Make this Easy and Tasty Broccoli with Garlic Butter

If you need a fast vegetable side that actually gets eaten, this garlic butter broccoli is a keeper. Tender broccoli gets tossed with buttery garlic flavor for an easy side dish that works with chicken, salmon, steak, rice bowls, and so many weeknight dinners. It feels a little special, but it is simple enough to make on a busy night.

This recipe starts with steamed broccoli, then finishes with a quick garlic butter sauce so the broccoli stays bright, tender, and full of flavor. You can keep it simple or add toasted cashews for a little crunch.

Easy Garlic Butter Broccoli for Busy Weeknights

Broccoli is one of my favorite side dishes because it is easy to make, easy to pair with dinner, and easy to change up depending on what you are serving. When I want something a little more flavorful than plain steamed broccoli, this garlic butter version is one of the first recipes I make.

• Fast and easy: This side dish comes together quickly.
• Big flavor: Butter and garlic make broccoli taste extra delicious.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters are more likely to go for buttery broccoli.
• Versatile: It pairs with everything from chicken to salmon to beef.

If you are working on eating more vegetables, simple recipes like this can help. The USDA MyPlate vegetable guide is also a helpful reminder that easy vegetable sides can make dinner feel more balanced without adding much extra work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients for this recipe:

• Fresh broccoli
• Butter
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toasted cashews

The cashews are completely optional, but they add a nice crunch and make the dish feel a little more special. If you want the broccoli to stay the star, just leave them out.

I use a steamer basket to steam fresh broccoli.

How to Make Garlic Butter Broccoli

1. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
2. Steam the broccoli until it is tender-crisp and still bright green.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce.
4. Toss the broccoli with the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Top with toasted cashews if desired and serve warm.

That is it. This recipe is simple, but the garlic butter makes it feel like more than just another vegetable on the plate.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Broccoli

• Do not overcook the broccoli. The best texture is tender with a little bite left.
• Use fresh garlic when possible. It gives the butter sauce the best flavor.
• Salt to taste. Broccoli needs enough seasoning to really shine.
• Add the cashews at the end. This keeps them crunchy.
• Want a richer finish? Add an extra small pat of butter right before serving.

You can also make this with frozen broccoli in a pinch, but fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor for this particular recipe.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Broccoli

This is the kind of side dish that works with all kinds of main dishes. It is especially tasty with Asian-inspired meals, chicken, seafood, or grilled beef.

• Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
• Baked Coconut Milk Chicken Recipe
• Balsamic Beef Kebabs Recipe
• Honey Sesame Chicken
• Glazed Honey Lime Salmon
• Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Honey Teriyaki Chicken

If you want a crispier broccoli side dish, try this air fryer broccoli recipe for a roasted version with tender centers and crisp edges.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover garlic butter broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Microwave: Reheat in short bursts until warmed through.
• Skillet: Reheat gently in a skillet with a tiny bit of butter.

Just know the broccoli will soften a bit more after being stored, so it is best the day it is made.

FAQ About Garlic Butter Broccoli

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but fresh broccoli gives the best texture. Frozen broccoli can get softer and release more moisture.

Can I make this without cashews?

Absolutely. The cashews are optional and the recipe is still delicious without them.

What is the best way to keep broccoli bright green?

Do not overcook it. Steam just until tender-crisp so it stays vibrant and does not turn mushy.

Can I add lemon?

Yes. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end is delicious if you want to brighten the buttery garlic flavor.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• Homemade Cream Corn Recipe
• Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Carrots Recipe
• Little Caesar’s Crazy Bread Copycat Recipe
• Lemon Herb Potato Salad Recipe
• Cheesy Zucchini Bites Recipe

Check out all our side dish recipes here!

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Quick Garlic Buttered Broccoli Recipe

When I want to make steamed broccoli especially delicious I whip up this easy, flavorful garlic butter sauce.

4.88 / 5 ( 8 Reviews )

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Serves: 8

Adjust Servings: 8

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

• 9 cups fresh broccoli florets or about 3 heads broccoli
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ⅓ cup salted cashews toasted and chopped (optional)

Instructions

• Trim and cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Place a steamer basket on the bottom of a large pot. Then add the broccoli florets and about an inch of water. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
• While the broccoli is steaming, melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Mix in the cashews, if desired.
• Pour the garlic butter sauce over the broccoli and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 333mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

Recipe Source: allrecipes.com