4
servings3
minutes7
minutes61
kcal10
minutesIngredients
The ingredient list is refreshingly simple and likely already in most kitchens:
1 to 1½ pounds broccoli (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1-3 tablespoons olive oil
½-1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
One of them is pan-fried broccoli as a nice and healthy side dish, which can be prepared within a short period on a busy working day. It is the versatile way of cooking that makes the broccoli end up having the desired crisp- tender texture, but full of flavor and nutrients. It is irrelevant whether one has a specific diet, or just desires an easy to prepare meal on weekdays, pan-fried broccoli is a good choice that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The greatest thing about the preparation is that it is easy and results that the preparation yields are amazing every time. Either you are seeking speedy healthy sides or want to sample dishes such as pancake-recipe-without-milk to conclude the dinner, having all-purpose cooking methods simplifies cooking arrangement.
How Do You Make Pan-Fried Broccoli?
Turn the heat to medium, incorporate 1/4 cup of water to facilitate cooking the broccoli and cook it 4-7 minutes before it becomes fork tender. The whole procedure only occupies 10-15 minutes and produces the perfectly crisp-tender broccoli with the least effort.
Why Pan-Fried Broccoli?
A lot of domestic chefs are unable to include fresh vegetables in their everyday dishes. Cheese and carbs are so readily available that vegetables such as broccoli are frequently forgotten even when it should be at regular restaurant table. There are a number of reasons why pan-fried broccoli would be of special interest.
First, it’s remarkably fast. The cooking technique is executed in roughly only 10 minutes to complete and thus is ideal where people are in a hurry making evening meals. The meal is also very tasty when cooked as per the appropriate seasonings and the cooking method. The dish can be easily tailored by cooks to their taste of whichever kind of food they are making; it could be Italian, or even Asian influenced.
Most of all, it is actually healthy. This dish is made with olive oil and limited seasonings to ensure that it is healthy and at the same time, extremely delicious. The pan-frying method releases the natural sweetness of broccoli and gives the vegetables their desired crispy edges that make vegetables unresistibly delicious.
Tips for Perfect Fried Broccoli
Most of the home cookers are usually overcooking broccoli making it mushy with strange colors that are not very appetizing. Others over-season it and this causes the bitter taste of broccoli rather than its natural sweetness. This is what everybody should know to make it right.
Cut Properly
The initial thing that one must do is to cut the broccoli into medium sized florets without cutting the stems too short. This forms a pleasant shape and texture which cooks easily. The florets should not be wasted because the stem portions are equally tasty.
Steam While Frying
Broccoli, unlike most pan fried vegetables requires a little water to be added halfway through the cooking process. Most broccoli is quite tough compared to other vegetable thus the use of water will ensure that it can be tender without the pan getting too dry. It is a combination of steaming and frying and results in the ideal texture.
Don’t Overcook
The trick is that you need to cook until fork tender and not to cook too long. A taste test is usually a way of determining whether it is done. Broccoli that has been overcooked is no longer colored green and has a good texture.
Pat Dry First
In case of frozen broccoli that was thawed, it is necessary to rinse it and dry it thoroughly before cooking. This measure guarantees that the broccoli is browned and does not steam up but rather fries.
Basic Pan-Fried Broccoli Recipe
This straightforward recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
The ingredient list is refreshingly simple and likely already in most kitchens:
- 1 to 1½ pounds broccoli (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1-3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½-1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
It is simple and unforgiving, which makes cooking in this process simple and great even to an inexperienced cook.
Step 1: In case of frozen broccoli, allow it to thaw beforehand, rinse and dry. To individuals with fresh broccoli, cut it into medium size florets with a lot of stem left behind.
Step 2: Add 1/4 cup of water to a small bowl and combine it with onion powder, garlic powder and mustard powder in case it is this variety. This is a water mixture that will be used to steam the broccoli and also give flavor to it. A recipe converter may also come to the rescue of those people who prefer experimenting in altering the serving size.
Step 3: Place olive oil in a large skillet and heat it over medium or medium-high heat. The pan must be hot such that when the broccoli is added it sizzles.
Step 4: Stir in broccoli, salt, and red pepper flakes (where needed) to the hot oil. Dispersed the pieces to the greatest extent possible.
Step 5: Cooking for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli begins to brown stirring occasionally. The browned spots are a source of amazing flavor to the finished dish.
Step 6: Turn the heat to medium and pour the water mixture or simple water in the case of the simpler variant. The pan will steam up briefly.
Step 7: Cook for another 4-7 minutes till fork tender and stir frequently. During this period, the water is expected to evaporate mostly.
Step 8: Taste and add more salt and black pepper. Each stovetop is slightly different, and thus it can be changed.
Step 9: Serve hot, in order to have the most delicious texture and taste.
Flavor Variations
The original recipe is purposely universal to be applied to most of the cuisines. The following are some of the common variations that make this simple dish marvelous.
Italian-Style
Put in dried oregano once it is cooking and do it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add Parmesan cheese on top before serving to add extra flavor. The mix forms a Mediterranean-oriented side, which goes well with pasta meals.
Asian-Style
Salt should be reduced a little and a trickle of soy sauce should be added towards the end of the cooking process. Minerced fresh ginger, splash of rice vinegar or Sriracha can also be added by cooks. This is a great match with stir-fries and dishes made of rice.
Garlic Lovers
To avoid bitterness and burning add the minced fresh garlic during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Fresh garlic will make it smell more mouth-watering, which cannot be done by powdered garlic as well.
Rich and Savory
Combine olive oil and butter, or some clarified butter (ghee) will add more flavor to the dish. Such difference makes it a more luxurious side dish to be served during special events.
Serving Suggestions
This is a flexible side dish, which can be eaten with virtually any meal, so it is a steady meal planner.
With Protein
Have with honey garlic shrimp or with sauted shrimp to make a quick seafood meal. The broccoli is also a nice accompaniment to different salmon recipes, be it miso-glazed, blackened, broiled, or pan-seared. Seafood other dishes are also ideal. To people who like to have appetizers along with their meal, we would recommend it to be served with baked wonton chips to get a full-fledged Asian-style meal.
In Bowls
The broccoli will be a great addition to rice bowls or grain bowls as it is a healthy and balanced meal. The crunchy texture presents a lot of contrast to tender grains and proteins.
With Takeout
Prepare a pan of fried broccoli as a healthier side to takeout sushi or other meals at the restaurant. It is a cheap way to gather vegetables to an otherwise luxurious meal.
Everyday Dinners
This broccoli is a fast side of the week with literally any protein or main dish. It has turned into a favorite in most households with reason. It is a great accompaniment to such comfort foods as a recipe of the texas toast or any other main dish.
Storage and Reheating
Cooked broccoli that has been left would take 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Quality and food safety is ensured with proper storage.
Heat again can be achieved in a number of ways depending on available equipment. The microwave is convenient when you are in a hurry to do it- simply heat and you are away. To those who may want to have the crispness restored, place the broccoli into the air fryer during a few few minutes. Instead, it can be heated in the stovetop with low-to-medium level of heat and a drizzle of olive oil to rejuvenate the texture.
Nutrition Information
Broccoli is exceptionally nutritious, and this preparation method keeps it healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Per Serving (Basic Recipe):
- Calories: 61
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 3g
Nutritional Benefits:
The 1 cup of broccoli is an excellent source of fiber that meets 10 percent of the daily requirement. It is also high in vitamin C- half a cup has a whopping 70 percent of the daily intake. It is exceptionally rich in protein, which is 3 grams per 1 cup of a green vegetable.
The recipe is free from meat, dairy, gluten, vegan, and plant-based, and thus can be used in most dietary restrictions and preferences. This meal can be enjoyed by people who observe special diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better To Fry Or Boil Broccoli?
Boiling will result in boiling broccoli which is waterlogged and will lose useful vitamins such as vitamin C in the cooking water. Time required to prepare pan-frying is also less, and the results are more flavorful.
