When it comes to tasty, nutritious side dishes, the Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli Recipe stands out. My husband enjoys this recipe because he is all about eating healthy and staying fit—it is definitely one of his favorites! If you want a quick and easy vegetable dish to go with your main course, or a healthy option with a lot of flavor, look for it here. Steamed broccoli is a Texas Roadhouse staple, and it’s easy to see why. The bright green florets, infused with a garlicky, slightly spicy kick, make this dish irresistible.
Then I tried to recreate the Texas Roadhouse magic at home. After many time of experimenting in my kitchen and many trials and errors, I’m finally sharing my version and secret of the famous Texas Roadhouse steamed broccoli recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and cooking time, yet delivering maximum flavor.
- Healthy and Delicious: This recipe proves that healthy food can be both nutritious and packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic, olive oil, and a hint of spice. Plus, broccoli is loaded with vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A, making it a powerhouse of nutrients that supports your immune system, bone health, and vision.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a hint of lemon creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor, while also being versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of main courses.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: You don’t have to go out to enjoy that Texas Roadhouse flavor. You can whip it up in your kitchen with just a few ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish! The vibrant color and crisp-tender texture of the broccoli make it appealing to everyone at the table.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli at Home
Ready to make the copycat version of Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli? . With minimal effort, this recipe creates that signature restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making perfectly steamed broccoli.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
Let’s start by going over the key ingredients that make this Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli Recipe so delicious:
- Broccoli: The star of the dish. Fresh broccoli florets and stalks are used, offering a mix of textures and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasonings.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt: Essential for blanching the broccoli, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned and retains its vibrant green color. Morton kosher salt can also be used as a substitute.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the garlic and broccoli to perfection.
- Garlic: Chopped fresh garlic brings a fragrant and slightly spicy flavor that is a key element in this recipe.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the dish, which complements the garlic and broccoli beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, bringing out the natural flavors of the broccoli.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest (Optional): Adds a bright, tangy finish that elevates the entire dish.
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before we dive into the instructions, make sure you have the following kitchen tools at hand:
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the broccoli and garlic.
- Vegetable Peeler: To peel the fibrous outer layer of the broccoli stalks.
- Large Pot: For blanching the broccoli.
- Large Bowl: To prepare an ice bath that will stop the broccoli from cooking further after blanching.
- Large Sauté Pan: For sautéing the garlic and broccoli.
- Tongs or a Spatula: To toss and sauté the broccoli evenly in the pan.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking. Follow these steps to make your own Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli at home:
Step 1| Prep the Broccoli
Cut the stalks from the broccoli head and set them aside. Chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Using a paring knife, remove the fibrous outer layer from the stalks. Dice the stalks. In a large bowl, combine the chopped florets and stalks.
Step 2 | Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tbsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 4 tsp Morton kosher salt. Once the water is boiling, blanch the broccoli for about a minute until it turns bright green and softens slightly. Prepare an ice bath (a large bowl filled with ice water). Immediately transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and dry the broccoli thoroughly to avoid steaming it later.
Step 3 | Sauté the Broccoli
Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown or burn. Add the dried broccoli to the pan and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp and bright green.
Step 4 | Seasoning
Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss everything together to coat the broccoli evenly.
Step 5| Serve
Sautéed broccoli is ready to serve as a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish!
Tips for Perfect Broccoli
Here are a few tips to help you make this recipe perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The key to perfect broccoli is keeping it crisp-tender. Blanching it quickly and then immediately cooling it in an ice bath helps achieve this texture.
- Dry the Broccoli Thoroughly: After blanching, make sure the broccoli is well-drained and patted dry. Any excess moisture will cause the broccoli to steam rather than sauté, which can make it mushy.
- Adjust the Heat to Taste: Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice heat, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can reduce or omit them.
- Lemon Zest for Brightness: If you love a citrusy note, definitely add the lemon zest. It complements the garlic and pepper beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Broccoli: After steaming, toss the broccoli with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan. Return to the pan for a minute to let the cheese melt, creating a creamy, cheesy side dish.
- Asian-Style Broccoli: Toss the steamed broccoli with a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Infused Broccoli: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme after steaming. This adds a burst of freshness and enhances the broccoli’s flavor.
- Balsamic Glazed Broccoli: Drizzle the broccoli with a balsamic reduction or glaze before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory garlic flavor.
- Spicy Broccoli: Increase the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the garlic and olive oil before tossing it with the steamed broccoli.
- Honey Garlic Broccoli: Stir in a tablespoon of honey to the garlic and olive oil mixture for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
Some Good Dishes to Serve with this Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Steak or Chicken: The broccoli’s vibrant flavor complements the rich, savory taste of grilled meats, making it an ideal side dish.
- Pasta Dishes: Serve it alongside a creamy pasta dish to balance out the richness with a fresh, green vegetable.
- Roasted Potatoes: Serve it alongside roasted or mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Seafood: Whether you’re having grilled salmon, shrimp, or scallops, this broccoli will add a nice, crisp contrast.
- Rice or Quinoa Bowls: Add the broccoli to a bowl of rice or quinoa for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Leftover and Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can either sauté it quickly in a pan or microwave it. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze blanched broccoli. After blanching, dry the broccoli thoroughly, spread it on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen broccoli to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before sautéing.
What’s the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium-high and stir frequently. If you notice the garlic starting to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply use less crushed red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the garlic and olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Texas Roadhouse Steamed Broccoli Recipe
Experience restaurant-quality Texas Roadhouse steamed broccoli at home! This quick and easy recipe, packed with garlic, red pepper, and a zesty lemon twist, is a must-try side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 2 tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 4 tsp Morton kosher salt (for blanching)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli: Cut the stalks from the broccoli head and set them aside. Chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
Using a paring knife, remove the fibrous outer layer from the stalks. Dice the stalks. In a large bowl, combine the chopped florets and stalks. - Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add 2 tbsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 4 tsp Morton kosher salt. Once the water is boiling, blanch the broccoli for about a minute until it turns bright green and softens slightly. Prepare an ice bath (a large bowl filled with ice water). Immediately transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and dry the broccoli thoroughly to avoid steaming it later. - Sauté the Broccoli: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown or burn. Add the dried broccoli to the pan and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp and bright green.
- Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss everything together to coat the broccoli evenly.
- Serve: Sautéed broccoli is ready to serve as a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 90Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 600mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
