Easy 10 Minute Pan-Roasted Broccoli (+ Video)

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This recipe for pan-roasted broccoli is SO easy and delicious that it’s guaranteed to be your new go-to side dish! You only need 4 ingredients and it’s ready in 10 minutes! Pairs well with honey garlic chicken or lemon and herb chicken.

A couple of months ago we were camping and while I normally LOVE campfire potatoes, I just wasn’t feeling it. I settled on broccoli but really didn’t have the slightest idea of how I was going to cook it.

What began as an impromptu experiment with my cast iron skillet and a couple of heads of broccoli turned into THE MOST delicious side dish I think I’ve ever made.

After making this pan-roasted broccoli recipe over and over (and over) again, there are three keys that make this recipe a winner:

You use up the ENTIRE head of broccoli.
It’s ready in less than 10 minutes.
It tastes SO much better than plain steamed broccoli. It’s like the deep flavor of roasted broccoli, without having to heat up the oven and the house!

Here’s What You Need For Pan-roasted Broccoli

Image containing recipe ingredients olive oil, broccoli, salt, and pepper.

Broccoli
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Notes on Ingredients

Psst! If you’re going to add salt, I highly recommend Ava Jane’s Kitchen. You may think all salt is created equal, but unfortunately, 90% of salt produced around the world contains microplastics (gross, right?). Ava Jane’s Kitchen is an exception. Their salt is 100% microplastic free, and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a bag for just 1¢!! (Get your penny bag of salt on this page.)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and cut the broccoli while you preheat a cast iron pan on medium heat.

Pan seared broccoli in a cast iron skillet.

Step 2. Season and cook the broccoli for 5 minutes.

Pan-roasted broccoli is served on a white plate and garnished with shredded parmesan cheese.

Step 3. Flip the broccoli florets, season, and cover for 3 minutes.

It is that simple!

Recipe Tips For Pan-roasted Broccoli

The key to producing the delicious, perfect pan seared broccoli brown crust is not to stir the broccoli during the first 5 minutes. So don’t stir it!
I recommend using a cast-iron skillet (which means you can use it over an open fire OR on the grill too!), but you can use any heavy-bottomed pan as well.

FAQS

What can you add to broccoli to make it taste better?

My recipe is basic but delicious. If you want to add more flavor, garlic or parmesan cheese is a great way to do that! Lemon juice would also go well. Some who like spicy flavors like to add red pepper flakes.

Is broccoli healthy when roasted?

Pan-roasted broccoli is very healthy! It contains vitamin C, fiber, and protein!

Can you make pan-roasted broccoli in a sheet pan in the oven?

You can certainly bake this recipe if you need to, but it won’t turn out exactly the same. Mix the oil, seasonings, and broccoli together, add to a pan and cover with foil. Bake until tender.

To Serve

Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve with this healthy side dish:

More Side Dish Recipes

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Watch How to Make Easy 10 Minute Pan-roasted Broccoli