Sweet And Sour Broccoli
A vibrant, savory side dish featuring crisp-tender broccoli coated with sweet and tangy flavors from brown sugar and cider vinegar, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the leaves and coarse stem ends from the broccoli and cut the stems and florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring about 1 inch of lightly salted water to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Add the broccoli and cook, covered, for 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using pancetta instead of bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for added depth. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar according to your taste. If you have leftover ham, feel free to chop and add it for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet and Sour Broccoli as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken or pork recipes for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with Flour Tortilla Rolls filled with your favorite proteins. Garnish with additional green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sweet and Sour Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can sauté it quickly in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Broccoli contains roughly 224 calories, with 10g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess water. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh.
What can I substitute for cider vinegar?
If you don’t have cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or rice vinegar as alternatives. Both will provide a similar tangy flavor, although the taste may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
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).