Johnny G's Favorite Broccoli

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful, Johnny G's Favorite Broccoli is a simple yet standout side dish that transforms humble broccoli into a culinary delight. Featuring tender-crisp florets sautéed with aromatic garlic, a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, and a refreshing splash of lemon juice and zest, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between earthy and vibrant flavors. A quick sauté followed by steaming ensures the broccoli remains crisp-tender, while optional parmesan cheese adds a savory finishing touch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy, gluten-free dish is a versatile addition to any meal, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, pasta, or grain bowls. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an elevated side for special occasions, this broccoli recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the broccoli. Cut it into evenly sized florets, and peel and slice the stems into thin pieces if desired.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 4

Once the oil is hot, add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to coat them in the flavored oil.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine.

Step 7

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover with a lid. Let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 8

Remove the lid and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.

Step 9

Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

Step 10

If desired, sprinkle the broccoli with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 11

Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy on its own. Garnish with extra lemon zest or red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(530.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	513.0

Total Fat 32.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 8.9mg	0%
Sodium 2039.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 38.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.7g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 17.1g	0%

Vitamin D 2.1IU	0%
Calcium 377.5mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 1551.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.7%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 29.9%