Quick Broccoli & Lemon Stir-Fry
This Quick Broccoli & Lemon Stir-Fry is a vibrant, tender-crisp side dish that comes together in under 15 minutes, offering a burst of fresh flavor perfect for any meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare all ingredients: Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Trim the ends of the snow peas. Mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon into separate small bowls.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until the broccoli starts to turn bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
Add the trimmed snow peas to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they are vibrant green and slightly softened but still have a crunch.
Pour in the 2 tablespoons of water and immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Let the vegetables steam for 1-2 minutes to ensure they are cooked through but still tender-crisp.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Uncover and immediately stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), salt, and black pepper.
Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If using, drizzle with toasted sesame oil.
Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish with your favorite protein like grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en Place is Key: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 2Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the vegetables stir-fry rather than steam, maintaining their crisp texture.
- 3High Heat, Quick Cook: Maintain medium-high to high heat throughout the stir-frying process to achieve that desirable tender-crisp texture.
- 4Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice at the very end to suit your preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a touch of heat.
Added ProteinAdded Protein
Stir-fry 4 oz of thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or firm tofu cubes before adding the vegetables, then remove and add back at the end.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the broccoli.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Broccoli, snow peas, and lemon are all excellent sources of Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Fiber-Packed
The high fiber content in broccoli and snow peas aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Boost
This dish is loaded with various antioxidants from the vegetables and lemon, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before stir-frying to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy. Cooking time might be slightly reduced.
