Description
This easy sauteed broccoli recipe transforms humble broccoli florets into a flavorful, tender-crisp side dish with delightful char. It’s packed with nutrition and perfect for quick weeknight family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into 1.5 inch pieces, stems peeled and sliced
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup plain unseasoned breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 tablespoon za’atar spice blend
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, plus more to taste
- 0.25 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Za’atar Crumble: Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, add za’atar, 0.25 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Make Lemon-Tahini Drizzle: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cold water, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If the mixture seizes, gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons more cold water, whisking, until creamy and pourable. Taste and adjust.
- Saute Broccoli and Aromatics: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (prevent burning).
- Cook Broccoli to Tender-Crisp: Add broccoli florets and stems to the hot skillet. Season with 0.25 teaspoon salt and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Saute, stirring, for 5 to 7 minutes until tender-crisp and charred. (If broccoli seems dry or browns fast, add 2 tablespoons water, cover for 1 to 2 minutes, then uncover and continue to saute until tender-crisp).
- Plate and Garnish Dish: Transfer hot sauteed broccoli to a platter. Drizzle generously with the Zesty Lemon-Tahini Drizzle. Evenly sprinkle crispy Za’atar Crumble for texture. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for vibrant color and aroma.
Notes
Use pre-cut broccoli or blanch it for 1 to 2 minutes for faster cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper sautéing rather than steaming, and avoid overcooking to keep broccoli tender-crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 115 g)
- Calories: 240 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: sauteed broccoli, easy side dish, tender-crisp, Mediterranean, za'atar, tahini, quick dinner, plant-based, healthy, weeknight