Name: Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 500 gms broccoli; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp paprika powder; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp lemon juice.

This simple and versatile oven-roasted broccoli recipe tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing is the perfect side dish for any meal or barbecue.

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As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste—helping my child develop a love for greens. This effortless oven-baked broccoli dish checks all the boxes: it’s nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Whether you already love broccoli or are looking for a way to enjoy it more, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds. Florets are tossed in a savory blend of garlic, lemon, pepper, paprika, and olive oil, then roasted at high heat until golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, juicy center, making it a delicious vegetable side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – With minimal effort and just a few simple steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, it’s a wholesome & healthy side dish you can feel good about.
Bursting with Flavor – A delicious blend of lemon, garlic, paprika, black pepper, and olive oil creates a bold and irresistible taste.
Versatile & Customizable – Easily switch up the seasonings and herbs to match your cravings or complement any meal.

What is Broccoli?

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable from the cabbage family, recognized for its bright green florets, sturdy stalks, and leafy tops. With its tree-like shape, broccoli features a flowering head composed of tightly packed buds, all attached to a thick, edible stem.

This powerhouse veggie has been around since ancient times, originating in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. It dates back to the Roman Empire and was introduced to England and America in the 1700s. Today, China and India are the world’s leading broccoli producers.

Packed with dietary fiber and essential vitamins like A, C, and K, broccoli is an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked in countless ways – roasted, steamed, stir-fried, or even blended into soups for a nutritious boost.

Did You Know? Unlike many crops, broccoli is hand-harvested rather than machine-picked. Its uneven growth, the precision required for cutting at the right spot for regrowth, and the delicate nature of its florets make mechanized harvesting challenging.

Nutrient Information of Broccoli (Per 100g)

Calories: 34 kcal
Carbohydrates: 6.64g (Sugar: 1.7g, Dietary fiber: 2.6g)
Protein: 2.82g
Vitamin A: 31 µg
Vitamin C: 89.2 mg
Vitamin K: 101.6 µg
Folate: 63 µg
Potassium: 316 mg

With its impressive health benefits and culinary versatility, broccoli is a must-have for a well-balanced diet.

easy roasted broccoli on a white plate with cutlery on the side

How to Roast Frozen Broccoli

If you have time, thaw the frozen broccoli first. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel before proceeding with the recipe.
For immediate use, spread the frozen florets in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the oven while it preheats for 5 minutes. This helps with quick thawing.
Remove the broccoli from the oven, pat it dry with a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture, and continue with the recipe as instructed.

Easy Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found on the Recipe Card below.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli with tightly packed dark green florets

Seasoning: Salt, crushed black peppercorns, paprika, or chili powder (can be substituted with red pepper flakes)

Garlic: Adds a garlicky flavor.

Lemon: For some tanginess and freshness

Olive Oil: A generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil for crispiness and to prevent the broccoli from going dry.

The secret to perfectly roasted vegetables!

High heat! Roast veggies like potatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower at 220°C (428°F) for 10-15 minutes with a generous drizzle of oil to lock in the moisture and ensure crispy, caramelized edges every time.

Oven-Roasted Broccoli Recipe

_Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) for 10 minutes.

Cut 500 gms broccoli (2 broccoli heads) with its stalk into bite-sized florets, wash thoroughly, and drain. Allow the florets to dry completely before adding seasoning.

broccoli florets on a wooden chopping board with a sharp steel knife

Step 2: Seasoning

2 images with a bowl with seasoning for roasting broccoli

In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp paprika or chili powder, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic), ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp lemon juice.

2 images showing pouring of the mixed seasoning on broccoli

Place the broccoli in a large bowl, pour the seasoning mixture over it, and toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Roasting

broccoli florets on a baking sheet with parchment paper ready to be roasted.

Line a sheet pan (or large baking sheet) with parchment paper and arrange the broccoli (flat side down) in a single, even layer, ensuring some space between florets.

Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking.

crispy roasted broccoli florets and stalk on a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Serve hot and enjoy crispy, flavorful roasted broccoli!

Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and parmesan cheese for some extra flavor.

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Tips

Ensure the florets are dry before mixing in the dressing, as raw broccoli is 80% water, and any additional water will prevent it from crisping up while roasting.
For even roasting, cut the florets into even bite-sized pieces and place them in a single layer without overcrowding the tray.
Use both the florets and stalks for roasting. Simply peel off the thick, fibrous outer layer of the stalk with a vegetable peeler or knife, then cut it into large chunks.

What To Serve With Roasted Broccoli?

This recipe is a simple side dish and can be served with almost anything. I love pairing them with not just a Western meal but also Indian meals.

Serve this easy broccoli recipe as a Thanksgiving side dish alongside roasted potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or roasted cauliflower and sweet potatoes, or add it to your weeknight dinners and lunches for a nutritious boost.

Some main course recipes you can pair with roasted broccolies:

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How to Store and Reuse Leftover Roasted Broccoli

Storage: Keep leftover roasted broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm it in the microwave or a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 5 minutes, adding a light drizzle of olive oil for freshness.
Reuse: Incorporate reheated broccoli into salads, pastas, or soups for a delicious twist!

golden brown crispy broccoli on a roasting pan

FAQs about Roasting Broccoli

Yes, you can freeze roasted broccoli for later use, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can soften its crispy edges and alter the texture.

To revive frozen roasted broccoli, roast it in the oven or air fryer after thawing to restore some of its crispiness.

No, steaming isn’t necessary before roasting. In fact, steaming can make the florets softer and reduce their crispiness. Roasting raw broccoli gives it the best texture and flavor!

the best roasted broccoli florets on a baking dish

Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

By Shiny Samuel

Roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring crispy, caramelized florets infused with rich garlic and bright citrus notes. A drizzle of olive oil enhances the texture, while a squeeze of fresh lemon adds the perfect zesty finish.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Serving Size