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READY IN 25 mins

Brilliant Sauteed Broccoli

Read Reviews (129)

"If you want a slightly original restaurant-quality broccoli at any point within three days, this is the recipe you want! This is also great for entertaining guests with a large amount of food, and you want to shave some time without looking like you cut corners. This recipe shows how you can shock your greens to stay brilliant, while making a presentation that says you really care about your food." — Doppio Sous

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Original recipe makes 6 servings Change Servings

1 pound broccoli florets
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Directions

Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Fill a large bowl or pot with half ice and half water. When the water comes to a boil, add the broccoli florets using a strainer with a handle if possible. Allow the broccoli to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just tender. Immediately remove from the boiling water, using the strainer or draining, and transfer to bowl of ice to stop the cooking process. Immerse the broccoli completely in the ice water for a minute or two. Remove and place in a dish that has been lined with paper towels. This part can be done up to two days in advance.
In a cup or small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and brown sugar; set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Throw in the broccoli and season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir to coat the broccoli, then cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and dust with the Parmesan cheese mixture.

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PREP 15 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 25 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Apr 28, 2008

I actually sauteed the raw broccoli with the spices and the lid on, stirring occasionally for a few minutes. Then I added the cheese and brown sugar mixture. I stiired it in over the heat then turned off the heat and let it set with a lid on for 2 minutes. It was perfect. My husband loved it and he is not a big veggie eater. It doesn't need to be pre steamed.

—Donna K

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Feb 26, 2008

I hate to say this, but we didn't really enjoy this recipe. We're probably nuts (based on other reviews); but the brown sugar really didn't do anything for us...the cheese and red pepper flakes were nice though!

—HeatherM

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185 Ratings

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Jan 03, 2008

This was pretty awesome. I tried the brown sugar and it was a little too sweet. So, instead I created a mixture of a little sugar (a pinch), nutmeg, and a pinch of cinnamon. It added the right amount of sweetness without being too sweet.

—nemowonder

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Mar 09, 2010

In both preparation and taste this couldn't have been better. The cooking technique was just what I needed for an uncertain supper time and, since Hubs detests overcooked vegetables, it ensured that wouldn't be an issue. I blanched the broccoli ahead of time and when I knew Hubs would be ready to eat it was no big deal to quickly do the last minute sauteeing. Don't hesitate to use the brown sugar - it's not enough to taste any sweetness, but just enough to eliminate any possibility of broccoli bitterness. And in my (Italian) book, anything that calls for fresh Parmesan cheese is always a plus. Flawless recipe, and certainly one to keep in the reference file.

—naples34102

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Dec 02, 2007

I have to agree with Emilysmom in that the technique was great. It was wonderful to steam the vegie first to get it to that wonderful green color and then give it the old ice bath. The brown sugar didn't sit well with me and wouldn't have been favored by my family either which is why I left it out. Everything else was superb and we all enjoyed it very much. Thank you!

—LINDA MCLEAN

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Nov 10, 2008

Really good! I took other reviewers advice and just sauteed the broccoli and added all the ingredients while it was cooking. I needed more oil so I just added it as I went. The good thing about this recipe is that it's really easy to add more of what you like at the end; you can make it sweeter, cheesier, or more spicy! Even my 13 month old loved it!

—Cara

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Apr 10, 2008

I made this last night for my husband who loves broccoli and he said it is the best he has had! I used a bit more red pepper flakes which was a great compliment to the sweetness of the brown sugar parmessian mixture! I will definitely make this again! Thanks for the recipe

—Courtney

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Jan 06, 2008

This was a good recipe, and I served it with basmati rice and Maple Teriyaki Salmon Barbeque (also from this site). The slight sweetness from the brown sugar complimented the salmon well (although I used about 1/2 tsp). I also added a pinch of cinnamon, and put the parmesan mixture on the broccoli while still in the skillet for about one minute to melt the cheese.

—Barb A.

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Nutrition

Calories
81 kcal
4%

Carbohydrates
6.2 g
2%

Cholesterol
2 mg
< 1%

Fat
5.6 g
9%

Fiber
2.1 g
8%

Protein
3.2 g
6%

Sodium
144 mg
6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Brilliant Sauteed Broccoli

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 81
Calories from Fat: 50

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.6g 9 %
Saturated Fat 1.1g 6 %
Cholesterol 2mg < 1 %
Sodium 144mg 6 %
** Potassium 254mg 7 %
Total Carbohydrates 6.2g 2 %
Dietary Fiber 2.1g 8 %
Protein 3.2g 6 %
Sugars 2.1g
** Vitamin A 14 %
** Vitamin C 113 %
** Calcium 8 %
** Iron 7 %
** Thiamin 5 %
** Niacin 9 %
** Vitamin B6 9 %
** Magnesium 6 %
** Folate 27 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.