Best Skillet Broccoli Recipe You’ll Have on Repeat!

This recipe for skillet broccoli with garlic and toasted sesame seeds is quick, simple, and flavorful.  It makes a fantastic vegetable side to any meal and is a dish both kids and adults love. 

The next time you need a quick and flavorful broccoli side dish, reach for the skillet and try this stovetop recipe for broccoli with garlic, thyme, and olive oil.

It’s an effortless and speedy technique that results in broccoli with both tender stalks and crisp florets, boasting a delightful nutty taste and light browning.

If your family is anything like mine, they’ll ask for seconds!

One of my favorite aspects of skillet-roasting broccoli is its versatility.

I can easily customize it with various spices and seasonings, creating the perfect accompaniment to any main course.  

One of my favorite broccoli pairings is with cavatelli, as showcased in my family recipe for cavatelli and broccoli.

Whether preparing a quick vegetable side for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, skillet-roasted broccoli always impresses family and friends.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Creating flat surfaces for perfectly skillet roasted broccoli
• Step-by-step directions
• Tips
• Serving suggestions
• FAQ
• More broccoli recipes
• Recipe inspiration
• Green vegetable recipes
• Recipe

Ingredients

• Olive oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil as it provides a rich and fruity base for cooking the broccoli.
• Garlic: Adding a robust, aromatic flavor complements the dish beautifully.
• Fresh thyme: Infuse the broccoli with a subtle earthiness of thyme. Dried thyme can also be used. 
• Chili flakes (to taste): Adding a touch of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick. This is optional.
• Broccoli: The star of this recipe. 
• Kosher salt (to taste): Enhancing the natural flavors of the broccoli and other ingredients.
• Water: A crucial element for steaming the broccoli to the perfect crisp-tenderness.
• Sesame seeds: Finish the dish with a delightful crunch and nutty flavor of toasted sesame seeds.

Creating flat surfaces for perfectly skillet roasted broccoli

To achieve the best pan-roasted broccoli, creating flat surfaces is crucial. Since broccoli doesn’t naturally have them, we must make them ourselves. Here’s how:

• Divide into smaller pieces: Start by dividing one head of a medium-large broccoli crown into smaller, more manageable pieces, including the stems.
• Cut through the stem: Slice through each broccoli piece, starting at the stalk, right to the floret, to create a flat surface. This step ensures that each portion lies evenly in the pan, promoting uniform roasting.

Cut them into four pieces for smaller broccoli crowns, typically up to four inches. For larger crowns measuring four to five inches, cut them into six. This method not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also guarantees a delightful mix of crispy edges and tender interiors in every bite.

After following these steps, rinse the broccoli under cold running water to remove any debris or dirt. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to blot any excess moisture. Then, you’re ready to make this skillet-roasted broccoli recipe.

Step-by-step directions

Prepare garlic mixture: Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 grated garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon of minced fresh thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes. Set aside.

• Heat skillet: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook broccoli: Add the cut-up broccoli and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the hot skillet, allowing it to cook without stirring until it begins to brown (approximately 2 minutes).
• Steam broccoli: Pour in 2 tablespoons of water, cover the skillet, and let the broccoli steam until it turns bright green but remains crisp (about 2 minutes).
• Uncover and continue cooking: Remove the cover and continue cooking until the water evaporates and the broccoli reaches a crisp-tender texture (about 2 minutes).
• Add garlic infusion: Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add the garlic mixture. Stir and sauté until fragrant (around 30 seconds).
• Combine and garnish: Stir the garlic mixture into the broccoli, ensuring an even distribution. Garnish this broccoli dish with toasted sesame seeds.
• Season and serve: Taste and season this broccoli side dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Tips

• Uniform cut: Aim for uniform-sized florets, 1-inch florets with stems, when cutting the broccoli.  This ensures even cooking and minimizes waste while providing a mix of textures in the final dish.
• Crispy broccoli: Place it in a single layer in the skillet and allow it to cook without stirring (initially) to achieve a crispy texture. 
• Stovetop control: Maintain medium-high heat for the skillet to achieve that desirable browning on the broccoli. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, allowing the broccoli to cook evenly.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve this pan-fried broccoli immediately after cooking. This ensures that it retains its crisp-tender quality.
• Customization: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste. Lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, or a splash of balsamic glaze can add exciting dimensions to the flavor profile.

Serving suggestions

I love serving this simple side dish with chicken dishes like my thyme chicken breast or grape jelly chicken thighs for a balanced and satisfying meal. It also goes well with meats or seafood, like veal scallopini or maple-glazed salmon.

I also like combining it with roasted root vegetables in a nourishing veggie bowl when I crave a plant-based meal. You can add your favorite grains like quinoa or brown rice, and top it off with some avocado, roasted nuts, or seeds to give it an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.

FAQ

More broccoli recipes

Broccoli Fritters: Crispy and savory, these broccoli fritters are a delightful side dish. I blend fresh broccoli florets with a seasoned batter, shaping them into golden perfection through baking.

Creamy Broccoli Soup: Indulge in the comfort of creamy broccoli soup, a luscious fusion of broccoli, potatoes, onions, milk, and stock. This satisfying soup is perfect year-round, offering warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Oven-Roasted Broccoli: This oven-roasted broccoli recipe is a quick and easy side dish and a delightful way to bring out the natural flavors of this green vegetable.

Recipe inspiration

As mentioned, this recipe is a delightful spin-off inspired by my beloved cavatelli and broccoli dish. 

Drawing inspiration from the flavors and essence of sauteed broccoli, this variation introduces a new way to enjoy those familiar tastes. It’s incredible how a simple variation can create a whole new culinary experience.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish, incorporating it into pasta, or experimenting with various spices, this versatile recipe provides a canvas for culinary creativity.

Enjoy! 

***** If you have made this recipe for pan-roasted broccoli, I would love to hear it in the comments below, and be sure to rate the recipe!

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