Salt and Pepper Broccoli Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple yet packs a big flavor punch. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing taste. The high-heat cooking brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli while creating a slightly charred, crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the classic salt and pepper combo. Best of all, it’s fast, requires minimal ingredients, and can easily be customized to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Olive oil or neutral high-heat oil
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Garlic (optional, for added flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if cooking on the stovetop.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli with oil, salt, and pepper. Add garlic or red pepper flakes if using.
4. Spread the broccoli out in a single layer on a baking sheet (for oven) or add directly to the hot skillet.
5. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crisp and slightly charred. If cooking on the stovetop, stir occasionally and cook for about 10–12 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Add freshly grated Parmesan before roasting for a cheesy twist.
• Use cauliflower or a mix of veggies along with the broccoli.
• Swap in sesame oil and finish with toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired version.
• Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
• Toss with soy sauce and green onions for extra umami flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place it in a hot oven or skillet for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the broccoli soggy.

FAQs

How do I make the broccoli extra crispy?

Make sure the broccoli is completely dry before cooking, use high heat, and avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and dry it thoroughly first. Frozen broccoli contains more moisture, which can reduce crispiness.

What type of oil is best?

A neutral high-heat oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or light olive oil works best for roasting or stir-frying.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, garlic powder works well and can be sprinkled directly with the salt and pepper.

How can I make this recipe low-sodium?

Reduce the amount of salt used and rely more on herbs or citrus to enhance flavor.

What’s the best way to cut the broccoli?

Cut into evenly sized florets for uniform cooking. Slice thicker stems in half if needed.

Can I air fry the broccoli?

Yes, air fry at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, the basic version is vegan. Just ensure any optional additions like cheese are plant-based if needed.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. Roast a batch and store in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week as a side or topping for bowls and salads.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Broccoli is a simple yet standout dish that proves vegetables can be both healthy and delicious. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, it fits into any meal plan—whether you’re eating light, going vegan, or just want a tasty veggie side that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Give it a try and see just how satisfying broccoli can be.

Salt and Pepper Broccoli Recipe

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Salt and Pepper Broccoli is a quick, flavorful side dish that turns basic broccoli into a bold, crispy, and satisfying vegetable dish using minimal ingredients like oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic or chili flakes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral high-heat oil
• 3/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if using the stovetop method.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry broccoli. Cut into bite-sized florets.
3. In a bowl, toss broccoli with oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic/red pepper flakes.
4. Spread broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet, or add directly to the hot skillet.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crisp and charred. For stovetop, stir-fry for 10–12 minutes until tender and golden.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately as a snack or side dish.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli is dry before cooking to help it crisp up.
• Do not overcrowd the pan or baking sheet.
• Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or soy sauce after cooking for extra flavor.
• Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes for a crispy alternative.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg