Description
Transform a bag of budget-friendly frozen broccoli into a restaurant-worthy side with this quick, three-ingredient recipe packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (12 oz) great value broccoli florets, frozen
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
- Smart substitutions: butter, shallots, coconut oil, nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Set up a large skillet and prep ingredients. Do not thaw broccoli beforehand.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-45 seconds.
- Add frozen broccoli directly to skillet. Stir and spread evenly without overcrowding.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté 6-8 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm topped with nuts or fresh herbs.
Notes
Cooking frozen broccoli directly in hot oil preserves texture and enhances caramelization. Add acid and cheese only after cooking for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.1g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Protein: 3.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg