Description
This foolproof boiled broccoli recipe delivers perfectly tender-crisp, bright green florets in minutes, offering a nutritious, family-friendly side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g fresh broccoli florets, cut into medium bite-sized pieces
- 15 g fine sea salt (1 tbsp)
- 2–3 quarts water
- 1 large bowl of ice water
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Butter or olive oil (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Broccoli Florets: Wash and trim broccoli, cutting florets into uniform 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Salted Water: Fill a large pot with 2-3 quarts of water, add 15 g (1 tbsp) fine sea salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add Broccoli: Carefully place the prepared broccoli florets into the vigorously boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cook Broccoli: Boil for 3 to 4 minutes, checking at 3 minutes for a tender-crisp texture and vibrant green color. Cook an additional minute for softer broccoli.
- Drain, Chill, and Season: Promptly drain broccoli, immediately transfer to an ice water bath for 1 minute to stop cooking, then drain thoroughly again. Season immediately with desired additions like olive oil and lemon.
Notes
To prevent mushy broccoli, cook for exactly 3-4 minutes and use an ice bath immediately after. Always use salt in the boiling water and season promptly after draining for best flavor. Fresh lemon or garlic powder can enhance the taste. Store unwashed broccoli in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100 g
- Calories: 70 calories
- Sugar: 1.7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
- Fiber: 3.3 g
- Protein: 2.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: boiled broccoli, healthy, easy, quick, side dish, nutritious, tender-crisp, gluten-free, low-carb