Pan-Fried Broccoli With Garlic

This delicious pan-fried broccoli with garlic is one of my favourite side dishes. It’s quick, easy, healthy and goes with just about anything!

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My Favourite Way To Cook Broccoli

This has to be one of my all-time favourite go-to recipes: pan-fried broccoli with garlic. A real cooked and loved dish in my kitchen. The way I make it gives you both charred and crispy outside and that lightly steamed texture on the inside, with flavours of garlic, soy and lemon present in every bite.

I also love this broccoli recipe because it is:

• Quick and easy: It takes about 15 minutes to whip up and requires minimal ingredients – broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Packed with nutrients – especially Vitamin C and Folic acid, but also protein (yep!), fiber, B vitamins, and potassium, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free (using gf soy sauce), vegan and Whole30 friendly (replace soy with coconut aminos).
• Versatile – using garlic and soy sauce, this pan-fried broccoli has a slight Asian tone to it but this pan-fried broccoli goes with pretty much any savoury main. I serve it as a side with fried rice or noodles but also with spaghetti Bolognese and grilled fish or saucy meatballs.
• A crowd-pleaser – even those who typically steer clear of broccoli find themselves loving this broccoli dish and ask for a recipe.

👉 If you’re a cruciferous lover, make sure to check out my chicken & broccoli stir-fry, easy broccoli rice, broccoli slaw with cranberries & celery or my healthy broccoli soup.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this pan-fried broccoli recipe:

• Broccoli – I usually use 1 large head of broccoli for 4 people as a side dish. I cut each floret in halves or even threes, unless they are really small.
• Olive oil
• Garlic – fresh is best for this dish
• Soy sauce (can be gluten-free, Tamari or coconut aminos)
• Lemon (we need lemon juice)

How To Make Pan-Fried Broccoli

Find the full list of ingredients and nutritional info in the recipe card below. Here are some step-by-step pictures to guide you along.

Step 1. Prepare broccoli, this is an important step to get evenly cooked broccoli. Cut each large or medium floret in halves or three parts, so that you can place each piece flat in the frying pan (see pics below). Dice or mince garlic very finely (set aside for now).

Step 2. Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (7 on induction). Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and once hot, add the broccoli, facing each piece cut side down. Place a lid on top (it can be any kind of lid or baking tray to create a steaming environment inside). This is a great hack for cooking broccoli quickly while also getting charred marks on the bottom. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3. Open the lid and turn each piece over. Cover with the lid again and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side.

Step 4. Remove the lid. Spread the broccoli to the side and add another splash of olive oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to soften slightly; then stir through the broccoli.

Step 5. Drizzle soy sauce and lemon juice all over and stir through. Ready to serve!

Recipe Tips

• Make sure to cut the medium to large florets in halves. Broccoli will lay flat in the pan, giving you better char marks AND it will cook quicker.
• Make sure to cover the pan with a lid as it steams the broccoli while it’s also getting pan-fried. This also speeds up the cooking time.
• The texture of the broccoli is still a little crunchy like it would be in Asian stir-fries. If you prefer softer broccoli, cook it for longer on the second side. You can also add a splash of water to let it steam under a lid for longer once the garlic, soy sauce and lemon have been added.

What To Serve With Garlic Broccoli

Almost anything savoury! Seriously, it’s super versatile and I serve it with Mediterranean, American/Australian, and Asian dishes. It’s a go-to side with my glazed salmon bites, pecan-crusted honey chicken, salmon fish cakes, cumin butter steak, lentil mushroom Stroganoff or lemongrass tofu. As you can see, it pairs with a variety of flavours.

Variations

• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the garlic and soy sauce mixture for a spicy twist.
• After pan-frying the broccoli, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top and let it melt for a creamy, savoury variation.
• Toast some slivered almonds or chopped hazelnuts and sprinkle them over the finished dish for an extra layer of texture and flavour.
• If you’re short on broccoli, feel free to throw in some carrots, green beans, bok choy, or cauliflower to the mix.

Full Recipe 

Find the full list of ingredients, instructions, and a nutritional breakdown below. If you have questions or cook this recipe, please let me know in the comments, and make sure to rate this recipe so it’s easy for others to find.

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