This recipe for Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon Zest and Chili flakes is our "go-to" broccoli recipe -simple, yet full of amazing flavor! Vegan, healthy can be made in 15 minutes! Updated 1/2022
Recipe by Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home Blog on January 13, 2021
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT10M
Rating
5 stars ( reviews)
Keywords
broccoli recipes, simple broccoli recipes, easy broccoli recipes, steamed broccoli, best broccoli recipe, vegan broccoli recipe, steamed broccoli, how to steam broccoli, vegan side dish, healthy broccoli recipes,
Ingredients
4-6 cups Broccoli Florets (or broccolini) 8 ounces – save the stems.
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter or ghee)
4-10 garlic cloves, rough chopped
generous pinch chili flakes (Aleppo or Urfa Biber are nice here)
zest of one lemon
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: truffle oil
Categories
Side
Cuisine
American
Steps
Tear or cut broccoli florets into small florets, roughly the same size to ensure even doneness. Thinly slice the stems ( ⅛-inch thick disks)
Pour 3/4-inch of water into a medium pot and place a steamer basket over the top. (Water should not cover the bottom of the basket). Place broccoli stems in the basket first, then florets and cover with a lid. Bring water to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, and simmer covered, until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Test with a fork- see notes.
While the broccoli is steaming, heat oil in a large skillet. Saute garlic over medium heat until fragrant, add chili flakes. When garlic is golden add lemon zest, give a stir and turn the heat off.
Using tongs, add the steamed broccoli to the skillet, season generously with salt and pepper and give a gentle stir.
Taste, adjust salt, pepper, chili flakes. Add a little more olive oil if you like, so broccoli is nicely coated.
Serve and enjoy!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 96 calories
Carbohydrates: 7.3 g
Protein: 2.7 g
Fat: 7.4 g
Saturated Fat: 1.1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 324.6 mg
Sugar: 1.6 g
Reviews
afracooking on 2013-01-16 (5 stars): I almost forgot that I saw this recipe a while back - I do not really like broccoli. But then I do believe in healthy food and variation so the other day I found myself in my kitch with a broccoli in my hand. I followed your instructions and ... i was AMAZED! How can something as simple as lemon zest make such a difference!! Thank you for sharing!
muffinsandmocha on 2013-02-07 (5 stars): This looks so good! I cannot wait to try. I need to get a steamer but I do not think they are that expensive? I found your blog through pinterest.
Caitlin on 2015-03-26 (5 stars): Truffle oil is one of my favorites! Sounds great with lemon and pine nuts.
Ioana on 2018-03-13 (5 stars): Fantastic, simple so tasty. This receipe will be a standard in my repertoire, thanks so much for the inspiration.
Sandy on 2021-10-20 (5 stars): We’ve been making this for years! Very easy, healthy and delicious.
Lucinda on 2022-01-24 (5 stars): This is pretty much how I’ve made my broccoli for years. However, I speed things up a bit by “steaming” wet/washed broccoli in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes before dumping it into the skillet.
Christine on 2022-01-24 (5 stars): Thank you, Sylvia! DELICIOUS!!!!
Carlo on 2022-01-24 (5 stars): Simple but very healthy dish.
This is the quickest way to prepare a WFPB dish or Vegan. Also excellent side dish.
I have this 3-4 times per week. I also squeeze some lemon juice, I find it adds to the olive oil flavour, and then dip some bread in the remaining juices. Yum
Ann on 2022-01-28 (5 stars): Love it!
Pam on 2022-02-03 (5 stars): I agree with other comments that it was amazing what a difference lemon zest made! I have squeezed fresh lemon juice over broccoli for years; but the sauteed garlic and lemon zest take it to another level.......not to mention the pepper flakes. Easy enough for a weeknight but tastes like a weekend date night! Thank you for this simple, fast and delectable broccoli dish. Best broccoli ever!!!
Tantoco on 2022-04-12 (5 stars): Another awesome dish!!!
I love the mix of spicy chili flakes with the lemon.
So beautifully prepared and yet so easy to make.
Thanks again Sylvia 😁
Ernie on 2022-06-08 (5 stars): I used dried ghost pepper flakes from last years garden.
The recipie is simple and delicious.
I used a microwave steamer, 2 minutes. Put in pan and sauteed a bit. The broccoli was done perfectly.
Ernie on 2022-06-18 (5 stars): I love the recipe, going to substitute broccoli for brussel sprouts. Going to give it a try.
Ernie on 2022-06-19 (5 stars): Sylvia,
The brussel sprout substitution was also delicious. I am a huge fan of this recipe. THANKS!
Ann on 2023-05-23 (5 stars): Lovely
Pam on 2023-06-01 (5 stars): I've made this, or some version for several years. Even with my lazy adaptations it was excellent. Today for the first time I decided to make it exactly as written, including a small drizzle of truffle oil. Oh my goodness what a game changer ! I thought the lemon zest alone made the difference but no! I used 8 very large garlic cloves along with the other ingredients. So so good. I think next time I will make it the same way but go back to my original practice of squeezing a lemon over the top right before serving. This will be on our table once a week!!!!
Urs on 2023-11-15 (5 stars): Hi Sylvia, love your recipes, great way to enjoy healthy food!
If I may make two suggestions for easier reading (I use your metric versions):
1. Replace “gramms “ with the abbreviation “g”
2. Replace “Tablespoon” with “Tbsp” and “Teaspoon “ with “tsp”.
But again, wonderful food, has earned us (you) lots of compliments.
Thanks.
Shelly on 2025-05-05 (5 stars): I think she would probably have known those abbreviations already, considering what a fine cook she is! X
Kelly-Anne on 2024-01-29 (5 stars): Wow love ❤️ at first bite!
Anne Davis on 2024-02-13 (5 stars): Love this quick, delicious recipe.
I use capers in place of the chili since my partner likes chili less than I do. The lemon makes such a difference.
Linda on 2025-02-27 (5 stars): This is a lovely recipe. It is easy and tasty. The lemon zest brings a bright note and reminds me that spring is coming (we’re in winter as I write this). Thank you for this yummy recipe!
Lisa on 2025-03-16 (5 stars): Fabulous and easy recipe for broccoli or cauliflower. Love meyer lemons and garlic.
Thanks for sharing.
Teresa on 2025-05-23 (5 stars): I'm so in love with this, I think I make it once a week. So simple and flavorful!
