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Home » easy » Spicy Steamed Broccoli

Spicy Steamed Broccoli

Published: Apr 21, 2011 · Modified: Mar 20, 2020 by Louisa Clements · This post may contain affiliate links

This post may contain affiliate links

Spicy steamed broccoli with garlic, chilli flakes and lemon juice is a quick side dish to pull together any meal. 

Spicy steamed broccoli with garlic, chilli flakes and lemon juice on a white plate.

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15 minutes minutes 6 Comments

When I was little I always hated broccoli. Actually, correction, I hated the idea of broccoli. It seems that at some point, all kids decide that broccoli is the most disgusting, repulsive, sickening vegetable on the planet. Luckily, I’ve matured (somewhat) since those days and now I wholeheartedly embrace broccoli in all of its greeny goodness.

I would even go as far as saying that it’s one of my favourite vegetables because it is so versatile.

Can I cook broccoli without a steamer?

This recipe doesn’t require a steamer basket to steam the broccoli. Simply by adding the broccoli to the pan with a small amount of water, it will steam and not boil. You don’t want the broccoli to be fully submerged in the water, so using just ⅔ of a cup will be the perfect amount to also create a light sauce with the broccoli.

lemon thyme roasted chicken

Serve this with lemon thyme roasted chicken. 

Steamed broccoli is a simple side dish that works with basically any main course. I typically serve it with this lemon thyme roasted chicken, but this would also go well with a roasted pork or beef dish.

How do I add flavour to steamed broccoli?

Steamed broccoli may seem boring but this spicy recipe leans on garlic, lemon juice and chilli flakes to add flavour while it cooks. The water mixture is then boiled down and poured over the broccoli and finished off with olive oil. Don’t skip out on the olive oil as the fat adds a velvety mouth feel and the perfect finishing touch for this spicy steamed broccoli recipe.

This recipe call for ⅔ cup of water, but the amount will depend on the size of your pan. Ideally, you want about ¼ inch of water in the pan to steam the broccoli, this recipe calls for two heads of broccoli so I would recommend using a large saute pan.

Spicy steamed broccoli in a white bowl

Spicy Broccoli

Author: Louisa Clements
4 from 2 votes
Steam broccoli in water with garlic, lemon juice, and hot chilli flakes for a quick side dish.
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Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 5 minutes minutes
Total: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium heads broccoli, chopped into florets
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon hot chilli flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add water, garlic, lemon juice and hot chilli flakes, bring to a simmer. Add broccoli to the pan, cover and cook for 4 minutes.
  • Remove broccoli from the pan, cook down excess water for another two minutes. Remove from heat and pour over broccoli. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt serve.
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!
Filed Under: easy, side dish
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Broccoli
Amount Per Serving
Calories 167 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 250mg11%
Potassium 961mg27%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 1931IU39%
Vitamin C 272mg330%
Calcium 143mg14%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.

Let me know if you give this spicy steamed broccoli a try in the comments below. 

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4 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Nancy

    May 11, 2011 at 9:02 am

    I am a big fan of healthy dishes and if they are also spicy, I will remain a fan forever. :)
    Reply
  2. Louberry

    April 23, 2011 at 12:57 am

    @Memoria - Hope you like the recipe and thanks for letting me know about the broken link. It's fixed now :)
    Reply
  3. Memória

    April 22, 2011 at 11:11 am

    P.S. The link to the Sunday chicken isn't working for me.
    Reply
  4. Memória

    April 22, 2011 at 11:10 am

    I always loved broccoli even as a kid. I think if you present veggies to your kids at a very early age (before they can talk), they will grow to have less aversion to it. Anyway, this recipe looks very nice. I have some brocc in the fridge right now. I'll definitely try out this recipe. Thanks!
    Reply
  5. jgy

    April 21, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    I found your blog when searching for a carrot muffin recipe, which I will make! This looks good too.
    Happy, healthy days to you.
    Reply

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Hi, I'm Louisa Clements & welcome to Living Lou. I've been creating simple, fresh & flavorful recipes for the modern kitchen for 14 years.
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