Roasted Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Crispy, flavorful roasted broccoli tossed in garlic, butter, and fresh lemon juice. A healthy, fiber-rich side dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli 12–14 oz, cut into medium florets
- 1 ½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice ~1 lemon
- 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 –3 tbsp salted butter
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Perfect Roasting: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat. A hot oven is essential for achieving broccoli florets that are tender on the inside yet slightly crisp and caramelized on the edges. While the oven warms, you can prepare the vegetables and other ingredients.
- Prepare Broccoli Florets: Rinse your broccoli thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, as excess moisture can prevent proper roasting. Trim off the thick stems and cut the head into medium-sized florets—about 1–1.5 inches each. Evenly sized florets ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture.
- Mince Garlic and Juice Lemon: Peel 3–4 cloves of garlic and finely mince them so they release maximum flavor. Using a microplane or sharp knife works well. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from about one lemon, ensuring you remove any seeds. Fresh lemon juice will give your roasted broccoli a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
- Melt Butter for Flavor Coating: Place 2–3 tablespoons of salted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Melt it gently in the microwave in 15–20 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully liquid but not browned. The melted butter will act as a flavor carrier for the garlic and lemon, evenly coating each broccoli floret.
- Combine Butter and Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir well. Allow the mixture to sit for a minute to let the garlic infuse the butter with its aromatic flavor. This step ensures every bite of broccoli has a subtle garlicky richness.
- Toss Broccoli with Butter Mixture: Place the prepared broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl. Pour the garlic-infused melted butter over the florets. Using clean hands or a spatula, gently toss the broccoli until every floret is evenly coated. Make sure the butter and garlic mixture reaches all surfaces to maximize flavor absorption.
- Season with Salt and Lemon Juice: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt over the coated broccoli, adjusting slightly to taste if desired. Then drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly on top. Toss gently again to distribute the seasoning and citrus, enhancing the natural sweetness and earthiness of the broccoli.
- Arrange Broccoli on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even roasting. Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring none overlap. Overcrowding can cause steaming rather than roasting, which prevents the florets from achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
- Roast Until Tender and Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 17–20 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. Check at around 17 minutes for crisp-tender broccoli with slightly browned edges. For softer florets, leave them in closer to 20 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through cooking if desired for even browning.
- Check for Doneness and Serve: Remove the broccoli from the oven once it reaches your preferred level of tenderness. The florets should be bright green, slightly caramelized on the tips, and infused with the buttery garlic-lemon aroma. Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor.
- Optional Finishing Touches: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch of red chili flakes for mild heat, or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. These additions elevate the dish while keeping the core recipe intact.
Notes
- Always use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-cut florets that may be slightly dried out.
- Dry broccoli thoroughly after washing to ensure proper roasting; moisture can make it soggy instead of crispy.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on preference. Roasting mellows the flavor, but extra garlic can create a bolder taste.
- For even roasting, make sure florets are similar in size; larger pieces may take longer to cook.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent butter or juices from spilling in the oven.
- Roasting time can vary depending on oven performance and floret size, so start checking around 17 minutes.
