Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways. However, it can become boring or bland-tasting if not seasoned properly. The good news is there are many delicious seasonings and sauces that pair well with broccoli to enhance its flavor. Here are some of the best options for seasoning broccoli.
Cheese
Sprinkling shredded cheese over hot broccoli is an easy way to boost its flavor. The nutty, salty taste of cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss work well with broccoli’s slight bitterness. Try shredding cheese over steamed, roasted, or stir-fried broccoli. The hot broccoli will help melt the cheese and coat each floret.
Salt and Pepper
A dash of salt and ground black pepper is a simple but effective way to season broccoli. The salt enhances broccoli’s natural flavors while the pepper provides a touch of spicy heat. Be sure not to overdo it on the salt as this can make the broccoli taste overly salty. Start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper per 1 pound of broccoli.
Lemon
Lemon juice and zest are ideal for seasoning broccoli and adding fresh citrus flavor. Either squeeze fresh lemon juice over raw or cooked broccoli or garnish with grated lemon zest. The acidity of the lemon juice helps cut through broccoli’s dense, grassy flavor. Lemon juice also packs vitamin C, complementing broccoli’s existing nutrients.
Garlic
Garlic combines deliciously with broccoli. Try rubbing a halved garlic clove around the inside of the pan before sautéing or roasting broccoli. You can also mince garlic and add it to sautés and stir-fries or mix with olive oil as a drizzle for roasted broccoli. The garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of the broccoli for a tasty side dish.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is an easy seasoning for broccoli since it provides big onion flavor without the need for chopping. Simply sprinkle onion powder onto cooked broccoli to add a tasty hint of onion. Onion powder pairs well with broccoli’s earthiness. Try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per pound of broccoli depending on taste preference.
Paprika
Paprika is made from ground dried peppers and adds vibrant red-orange color and a touch of spice. To use on broccoli, sprinkle over the florets before or after cooking. The sweet and mildly spicy flavor of paprika enhances broccoli without overpowering it. Smoked paprika can also be used for a delicious charred flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes
For those who like some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes onto cooked broccoli. This seasoning adds a fiery kick along with a vibrant red color. Use more or less depending on your desired spice level. Red pepper flakes pair especially well with broccoli florets that have been roasted until crispy.
Ginger
Fresh ginger root adds a subtle spicy, gingery kick to cooked broccoli. Peel and mince or grate fresh ginger and add it to stir-fries, sautés or roasted broccoli. Ginger’s lemony flavor cuts through the denseness of broccoli and tastes wonderful paired with garlic as well.
Curry Powder
Warm curry powder is an excellent seasoning for broccoli and pairs well with its green color. Simply sprinkle your favorite curry powder onto broccoli before or after cooking. Start with 1/2 teaspoon per pound of broccoli and adjust to taste. Curry powder adds an aromatic, earthy flavor that enhances broccoli’s natural taste.
Basil
Fresh basil leaves add a lovely herbal flavor and aroma to broccoli. Chop the leaves and sprinkle over steamed, sautéed or roasted broccoli just before serving. You can also add shredded or torn basil leaves to salad or pasta recipes using broccoli florets. The licorice-like flavor of basil brings out the best in this healthy veggie.
Oregano
The woodsy flavor of oregano is another great option for seasoning broccoli. Fresh or dried oregano leaves can be sprinkled over cooked broccoli or included in sautés, stir-fries and oven-roasted versions. Oregano adds aromatic flavor that pairs well with broccoli’s earthy notes.
Chili Powder
For a more robust spicy flavor, use chili powder instead of red pepper flakes. Chili powders are spice blends made with different dried chiles and spices like cumin, oregano and garlic. Sprinkle over broccoli or stir into soups, sautés and casseroles containing broccoli. The richness of the chili powder balances the vegetal notes of broccoli.
Cumin
Cumin is often included in chili powder blends, but you can also use it solo to season broccoli. Cumin adds a smoky, nutty flavor that enhances broccoli’s taste. For simple roasted or sautéed broccoli, sprinkle on about 1/4 teaspoon cumin per pound and toss to coat the florets evenly. Cumin’s warming flavor is a nice complement to broccoli.
Turmeric
In addition to its health benefits, turmeric also adds lots of flavor to broccoli. The earthy, slightly bitter taste combines well with broccoli’s own flavor. Use turmeric powder or fresh grated turmeric root in stir-fries, sautés or roasted broccoli dishes. The vibrant golden color looks beautiful coating the green broccoli too.
Mustard
For an easy homemade condiment for broccoli, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and herbs. Dijon, whole grain, or even spicy mustard all work well. The tang of the mustard balances the earthy broccoli while the oil and lemon add richness. Brush the mustard sauce over cooked broccoli or use it as a veggie dip.
Vinegar
Bright vinegars like red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar and rice vinegar provide acidic flavor that helps cut through broccoli’s dense texture. Add a splash when sautéing or roasting broccoli. You can also drizzle vinegars over steamed broccoli or use in homemade salad dressings with broccoli florets.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple seasoning in Asian cuisine that also complements broccoli’s flavor. Use when stir-frying broccoli or sprinkle a small amount over steamed, roasted or grilled broccoli. The rich saltiness of soy sauce balances out the slight bitterness of broccoli.
Tahini
Nutty sesame tahini sauce makes a delicious pairing with broccoli’s earthy flavor. Blend tahini with olive oil, lemon juice and garlic for a quick sauce to drizzle over cooked broccoli. Tahini contains healthy fats and protein that complement this veggie.
Pesto
Vibrant pesto sauce adds big, bold flavor to broccoli, masking any bitterness. Toss steamed broccoli florets with a prepared basil pesto or use pesto as a dip. Make your own creamy broccoli pesto by blending broccoli florets, olive oil, basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts and lemon juice.
Teriyaki Sauce
Sweet and salty teriyaki sauce is delicious drizzled over broccoli, especially grilled or roasted florets. The caramelized flavor of teriyaki complements the smokiness that can develop when broccoli is charred. Use bottled sauce or mix your own simple sauce with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and brown sugar.
Peanut Sauce
For an Asian-inspired broccoli dish, make a quick peanut sauce by blending creamy peanut butter with low sodium soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger and chili paste. Toss with blanched broccoli florets or drizzle over roasted broccoli. The nutty, creamy peanut sauce perfectly coats each floret.
Yogurt Sauce
Cool and creamy yogurt makes an excellent base for a broccoli sauce. Blend plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic and fresh herbs like dill or mint. Use the sauce as a veggie dip or drizzle over hot broccoli for contrasting temperatures and flavors. Yogurt helps mellow broccoli’s edge.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki sauce contains yogurt so it also pairs deliciously with broccoli’s flavor profile. Use this refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce as a dip for raw broccoli florets. The cooling quality of the yogurt and cucumber balances out hot cooked broccoli too.
Hollandaise
Buttery, lemony hollandaise sauce is a classic pairing with steamed broccoli. The richness of the hollandaise highlights the pleasant bitterness of broccoli. Jazz up basic hollandaise by adding herbs like tarragon or spices like cayenne for extra flavor.
Cheese Sauce
Nothing complements broccoli quite like an ultra-cheesy sauce. Opt for a Mornay-style cheese sauce made with white sauce and shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack or Gruyère. Or simply stir cheese into a basic white sauce until melted and smooth. Smother steamed or sautéed broccoli with the decadent cheese sauce.
Ranch
Ranch dressing is beloved as a veggie dip, and it also tastes amazing drizzled over cooked broccoli. The cooling, herbaceous ranch flavor perfectly offsets piping hot broccoli. Use refrigerated ranch or mix your own dressing with mayo, milk, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, dill and chives.
Blue Cheese Dressing
Creamy, pungent blue cheese dressing is a stellar match for earthy broccoli. The tang of the blue cheese helps cut through the dense florets. Use as a dip for raw broccoli or drizzle over steamed, roasted or grilled broccoli for a flavorful combo.
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is typically served with seafood, but don’t overlook it as a sauce for broccoli. The creamy base with briny capers, pickles and herbs complements broccoli’s bitterness. It’s especially tasty paired with broccoli that’s been charred on the grill or roasted for caramelization.
Caesar Dressing
Caesar salad dressing can also double as an excellent broccoli topper. Drizzle the garlicky, Parmesan-laced dressing over hot steamed broccoli or use as a dip for chilled raw florets. The richness plays off the crunchy broccoli texture.
Balsamic Vinegar
Aged balsamic vinegar has a sweet, syrupy flavor that pairs beautifully with broccoli, especially when roasted or grilled. The touch of charred flavor combined with the sweet acidity of good balsamic is marvelous. Simply drizzle balsamic over the hot broccoli or toss the florets in it.
Sriracha
For spice lovers, mix together some melted butter or olive oil with garlicky Sriracha sauce for an easy spicy drizzle over broccoli. The heat of the Sriracha helps counteract broccoli’s occasional bitterness. Use the spicy sauce judiciously to suit your heat tolerance.
Honey
Raw honey drizzled over roasted or pan-fried broccoli lends a lightly sweet, floral note that complements the vegetables’ natural flavors. For balance, squeeze a little lemon juice over the broccoli too. The touch of char paired with the honey makes broccoli irresistible.
Maple Syrup
In the same vein as honey, maple syrup makes roasted or sautéed broccoli irresistible. Drizzle genuine maple syrup lightly over the hot broccoli to let the sugars caramelize slightly. The maple flavor comes through without overpowering the broccoli.
Brown Butter
Nutty brown butter (beurre noisette) adds depth of flavor to cooked broccoli. Melt butter in a pan and cook, swirling often, until the milk solids at the bottom turn brown. Drizzle the browned butter over blanched, roasted or sautéed broccoli. The richer flavor perfectly balances the vegetable.
Harissa
Harissa is a spicy North African chili pepper paste that adds intense heat and amazing flavor to broccoli. Mix harissa with olive oil and use it as a spicy drizzle over cooked broccoli. You can also add harissa directly to sautés and roasts. A little harissa goes a long way to spice up broccoli.
Miso Paste
Miso paste is savory, salty and packed with umami flavor. Add a spoonful to dressings, dips and sauces for broccoli like tahini sauce, peanut sauce or stir fries. The miso amplifies the other ingredients and adds great depth of flavor. A little miso can make broccoli pop.
Parmesan
Grated Parmesan cheese packs a flavorful umami punch. Sprinkle it generously over broccoli before, during or after cooking. Parmesan is delicious on steamed broccoli but also holds up well to roasting, sautéing or grilling. Get the good stuff and go heavy on the Parm for full flavor impact.
Sesame Oil
A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding nutty, aromatic flavor to cooked broccoli. Use toasted sesame oil and add just before serving so the flavor doesn’t burn off. Just a drizzle or splash coats each piece with delicious sesame essence.
Seasoning Combinations for Broccoli
You can also combine multiple seasonings to create more complex and tasty broccoli dishes. Here are some delicious seasoning blend ideas:
- Lemon, garlic, salt, pepper
- Chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger
- Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest
- Harissa, mint, lemon
- Curry powder, garlic, yogurt
- Red wine vinegar, onion, thyme
- Balsamic vinegar, basil, pine nuts
- Mustard, honey, chili flakes
- Miso, lime, sriracha, sesame seeds
Conclusion
With so many tasty seasonings to choose from, broccoli can move beyond being a bland, overcooked veggie. Spice it up with lemon, garlic, bold spices, herbs, cheesy sauces and more to bring out broccoli’s great flavor. Use seasonings before, during or after cooking through methods like roasting, sautéing, steaming or stir-frying. With the right additions, broccoli can be downright delicious.