Looking for an easy way to jazz up your broccoli? This simple lemon-infused recipe adds the perfect burst of citrus flavor that pairs with almost any meal — and it's so quick to make!

A plate of lemon garlic broccoli with a few lemon slices

Recipe Overview

Are you getting tired of the same old broccoli side dish? I totally get it! So, how about switching it up a little with a burst of citrus? Lemon and broccoli are such a perfect pair, and trust me, this simple trick will take your veggies from meh to wow in no time.

This broccoli is soft and steamed - it's not crispy (if you want a good crispy recipe check out my air fryer broccoli) All you need is a little lemon juice and zest to infuse the broccoli with the most refreshing, zesty flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make! You can grab a whole broccoli crown and slice it into florets, but let’s be real — I went with the bag of pre-cut florets to save some time.

The broccoli is gently steamed in the lemon juice and zest, and it just soaks up all that bright, citrusy goodness. It’s seriously so simple, but it really changes the broccoli flavor.

This dish goes with pretty much anything — chicken, beef, fish, pork… you name it! You could serve this alongside almost any main dish, and it will totally elevate the meal.

Recipe Ingredients

2 Tbsp salted butter
½ cup lemon juice
3 minced garlic cloves
1 tsp grated lemon zest
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
6 cups broccoli florets - fresh or frozen

Four images of a frying pan, first with butter cold, second melted butter, third lemon juice and zest and minced garlic dumped in, fourth mixed together

Recipe Instructions

Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.

STEP 1: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoon salted butter over medium-high heat.

STEP 2: Stir in ½ cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Three images grouped, first broccoli dumped over liquid, second broccoli tossed with liquid, third fresh steaming broccoli on stove top

STEP 3: Add 6 cups broccoli florets to the saucepan. Stir to coat the broccoli in the lemon butter sauce. Cook over low heat until the broccoli is heated through and tender when poked with a fork, about 5–7 minutes.

Frying pan with lemon garlic broccoli inside

STEP 4: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Close up of lemon garlic broccoli and a lemon slice

Recipe Tips

Just a note: The citric acid in the lemon juice will change the color of the broccoli. It turns more of a yellow color.
Chop the broccoli into similar sizes so that it will cook more evenly.
If you prefer your broccoli a bit more crisp-tender, try roasting it in the oven before tossing it with the lemon sauce. Just roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
If you're using frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid too much liquid in the dish.

How To Store Leftovers

REFRIGERATE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stove top until heated through.

Plate of lemon garlic broccoli with lemon slices, fork and bowls of ingredients surround it

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