Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli (Printable Version)

Crisp-tender broccoli with garlic and lemon creates a vibrant, zesty side for any meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh broccoli florets

→ Aromatics

02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Oils & Seasonings

03 - 3 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing

06 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
07 - Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, omit for vegan

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until thoroughly coated.
03 - Spread the coated broccoli in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, turning the broccoli halfway through, until tender with lightly browned edges.
05 - Remove from oven; immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle lemon zest over top, and toss gently to combine flavors.
06 - If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve warm.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It turns everyday broccoli into something you actually crave, with crispy edges and a bright, punchy flavor that makes you forget its vegetables.
  • Everything comes together in one bowl and one pan, so cleanup is almost as easy as the cooking.
  • The garlic gets sweet and mellow in the oven, and the lemon juice at the end wakes up every bite without overpowering anything.
02 -
  • Crowding the pan traps steam and makes the broccoli soggy instead of crispy, so use two pans if you need to or roast in batches.
  • Add the lemon juice after roasting, not before, because acid can turn the bright green florets dull and olive-colored in the oven.
  • Flip the broccoli halfway through so both sides get crispy, and dont skip this step even if it feels like extra work.
03 -
  • Use parchment paper instead of foil so the broccoli doesnt stick and the cleanup stays effortless.
  • Mince the garlic by hand instead of using a press because it distributes more evenly and caramelizes better on the hot pan.
  • Zest the lemon directly over the finished broccoli so the oils land on the hot florets and release their fragrance immediately.
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