garlic into the broccoli.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
TIPAdding the garlic at the end prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.Serve immediately.
Toss everything together one last time and transfer to a serving dish. This side is best enjoyed hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not thaw the broccoli before cooking. Adding it frozen helps it steam perfectly before browning.
- 2Ensure your pan is hot before adding the broccoli to get a good sizzle and prevent sogginess.
- 3For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. If you're doubling the recipe, use a very large pan or cook in two batches.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.
healthyHealthy
To reduce calories, use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of 4. You can add a tablespoon of water when steaming if needed.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the garlic and toss with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese after cooking.
quickQuick
Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save on prep time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important for the immune system and skin health.
Good Source of Fiber
The fiber in broccoli supports digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Contains Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy side dish. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Using olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.