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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli

    Published: Aug 13, 2021 Modified: Aug 25, 2021 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Overhead close up shot of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface

    This Microwave Broccoli with garlic butter sauce is a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with just about any meal! With red peppers and crunchy cashews, even your kids will love this vegetable side, and it's so simple to pop the broccoli in the microwave and have a fantastic side dish in just 25 minutes!

    Overhead close up shot of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface
    Level up your microwave broccoli with this healthy and delicious red pepper butter sauce!
    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👪 FAQs
    • 💭 Other Helpful Tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍲 Suggested Main Dishes
    • 🥦 Related Recipes
    • Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This microwave broccoli with garlic butter sauce is a family favorite for the holidays. Between the delicious buttery sauce infused with the flavors of fresh red peppers and garlic, and the crunchiness of the cashews, the kids hardly even notice that they are eating a vegetable.

    This side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but it works well with any meal, any time of the year. Serve it with this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes for a full and hearty meal!

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead shot of ingredients- broccoli, minced garlic, butter, red bell pepper, cashews, salt, and pepper.
    Using only seven ingredients, this garlic butter broccoli is the perfect side dish to make in a rush!
    • butter - makes for a smooth and delicious sauce that enhances the natural flavor of the broccoli.
    • bell pepper - red is best for some color variation, but any color of bell pepper works fine.
    • minced garlic - everything is better with garlic, and this microwave broccoli is no exception!
    • salt and pepper
    • broccoli - this versatile veggie is packed with nutrients and provides a nutritious side dish that you'll love eating!
    • cashews - adds some texture variation and a subtle nuttiness that takes this broccoli dish to the next level.

    🔪 Instructions

    Six panel collage of process shots- preparing ingredients and combining over the stove.
    Ready in only about 25 minutes, this garlic butter broccoli is the perfect side dish to make in a hurry!
    1. After cleaning, dice your red bell pepper.
    2. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
    3. Add the red pepper, garlic, salt and pepper. Let it come up to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally.
    4. Meanwhile, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Be sure to pull back a small piece for ventilation.
    5. Add your cashews to the sauce and stir to coat.
    6. Pour the sauce over your steamed broccoli and serve!

    👪 FAQs

    Why is my broccoli mushy?

    One of the number one reasons for mushy or soggy broccoli is overcooking. Start with less time and check on the done-ness; your broccoli florets should be tender but still crisp. It may also be beneficial to allow the broccoli to sit in a colander after being steamed to drain any excess moisture.

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

    A classic in our house is a little bit of butter with some salt and pepper, but this garlic butter sauce isn't much extra work and absolutely takes your microwave broccoli to the next level. Feel free to play around with lots of different kinds of herbs and spices; broccoli has a fairly mild flavor, so it works well with a wide variety of seasonings!

    Is broccoli better for you cooked or raw?

    Most research shows that there isn't much difference in nutrition between cooked and raw broccoli. One way to leech some of the nutrition out would be to boil the broccoli or put it in the microwave for too long. If you don't mind broccoli that's a little tougher, feel free to slightly reduce microwaving time, as this may help preserve certain nutrients and enzymes.

    Side view of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface with a fork on the side.
    Healthy and delicious, this garlic butter broccoli recipe will be a keeper in your household!

    💭 Other Helpful Tips

    • Start with a lower microwave time to avoid over-cooking, which will result in mushy broccoli with a slightly bitter taste.
    • It may be better to use unsalted butter and add salt to taste; this will prevent your microwave broccoli from being overly salty.

    Microwave broccoli, when done right, is a quick and easy way to prepare a vegetable that your family will love to eat! You may even have to make a double batch to keep everyone satisfied!

    📖 Variations

    • For even more flavor, add some soy sauce into your garlic butter sauce. It will go great with the bell peppers and cashews!
    • Some other seasonings that would taste great on this garlic butter broccoli: chili powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger.

    🍲 Suggested Main Dishes

    This microwave broccoli really goes with just about anything, but here are a couple of combinations that are sure to please your family. This Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese is always a hit, and paired with this garlic butter broccoli it makes for a superb meal. It's so easy to put a side together while you're cooking this One Skillet Ground Beef with Orzo, and a Chicken Macaroni Salad is perfect to pair with broccoli for any kind of picnic or BBQ.

    🥦 Related Recipes

    • Easy Broccoli Pesto - A delicious and simple pesto that uses broccoli as a base.
    • Chicken Pesto Pasta with Broccoli - This pasta recipe is everything you need for a full meal; no need to put a side together!
    • Shrimp Curry with Broccoli - If you like seafood and broccoli, you have to try this curry!
    • Air Fryer Broccoli - Quick and simple, this air fryer broccoli is tender and crispy and so easy to make.
    Side view of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface
    You will not want to miss out on trying this unique and flavorful garlic butter broccoli side dish!

    Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    📋 Recipe Card

    Overhead shot of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface

    Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    A unique microwave broccoli dish with a delicious butter sauce infused with the flavors of fresh red peppers and garlic and combined with the crunchiness of cashews!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 220 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
    • 1 red bell pepper
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 pound broccoli florets
    • ½ cup salted cashews (halves and pieces is fine)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Clean and dice the red bell pepper.
      1 red bell pepper
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
      8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
    • Add the red pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
      1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • While the butter sauce is simmering, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with plastic wrap (pull back a corner to vent). Microwave on high for 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain any liquid and set aside.
      1 pound broccoli florets
    • Add the cashews to the saucepan and stir until coated.
      ½ cup salted cashews
    • Pour the red pepper garlic butter sauce over the broccoli pieces, and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Start with a lower cooking time to avoid mushy, overcooked broccoli.
    • Let your broccoli rest in a colander after steaming to drain excess liquid.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1325IU | Vitamin C: 59.5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in November 2017, but was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in August 2021.

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

    Close up of a signature of Kristin.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jayme Silvestri

      November 20, 2021 at 9:44 am

      These are too cute. I just had a flag day party and these would have been great. I'll file this away for the 4th. I'm a new follower from mommy on a timeout.

      Reply
    2. Kristen

      August 13, 2021 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      This broccoli turned out perfectly. Thank you for the great recipe!

      Reply
    3. Tara Teaspoon

      August 13, 2021 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      I have never tried a garlic butter sauce on broccoli. I love it on pasta of course. This was a nice surprise of flavors.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        August 13, 2021 at 2:45 pm

        Thanks Tara!

        Reply
    4. Sara Welch

      August 13, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Served this with dinner last night and it was the best side dish with dinner; easy, delicious and great for busy weeknights!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        August 13, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this, Sara!

        Reply
    5. Andrea

      August 13, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      I've never had broccoli with nuts before. This sounds incredible. Can't wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        August 13, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        I love how the cashews provide a little crunch. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    6. Alex

      August 13, 2021 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      I'm sure garlic butter sauce is a GREAT addition to broccoli. Also love the idea of a homemade sauce to easily elevate a microwaved side dish!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        August 13, 2021 at 2:47 pm

        I agree, it makes this a really nice yet easy side dish to serve at holiday dinners!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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