Garlic Broccoli
Garlic broccoli offers a vibrant, savory flavor with tender crunch, perfect as a healthy side for family dinners or quick weekday meals with a touch of Parmesan.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook garlic in oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until tender.
- Add broccoli, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and green onions.
- Cover and cook 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw, or try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you want to make this dish vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright finish if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic broccoli dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or baked fish for a balanced meal. It also makes a great side for vegetarian recipes, complementing grains like quinoa or brown rice. For a more substantial dish, serve it over pasta or incorporate it into a stir-fry. A sprinkle of toasted almonds on top adds a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the broccoli from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Broccoli contains roughly 116 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1067mg per serving (46% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but the cooking time may need adjustment. Add the frozen broccoli directly to the skillet without thawing, and increase the cooking time by a few minutes until heated through and tender. Fresh broccoli offers a better texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute for Parmesan, providing a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Alternatively, you could use pecorino or any hard cheese you prefer. Just keep in mind that different cheeses might alter the overall taste slightly.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. You can stir these in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a lighter option, tossing in some cooked edamame also works well and complements the flavors of the garlic and broccoli.
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).