Quick and easy sautéed broccoli is the perfect weeknight side dish. It is so flavorful and tender, even the kiddos will ask for more! 

I am always looking for new ways to cook broccoli for my family. It is one of our favorites. I love adding it to stir fry, casseroles and even Roasted Broccoli soup. But sometimes, it’s nice to just have a quick and easy veggie side dish that everyone will love.

This recipe is it!

Quick and easy sautéed broccoli is the perfect weeknight side dish. Broccoli so flavorful and tender, even the kiddos will ask for more! 

How to properly sauté broccoli:

I recommend a two part process: blanch and then sauté.

Before you blanch the broccoli, you’ll want to cut it into florets. You’ll want to make sure that all of it is similar in size so that it all cooks in the same time.

Quick and easy sautéed broccoli is the perfect weeknight side dish. Broccoli so flavorful and tender, even the kiddos will ask for more! 

To blanch, simply boil it first for a couple of minutes, until it gets bright green. Next, remove from the boiling water and immediately put it into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process so that when you sauté it, it does not become over cooked.

Blanching broccoli before sautéing

The next step is to sauté. For this sautéed broccoli recipe, I use avocado oil. You could also use canola oil, olive oil or even butter. If you decide to use butter, add a touch of oil to it so that it doesn’t burn when cooking.

Next, add the garlic at the last minute. Garlic burns easy, adding it at the last minute will ensure that you’ll get loads of garlic flavor and not the bitter burnt flavor.

Finally, season it to taste with salt and pepper. That’s it and that’s all folks. This is seriously the easiest, most flavorful broccoli you’ll ever have!

Quick and easy sautéed broccoli is the perfect weeknight side dish. Broccoli so flavorful and tender, even the kiddos will ask for more! 

How long do you sauté broccoli?

Because you blanch it first, you will only need 3 maybe 4 minutes to sauté it.

Quick and easy sautéed broccoli is the perfect weeknight side dish. Broccoli so flavorful and tender, even the kiddos will ask for more! 

What do you serve with this recipe?

I adore eating this by itself and find myself snacking on it while I’m cooking. I serve it with chicken curry, fried cod and the best ever flat iron steak.

Quick and easy sautéed broccoli is the perfect weeknight side dish. Broccoli so flavorful and tender, even the kiddos will ask for more! #broccoli #vegetarian #vegan #glutenfree #sidedish #vegetables

If you’re looking for other Easy Side Dishes for Weeknights, check these out:

Baked Red Potatoes

Garlic Butter Rice

Zucchini Cakes Recipe

Sautéed Broccoli
5m
Prep
10m
Cook
15m
Total

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • 6 - 7 cups broccoli florets
  • ice
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 - 3 minutes or slightly tender and bright green.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to remove from boiling water and plunge into an ice bath.
  3. Drain and gently pat dry.
  4. Heat oil together in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook 3 minutes or until it becomes more tender. Add in garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Calories
65
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 194mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 4g
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
★★★★★ 5.0 (2 reviews)
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Deseree

Whether it is cooking it, eating it, shopping for it or watching TV about it, food is one of my favorite things.

5 Reviews

  1. Do I Have to Boil Broccoli for Stir Fry - Quick Guide February 6, 2025

    […] This process aids in maintaining the broccoli's vibrant appearance and nutritional value. A pound of broccoli yields approximately 3 cups of blanched florets, ideal for several servings. The cooking time for blanching is just a brief affair, allowing you to enjoy a quick yet healthful dish. Interested in incorporating this method into your meals? Discover more about preparing sautéed broccoli by visiting this recipe. […]

  2. Jacque February 22, 2019

    The only way to enjoy broccoli. My kiddos even loved this recipe.

  3. Taylor W. February 22, 2019

    YUM! One of my favorite weeknight sides!

  4. Katerina @ diethood .com February 21, 2019

    My favorite way to eat broccoli!! I love this!

  5. Paula February 20, 2019

    I love love love broccoli!

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