Broccoli With Lemon-Butter Sauce
Bright and zesty broccoli coated in a buttery lemon sauce, perfect as a healthy side dish for any meal, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash broccoli and trim tough stems.
- Cut each stalk of broccoli into several pieces.
- Place broccoli into a vegetable steamer basket over boiling water.
- Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- In a small skillet, melt butter, then add lemon juice.
- Drizzle lemon-butter over broccoli, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh broccoli and ensure it's bright green. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-butter sauce. You can substitute olive oil for butter or use a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version. This dish pairs beautifully with Kari'S Karamels for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broccoli warm, garnished with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Autumn Apple for a refreshing dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam it gently or microwave it with a splash of water to retain moisture. Avoid reheating it too long to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli With Lemon-Butter Sauce contains roughly 219 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it according to package instructions and adjust the cooking time so it doesn't become overly soft.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar as alternative acids to brighten the flavor. However, lemon juice offers a unique citrus note that enhances the dish.
How can I add more flavor to the lemon-butter sauce?
For added flavor in your lemon-butter sauce, consider whisking in minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. These additions will elevate the dish and complement the broccoli beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).