Learn how to cook broccoli the most delicious way with this pan-roasted broccoli recipe. Ready in 10 minutes, you’ll have amazing crisp-tender broccoli that’s the perfect side dish for almost anything!
When the weather is warm, we like to go camping. While I normally LOVE campfire potatoes, last time I just wasn’t feeling it. I settled on broccoli as a side dish but really didn’t have the slightest idea of how I was going to cook it.
What began as an impromptu experiment with my cast iron skillet and a couple of heads of broccoli turned into THE MOST delicious side dish I think I’ve ever made. And it was SO EASY!
So, of course, I have to tell you how to cook broccoli the BEST way too! It is definitely my favorite way to make it!
BEST WAY TO COOK BROCCOLI
After making this pan-roasted broccoli recipe over and over (and over) again, there are 3 reasons that this is the best way to cook broccoli:
- You use up the ENTIRE head of broccoli.
- It’s ready in less than 10 minutes.
- It tastes SO much better than plain steamed broccoli. It’s like the deep flavor of roasted broccoli, without having to heat up the oven and the house!
EASY BROCCOLI RECIPE INGREDIENTS
If you’re going to use salt, make sure it’s a good one like Ava Jane’s Kitchen that doesn’t have microplastics! You can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt right now (just pay shipping and handling!).
Those 4 basic ingredients are all you need for this super easy broccoli recipe, but you can also switch up the seasoning. If you want to know how to season broccoli, just open your spice cabinet!
- Add garlic powder along with salt and pepper for a classic flavor.
- Use a seasoning blend like Blackened Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning for broccoli with a kick!
- Or skip the blend and just add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Complement the flavors of the main entrée, like using Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning for both steak and broccoli.
- Or use your favorite seasoning that you put on everything, whether that’s Za’atar or everything bagel seasoning or something else.
- You can also add flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or grated Parmesan cheese after the broccoli is finished cooking.
HOW TO COOK BROCCOLI IN A SKILLET
Ready to learn how to cook broccoli in a skillet? Follow these simple instructions.
Step 1. In a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2. Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli by cutting the entire head of broccoli in half. Laying the flat side down, cut off each of the broccoli florets from the base of the floret down to the bottom of the stalk.
Step 3. When the oil is hot, add all of the broccoli to the pan, arranging so that as many pieces as possible are touching the bottom of the pan. Season with ½ tsp salt plus pepper to taste and allow to cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
Step 4. After 5 minutes, toss and rearrange the broccoli so that the sides that were down are now facing up. Season again with salt and pepper and cover with a lid. Allow to cook for 3 more minutes.
Covering the broccoli with a lid helps trap moisture, giving you perfectly fork-tender broccoli that still has that bit of char on the outside from the initial sautéing.
Step 5. Stir before serving. Best when served hot.
If you’re anything like me, you won’t have any crispy, delicious sauteed broccoli left over. But if you do, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. It will lose its crispiness, but it will still have amazing flavor. Reheat it in the same skillet or an air fryer to crisp it back up or microwave it for tender broccoli.
CRISPY BROCCOLI RECIPE TIPS
- I love that you use the entire head in this broccoli recipe, but if you prefer to trim the stems, save them for Weeknight Vegetable Stir-Fry or Pasta Primavera.
- The key to producing the delicious, perfect pan seared broccoli brown crust is not to stir the broccoli during the first 5 minutes. So don’t stir it!
- I recommend using a cast-iron skillet (which means you can use it over an open fire OR on the grill too!), but you can use any heavy-bottomed pan as well.
MORE EASY BROCCOLI RECIPES
I still think this pan-seared broccoli is the best way to cook broccoli, but I do have other methods if you prefer a different flavor and texture to your finished broccoli side dish.
Steam broccoli in the Instant Pot for a hands-off, fast veggie side.
Oven Roasted Broccoli is the original inspiration for this pan-roasted broccoli recipe. The high heat gives you those crusty brown bits too, and a depth of flavor you only get from the oven.
And if you prefer raw broccoli to cooked broccoli, try one of these broccoli recipes: Sweet Kale Salad, Healthy Broccoli Salad, or Kale Salad with Blueberries, Walnuts, and Feta.
WHAT TO COOK WITH BROCCOLI
Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with this yummy broccoli recipe:
USE THIS EASY BROCCOLI RECIPE TO BUILD YOUR PLATE
Pan-roasted broccoli is a great low-carb vegetable option to help fill your plate and hit your macro goals.
When building your plate, aim for these general guidelines:
- Dedicate about ¼ of your plate to lean protein (think chicken, fish, or tofu)
- Another ¼ of your plate can contain carbohydrates, preferably whole and unprocessed carbs (brown rice, sweet potatoes, or starchy vegetables like corn and peas fit here)
- And ½ of your plate should be non-starchy vegetables and fruits (this is where the broccoli fits in!)
- Incorporate healthy fats in moderation (like olive oil or avocado) and you have a balanced plate!
HOW TO COOK BROCCOLI FAQS
Can you use frozen broccoli for skillet broccoli recipes?
You can, but fresh broccoli will cook up better. Frozen broccoli will have more moisture, and it will take longer to heat up, meaning that it may turn out with a softer texture, more like steamed broccoli than pan roasted broccoli.
Is broccoli healthy when roasted?
How long do you cook broccoli?
For this pan roasted broccoli recipe, you’ll be done in less than 10 minutes!
Can you cook broccoli in the air fryer?
You probably could, but I haven’t tried that. However, spraying the broccoli with oil and seasoning it, followed by a few minutes in the air fryer, would probably give you similar results to roasted broccoli recipes.
MORE EASY SIDE DISH RECIPES IN A CAST IRON SKILLET
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WATCH HOW TO MAKE EASY 10 MINUTE PAN-ROASTED BROCCOLI
Pan-Roasted Broccoli
Learn how to cook broccoli the most delicious way with this pan-roasted broccoli recipe. Ready in 10 minutes, you’ll have amazing crisp-tender broccoli that’s the perfect side dish for almost anything!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: American
Instructions
- In a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli by cutting entire head of broccoli in half. Laying the flat side down, cut off each floret from the base of the floret all the way down to the bottom of the stem.
- When the oil is hot, add all the broccoli to the pan, arranging so that as many pieces as possible are touching the bottom of the pan. Season with ½ tsp salt plus pepper to taste and allow to cook for 5 minutes, undisturbed.
- After 5 minutes, stir and rearrange the broccoli so that the sides that were down are now facing up. Season again with salt and pepper and cover with a lid. Allow to cook for 3 more minutes.
- Stir before serving. Best when served hot.
Notes
The key to producing the delicious, perfect brown crust is not to stir the broccoli during the first 5 minutes. So don’t stir it!
