Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (2024)

5 ingredient Sautéed Broccoli Recipe with blistered grape tomatoes, coconut oil, fresh garlic, salt and freshly cracked pepper. This easy 10-minute side dish goes with anything!

Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (1)

Table of Contents

  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients for Sautéed Broccoli
  • How to Sauté Broccoli with Tomatoes
  • Tips for Best Results
  • Variations and Additions
  • What to Serve Sauteed Broccoli with?
  • How to Store and Reheat
  • Can I Make It Ahead?
  • FAQs
  • More Vegetable Side Dishes
  • More Broccoli Recipes to Try
  • Sauteed Broccoli with Tomatoes Recipe Recipe

Fresh, delicious and healthy side dish of sautéed broccoli. Simply seasoned and ready in a flash, pan fried broccoli creates perfectly tender and crisp veggies every time!

And if you have extra broccoli, I highly recommend chicken and broccoli stir fry or healthy beef and broccoli. They’re two of our weeknight favorites.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes with no boiling or steaming.
  • Delicious: The flavors of melted coconut oil, freshly squeezed garlic, sea salt and cracked pepper will transformeven the pickiest eaters intogarlic broccoli lovers.
  • Easy: Very little prep time, one pan, and low supervision. Sautéing is one of the easiest ways to cook veggies.
  • Simple ingredients: All 5 ingredients are fresh, every day staples.

Ingredients for Sautéed Broccoli

Here’s everything you need to make this sautéed broccoli recipe. As I mentioned above, all ingredients are basic kitchen staples.

Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (2)
  • Broccoli: When cookingbroccoli I like to use it all – crowns and stems. First of all, you already paid for them. Secondly, there are so many vitamins and nutrients in the stems, I almost think they are the best part of broccoli. So, do not throw them away, especially organic ones.
  • Tomatoes: Feel free to use any shape or size tomatoes, fresh from the garden, beefsteak tomatoes or Roma tomatoes would be wonderful. Today I used grape tomatoes.
  • Coconut oil: I love stir-frying with coconut oil because it adds flavor and has a high smoke point. You can also use extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will add the best flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Keeping this recipe simple with salt and black pepper to taste.

How to Sauté Broccoli with Tomatoes

Here’s a quick overview how to sauté broccoli and tomatoes in garlic. Full recipe card is located below.

Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (3)
  • Sauté tomatoes: Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to a hot skillet. As it melts on medium heat, swirl to coat. Next add your tomatoes and sprinkle them with salt. Gently stir, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes, occasionally shaking the pan to turn the tomatoes.
  • Season tomatoes: Add 1 garlic clove to the pan, stir, then transfer blistered tomatoes to a bowl.
  • Sauté broccoli: In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add broccoli and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir, cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring once.
  • Add tomatoes: Stir in the remaining 2 garlic cloves then add blistered tomatoes to the skillet and gently stir. Serve sautéed broccoli warm and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

  • Make sure not to overcook broccoli: The key to perfectly crisp tender broccoli is cooking it al dente and just tender. Remove from heat sooner than you think it’s ready. It should still be bright green and crisp.
  • Remove extra moisture: Dry after washing for the crispiest broccoli. If there’s too much moisture, broccoli will steam instead of crisping up.
  • Cut florets into same size pieces: Cut your large head of broccoli into same size pieces to ensure even cooking. I prefer medium sized pieces that are bite-size, but not too small they crumble.
  • Peel and cut stems into smaller pieces: The stems are more tough and need a bit longer cooking.
Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (4)

Variations and Additions

  • Butter instead of coconut oil: Butter is great for sautéing vegetables and adds a rich flavor. Follow the same instructions and swap coconut oil for butter.
  • Spices: The sky’s the limit when it comes to adding spice to sautéed broccoli. Add a sprinkle of ground cumin, dill, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a punch of heat. Some everything but the bagel seasoning is delicious too!
  • Add lemon: Lemon juice paired with garlic adds a nice zest. You can also add lemon zest for more taste.
  • Garnish: Add a dash of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, green onion, or toasted almonds at the end for a pop of color, flavor, and texture.

What to Serve Sauteed Broccoli with?

I have been sautéing broccoli for years as an easy side dish that’s light and flavorful. We love pairing it with Instant Pot pork chops, baked salmon, slow cooker rump roast, or chicken lasagna roll ups.

Instead of serving it alongside your favorite main dish, you could add it to the entrée itself for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Toss it into a vegetable frittata, serve over a bed of rice with soy sauce, with buttered pasta, or healthy mac and cheese.

Lastly, you could create a nutritious bowl starting with rice, quinoa, or noodles, add protein, then the broccoli, and finish it off with sauce like Thai sweet chili sauce.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Broccoli and tomatoes are best served fresh but you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. The broccoli will lose a bit of crunch but will still be good. Set it in the fridge overnight to thaw.

Reheat: I find reheating previously sauteed broccoli in the microwave has the best results. You can sauté it in a skillet on medium-high heat for about 1 minute but not longer to avoid mushy broccoli.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. You can chop broccoli and store in the fridge covered for 2-3 days or buy already chopped broccoli in a bag. Then cook as per recipe.

Another option is to cook vegetables as per recipe but for 2-3 minutes less, so when you reheat the next day your broccoli won’t be mushy.

FAQs

What is the best way to cut broccoli for sauteing?

Chop broccoli florets into even medium-sized pieces so they will cook evenly, quickly, and stay bright green. For the stems, trim off the tough ends, peel, and cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the florets.

Do you need to boil broccoli before sauteing?

No, you don’t have to boil broccoli before sauteing. There is just enough steam created during cooking to make them tender with crisp edges.

What is the best method for cooking broccoli?

Broccoli can be cooked perfectly steamed, sautéed, or roasted. For me the best method is sautéed broccoli or pan fried broccoli but it’s personal preference, just be sure not to overcook it. I like sautéed broccoli because it’s fast and the broccoli turns out perfectly crisp and flavorful every time!

Is sauteed broccoli good for you?

Yes. There are many health benefits of broccoli including high vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants levels. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable with anti-inflammatory properties. Cooking it this way keeps its nutritional value, color, and crunch.

More Vegetable Side Dishes

  • Garlic green beans

More Broccoli Recipes to Try

  • Ground turkey and broccoli pasta
  • Crustless broccoli quiche
  • Healthy broccoli salad
  • Air fryer broccoli
  • Broccoli mushroom stir fry
  • Healthy chicken broccoli casserole

Browse through 65 healthy sides!

Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (5)

Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (6)

Sauteed Broccoli with Tomatoes Recipe

5 ingredient Sautéed Broccoli Recipe with blistered tomatoes, coconut oil and fresh garlic. This easy 10-minute side dish goes with anything!

5 from 9 votes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 164

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Print RecipeSave RecipeRate Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat large skillet on medium heat and swirl 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to coat. Add tomatoes with a pinch of salt; stir, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes. Shake the skillet to turn and make tomatoes blister, occasionally. Add 1 garlic clove, stir and transfer to a bowl.

  • Return skillet to the stove and melt remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Add broccoli and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir, cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring once.

  • Add remaining 2 garlic cloves and stir. Return blistered tomatoes to the skillet and give sauteed broccoli a gentle final stir. Serve warm.

Notes

Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Freeze: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Broccoli will lose a bit of their crunch but not bad.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 351mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: North American

Author: Olena Osipov

Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

Categories:
Diet, Gluten Free Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegan Recipes

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Sauteed Broccoli Recipe (with Tomatoes) - iFoodReal.com (2024)

FAQs

Which cooking technique gives the best results when cooking broccoli? ›

Steaming broccoli is quick and easy, and it's considered one of the healthiest ways to prepare the vegetable. Instead of submerging the florets and stem into boiling water or roasting them in the oven, the broccoli is placed in a steamer basket over simmering water and covered with a lid.

Is broccoli better steamed or sauteed? ›

Stir-frying and stir-frying/boiling, the two most popular methods for most homemade dishes in China, cause great losses of chlorophyll, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C, and glucosinolates, but the steaming method appears the best in retention of the nutrients in cooking broccoli.

How to cook broccoli for best nutrition? ›

Blanching is a quick dip in boiling water, followed immediately by cooling. You can also preserve both nutrients and the enzyme needed to form protective isothiocyanates if you steam broccoli for three or four minutes (just until crisp-tender) or microwave for less than one minute.

What makes broccoli taste better? ›

Garlic and butter help make broccoli taste irresistible. Simply sautee the broccoli in a pan with just a little butter, some onions and grated garlic and voila! Add a drizzle of lemon if desired.

Do you have to boil broccoli before frying? ›

Broccoli does NOT requiring boiling before sautéing or stir-frying IF you implement the steaming method. Trapping hot air in the pan is what helps soften the broccoli so it doesn't just appear cooked on the outside.

Why is my broccoli brown when cooked? ›

As the veggies hit the boiling water, volatile acids are released into the water and are carried away in the steam. When the pot is covered, the steam and the acids it contains are forced back into the water. Once there, the acids react with the chlorophyll in the vegetables, turning them an unsightly shade of brown.

How do you know when broccoli is done cooking? ›

The broccoli is done when you can pierce it with a fork. As soon as it is pierce-able, remove from heat, place in serving dish. Note that green vegetables like broccoli will turn from vibrant green to drab olive green at about the 7 minute mark of cooking. So, watch the time, and don't let the broccoli overcook!

What is the healthiest preparation of broccoli? ›

Boiling will remove up to 90% of broccoli's nutrients, so prepare it a similar way, such as blanching. First, get a bowl of ice water ready next to the stove. Boil water in a pot, add salt, and cook broccoli florets for 1-1½ minutes until they're just tender. Quickly cool them in the ice water.

Is sauteed broccoli good for you? ›

Healthiest Way to Cook Broccoli

Lightly sauteed with garlic and a splash of water. It's that simple. Cooking broccoli in this way retains most of its colour, nutritional value along with that crunch that results in a delicious side dish that even my youngest and pickiest eater enjoys.

Is it OK to eat old broccoli? ›

If there are yellow or brown spots, it's a sign that it's past its prime. If you see any mold, such as white or black fuzzy patches, it's definitely spoiled. Smell: If the broccoli has a strong odor or an off smell, throw it out. Texture: Broccoli should have tight florets and a firm stem.

What is the healthiest vegetable? ›

Spinach takes the top prize as the healthiest vegetable because of its range of nutrients and benefits.

Why add milk to water when cooking broccoli? ›

In the middle of the cooking water may be added to the milk to aid in preventing leaching of calcium from bones by the microelements contained in broccoli.

How do you cook broccoli so it doesn't make you gassy? ›

Cooking: Raw broccoli is a common component of vegetable/dip platters at parties and events, of course, but eating it raw is actually more likely to lead to gas. Instead, by steaming or microwaving it, your body will have an easier time breaking it down.

Why is Chinese restaurant broccoli so good? ›

Chinese restaurants often incorporate garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to add depth and flavor to the broccoli. You can also add a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick.

How do Chinese restaurants get broccoli so crispy? ›

The Chinese broccoli needs to cook as fast as possible, so that the nutrients and color don't have as much opportunity to leach out into the water. It's best to start with as much boiling water as you can. Restaurants serve amazingly green and crunchy Chinese broccoli because they use huge amounts of boiling water.

Why are restaurant vegetables so much better? ›

The truth is that more salt and fat do factor into better-tasting veggies. That said, making an enjoyable and relatively healthy vegetable dish that is delicious and satisfying is very much possible. There are plenty of ways to improve your at-home veggie game.

How do restaurants keep broccoli green? ›

Use one teaspoon salt per 1 cup of water. Salt provides a “barrier” against carbon dioxide, which prevents chlorophyll from changing color. Make sure that you have enough water in your pot so that all of the broccoli is floating in it.

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