Pan-Roasted Broccoli: A Simple, Delicious Side

Pan-roasted broccoli is a quick and easy dish to make, and a great way to add more nutrients to your diet. It's also versatile, as it can be served as a side or added to other recipes. The key to getting that delicious, perfect brown crust is to avoid stirring the broccoli during the first few minutes of cooking. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, or lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

How to cut broccoli for pan roasting

To cut broccoli for pan roasting, you'll want to start with a fresh head of broccoli. Look for bright green florets that are tightly packed, avoiding any that are yellowed. The stalks should be firm and strong rather than stringy or woody. Broccoli is in season from October through April, so that's when you'll find the freshest options.

Once you've selected your broccoli, it's time to start cutting. You can either cut it into bite-sized florets or slice the stems. Here's a more detailed breakdown of each option:

Cutting Broccoli into Florets

• First, wash and rinse the broccoli.
• Remove the last 1/2 inch of the stem, and then peel it to remove the tough, fibrous outer layer.
• Cut the florets into small, evenly sized pieces. You want them to be similar in size so that they cook at the same rate.
• If you're not using the stems in your recipe, don't toss them! You can chop and roast them, save them to make soup, or pulse them into broccoli rice.

Slicing Broccoli Stems

• After washing and rinsing the broccoli, remove the florets and set them aside.
• Peel the stem to remove the fibrous outer layer.
• Chop the stem into 1/4 to 1-inch pieces, depending on your desired thickness.

Now that you've cut your broccoli, it's ready to be pan-roasted! Just heat up some oil in a skillet or frying pan, add your broccoli, and cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness. You can also add various seasonings, like garlic, red pepper flakes, or salt and pepper, to taste. Enjoy!

The best oils for pan roasting broccoli

Pan-roasting broccoli is a great way to cook this nutritious vegetable, resulting in a caramelised flavour and a unique taste. To get the best results, it is important to choose the right oil for the job. Here are some of the best oils to use when pan-roasting broccoli:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for pan-roasting broccoli and is often used in Mediterranean-style recipes. It has a relatively high smoke point, meaning it can withstand the high temperatures required for pan-roasting without burning and creating bitter flavours. Olive oil is also a healthy option, as it is a good source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. When using olive oil for pan-roasting, it is important to ensure that the broccoli is not overcrowded in the pan, as this can prevent it from crisping up.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is another suitable option for pan-roasting broccoli. It tends to have a higher smoke point than olive oil, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Vegetable oil is also flavourless, so it won't overpower the taste of the broccoli. However, it is important to note that vegetable oil is highly processed and may not be as healthy as other options.

Sesame Oil

For an Asian-inspired twist on pan-roasted broccoli, sesame oil can be a great choice. Sesame oil has a strong, nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of the broccoli. It also has a relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking. To use sesame oil, simply drizzle a small amount over the broccoli after roasting, as the strong flavour means a little goes a long way.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another healthy option for pan-roasting broccoli, as it is rich in monounsaturated fats and has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the broccoli. It also has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking. Avocado oil can be a good alternative to olive oil if you're concerned about the latter's relatively lower smoke point.

When pan-roasting broccoli, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil, as well as its flavour and nutritional profile. By choosing the right oil, you can ensure that your broccoli turns out crispy, tasty, and nutritious.

How to get the best broccoli texture

When pan-roasting broccoli, there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best texture. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve the perfect result:

Preparation

Start by preparing your broccoli. Cut the florets into evenly sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. You can also slice the stems into discs or smaller pieces, as they will take longer to cook than the florets. Rinse the broccoli pieces under water to remove any grit, and then dry them thoroughly. The drier the broccoli is, the crispier it will become during cooking.

Cooking

For pan-roasting, heat a suitable amount of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. Olive oil or vegetable oil are good choices. Add the broccoli to the pan in a single layer, with a little space between each piece. Don't stir the broccoli for the first two minutes to allow it to brown lightly. You can add other ingredients like garlic at this stage, cooking until fragrant.

After the initial browning, continue cooking by stirring or tossing the broccoli occasionally. You can add a small amount of liquid, such as water or lemon juice, to the pan and cover it for a couple of minutes to steam the broccoli. Uncover and continue cooking until the broccoli is tender and browned to your liking.

Serving

Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pan and serve immediately. You can finish it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavour and texture.

Tips for Crispy Broccoli

To achieve an even crispier texture, try flipping each piece of broccoli halfway through the cooking process. This ensures browning on all sides but is more time-consuming. You can also try roasting the broccoli in the oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, spreading the broccoli in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness, you can achieve the best broccoli texture that is tender, crispy, and browned to your liking.

Seasoning and spice combinations

Pan-roasting broccoli is a great way to bring out its flavour and give it a caramelised taste. Here are some seasoning and spice combinations to try:

Salt and pepper

A simple combination of salt and pepper is a popular choice for seasoning broccoli. You can use regular salt or try something like sea salt or kosher salt for a different flavour. Black pepper is often used, but you could also experiment with different types of pepper, such as garlic pepper.

Olive oil

Coating broccoli florets in olive oil before roasting will help them to crisp up and turn golden brown. You can also use avocado oil or sesame oil for a different flavour.

Lemon

Squeezing lemon juice over broccoli after roasting can add a tangy freshness to the dish. You can also roast thin slices of lemon with the broccoli or add lemon zest for extra zing.

Red pepper flakes

Adding red pepper flakes to broccoli before or after roasting will give it a spicy kick. If you like your food hot, this is a great option.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular ingredient to add to broccoli. You can use fresh garlic cloves, garlic powder, or garlic salt to give your broccoli a savoury boost.

Parmesan

Sprinkling grated parmesan over broccoli towards the end of roasting will give it a crusty, cheesy finish.

Spicy

If you like your food spicy, you could try adding chilli, chilli flakes, or hot sauce to your broccoli. A dash of cayenne pepper or chilli oil can also add some heat.

Herbs

You could also experiment with adding herbs to your broccoli, such as parsley or thyme.

Soy sauce

For an Asian-inspired twist, try drizzling soy sauce over your broccoli, or use a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.

Honey-tahini sauce

For a sweet and savoury option, try drizzling a honey-tahini sauce over your roasted broccoli.

Balsamic vinegar

Adding a dash of balsamic vinegar to your broccoli after roasting can give it a tangy, complex flavour.

Spicy roasted broccoli

For a simple spicy option, try a combination of olive oil, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Other combinations

There are endless combinations of spices and seasonings you can try with pan-roasted broccoli. Here are a few more ideas:

• Lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and parmesan
• Hollandaise sauce, chilli powder, and red pepper flakes
• Ponzu sauce
• Sesame oil, sesame seeds, and chilli
• Honey, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar

What to serve with pan-roasted broccoli

Pan-roasted broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into various recipes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Proteins

Pan-roasted broccoli can be served alongside proteins such as:

• Crispy chicken thighs
• Shrimp
• Salmon (e.g., miso salmon, blackened salmon, broiled salmon, or pan-seared salmon)
• Grilled cheese
• Tofu (e.g., in a tofu bowl with peanut sauce)
• Chickpeas or lentils (e.g., in a grain bowl)

Grains

It can also be paired with grains like:

• Farro
• Couscous
• Quinoa
• Rice (e.g., in a rice bowl)
• Spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice

Sauces and Seasonings

For extra flavour, you can add sauces and seasonings such as:

• Lemon juice and red pepper flakes
• Chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or thyme)
• Lemon zest and a simple lemon vinaigrette
• Sesame oil, tamari, or soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds
• Grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Cilantro lime dressing, tahini sauce, chipotle sauce, peanut sauce, cashew cream, vegan cheese, or pesto
• Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze

Other Vegetables

You can also serve pan-roasted broccoli with other roasted vegetables, such as:

• Carrots
• Beets
• Orange peppers
• Green onions
• Cauliflower

Frequently asked questions