Sugar-Free Charred Broccoli

Elevate your vegetable game with this vibrant and flavorful Sugar-Free Charred Broccoli recipe! This quick and healthy side dish is packed with bold, smoky flavors from the perfectly charred broccoli, accentuated by zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, including prep and cook time, it’s a nutrient-packed dish that’s naturally sugar-free and a breeze to prepare. The broccoli is seared to tender perfection on a hot skillet, giving it irresistible crispy edges, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve this versatile recipe with grilled chicken, fish, or enjoy it as a low-carb, vegan option on its own! It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a wholesome addition to your weekend dinner spread.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large head broccoli
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 zest and juice lemon
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold running water. Pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

Cut the broccoli into florets, keeping them around similar sizes for even cooking. You can also use the stem; just peel it and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.

Step 4

Zest the lemon and then juice it, keeping both zest and juice ready for use.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure that the broccoli is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 6

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. It's important the skillet is hot before adding the broccoli to achieve the charred effect.

Step 7

Add the seasoned broccoli to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even charring. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Step 8

Allow the broccoli to cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes. This will help develop a char on the side touching the skillet.

Step 9

After 3-4 minutes, toss the broccoli and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness and has a nice char.

Step 10

Transfer the charred broccoli to a serving dish and immediately squeeze over the lemon juice.

Step 11

Finely chop the parsley and sprinkle it over the broccoli for a fresh finish.

Step 12

Serve immediately as a tasty, sugar-free side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(504.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	449.5

Total Fat 29.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1819.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 34.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 7.5g
Protein 12.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 233.2mg	0%
Iron 4.2mg	0%
Potassium 1436.4mg	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: 58.9%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 30.4%