Brighten up your dinner table in a snap with this simple yet immensely flavorful Lemon Roasted Broccoli. Bursting with tangy citrus notes, a kick of Asian chili paste, and the warmth of roasted garlic, this recipe will revitalize your love for this green powerhouse.
In just 20 minutes, transform ordinary broccoli into an extraordinary, vibrant side dish. Its unique Asian-inspired twist complements a variety of main dishes.
Lemon Roasted Garlic Broccoli
This roasted broccoli is perfect for an easy dinner. The lemon juice adds a nice bright flavor to the broccoli, while the chili paste and garlic give it depth and intensity. If you’re bored with the same old steamed broccoli for dinner, change things up with this zesty roasted crispy broccoli.
Roasted broccoli has more flavor
Not only does roasting the broccoli make this an incredibly easy recipe, but the roasting process enhances the flavor. Roasting the broccoli will caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetable and add a slight sweetness to the broccoli that will complement the hot pepper and roasted garlic.
Don’t be put off by the idea of sweet broccoli, it isn’t actually sweet like sugar or honey. However, there is a noticeable difference when a vegetable is roasted and allowed to caramelize a bit.
What is Sambal Oelek
We used Sambal Oelek in this recipe. Sambal Oelek is basically freshly ground red chilies with a little seasoning. It sounds too simple but there is nothing simple about this chili paste. There is a special kind of magic in those little red chilis. They don’t just pack heat and spice but they have a great flavor.
Sambal Oelek has infinite uses and is a great condiment to keep stocked in the fridge. Even though it is found in the Asian section, it doesn’t have to be exclusively relegated to Asian dishes. You can add it to soups, pasta, sandwich spreads or sauces. If you don’t have Sambal Oelek or can’t find it at your local grocery store, you can substitute Sriracha.
Choosing and prepping the broccoli
While frozen produce is convenient, nothing beats fresh vegetables. This recipe screams for fresh broccoli. Choose nice bright green bundles and make sure they are not limp. Make sure the florets are not turning yellow or brown and check the ends of the stalks to make sure they aren’t dry or cracked.
Slice the broccoli into long spears. Try to cut the broccoli spears into equal sizes so they cook evenly. Slightly thinner wedges will give you more even cooking and more caramelization.
For a shortcut, you can purchase a package of broccoli florets instead of large stalks. Check the package to make sure all the florets are bright green.
How to Roast Broccoli
Oven roasted broccoli only takes a few minutes to prep, and it is such an easy side dish. Here are the recipe highlights. Make sure you scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.
- Preheat the oven. Make sure the oven is hot so you can get crispy edges on the florets.
- Toss everything together and spread the broccoli out on a baking sheet.
- Roast the broccoli until the stalks are tender and the edges get crispy.
Flavor Variations
Here are a few ideas to shake things up a bit when you roast broccoli:
- Roasted Broccoli with Sesame: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds before roasting for an extra crunch and a delightful nutty flavor. Sesame oil can also replace olive oil for an added depth of flavor.
- Lemon and Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Top the broccoli with grated Parmesan cheese just a few minutes before it finishes roasting for a savory and indulgent spin on the recipe.
- Lemon Ginger Roasted Broccoli: Grate some fresh ginger and mix it in with the chili paste and garlic for an added layer of spicy warmth.
- Mediterranean Roasted Broccoli: Toss the broccoli with a mix of Kalamata olives, capers, garlic, and lemon. Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and a dash of dried oregano over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your roasted broccoli is coming out soggy, it could be due to a few reasons: Overcrowding the Pan: Leave space between pieces to avoid steaming. Too Much Liquid: If the broccoli is wet, it will steam instead of roast. Low Heat: Make sure your oven is hot before roasting the broccoli. Short Roasting Time: Extend the oven time if needed. Large Cut Size: Smaller, uniform pieces cook more evenly and crisp up better.
No, you do not need to blanch broccoli before roasting. When you roast raw broccoli, the oven’s high heat helps caramelize the natural sugars, leading to a sweet, nutty flavor and a crisp-tender texture. If you blanch it first, you will have a softer texture and less of that delicious roasted flavor.
You might also like these recipes:
- Zesty Curried Probiotic Vegetables
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus
- My Favorite Meatloaf
- Dukkah Roasted Duck Legs
- Broccoli casserole
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Roasted Lemon-Chili Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Asian chili paste such as Sambal Oelek
- 3 to 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 broccoli crowns sliced into long spears
- 2 long red chili peppers thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place lemon juice, olive oil, chili paste, garlic, and salt in a large bowl and add the broccoli spears.
- Toss to coat the broccoli evenly then transfer to a large nonstick baking sheet.
- Roast the broccoli until the stalks are tender, 17 to 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle slices of red chili peppers on top for garnish.
Notes
Recommended Products
Nutrition
Rachel
Thursday 5th of July 2018
LOOKS INCREDIBLE! I LOVE BROCCOLI SO THIS RECIPE IS A MUST TRY FOR ME!
Dahn
Thursday 5th of July 2018
Thanks Rachel, I hope you love it!