Craving that perfectly seasoned, tender-crisp broccoli from your favorite steakhouse?
This texas roadhouse broccoli recipe recreates the classic side dish you love, bringing bold, savory flavor straight to your home kitchen.
Designed to mirror the restaurant favorite, this copycat texas roadhouse broccoli recipe uses simple ingredients and a quick cooking method to capture that signature taste without any hassle.
With just five pantry-friendly ingredients and a foolproof approach, this texas roadhouse steamed broccoli recipe delivers tender yet crisp florets infused with rich garlic flavor and perfectly balanced seasoning.
It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, steakhouse-style dinners, or anyone searching through reliable broccoli recipes that are both fast and flavorful.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy steak or enjoying it as a wholesome side on its own, this recipe proves the best way to cook broccoli doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simple, quick, and packed with taste, this broccoli dish transforms an everyday vegetable into a crowd-pleasing favorite that fits seamlessly into any meal.
What is Texas Roadhouse Broccoli and How Does It Taste?
Texas Roadhouse broccoli is the beloved steakhouse side dish known for its vibrant green color, tender-crisp texture, and bold garlic flavor.
Unlike soggy or bland steamed vegetables, this copycat Texas roadhouse broccoli recipe features perfectly blanched broccoli florets that maintain their natural crunch while being coated in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil.
The taste is savory and aromatic, with the sweetness of fresh broccoli complemented by robust garlic notes and a hint of black pepper heat.
The texture strikes that ideal balance-tender enough to bite through easily but still firm with a satisfying snap.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to steak, chicken, or any main dish where you want a vegetable side that’s flavorful, not forgettable.
Texas Roadhouse Broccoli Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients:
- 1 large head fresh broccoli (about 1–1.5 lbs), cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
Kitchen Utensils:
- Large pot with lid
- Spider strainer, slotted spoon, or tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving plate
- Measuring spoons
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 side portions
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover with a lid and cook for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds to blanch the broccoli, keeping it bright green and al dente.
Step 2: Immediately remove the lid and use a spider strainer, slotted spoon, or tongs to transfer the broccoli to a plate. Drain well and set aside.
Optionally, shock in ice water for 30 seconds to stop cooking and preserve the vibrant color, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Wipe out or rinse the same pot to remove excess water. Place it back on medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4: Add the 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the oil. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and infused, being careful not to let it brown or burn.
Step 5: Return the blanched broccoli to the pot. Add the 1 teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon sea salt.
Step 6: Stir-fry the broccoli in the garlic-infused oil for 1–2 minutes, tossing frequently, until the flavors coat the florets evenly and the broccoli is heated through but still crisp-tender.
Step 7: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Steakhouse Pairing: Serve this Texas Roadhouse steamed broccoli alongside a juicy ribeye steak, grilled sirloin, or filet mignon with loaded baked potatoes for an authentic steakhouse dinner experience. The garlic broccoli cuts through the richness of beef beautifully.
2. Lemon Butter Variation: After stir-frying, add 1 tablespoon of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to create a citrus-garlic version that brightens the dish and adds restaurant-worthy richness to your broccoli recipes.
3. Parmesan Crusted: Immediately after plating, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot broccoli florets. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating an irresistible savory crust that elevates this copycat recipe.
4. Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the black pepper for those who enjoy heat. This creates a spicy garlic broccoli that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp.
5. Asian-Inspired Twist: Replace the olive oil with sesame oil and add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce during the final toss. Top with toasted sesame seeds for an Asian fusion take on this best way to cook broccoli.
6. Complete Meal Bowl: Toss the garlic broccoli with cooked quinoa, grilled chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a nutritious bowl meal that transforms this side dish into a complete dinner.
7. Holiday Table: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or prime rib during holiday gatherings. The quick cooking time and vibrant color make it an ideal vegetable side when you’re preparing multiple dishes simultaneously.
Expert Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Broccoli
1. Timing is Everything: The 90-second blanching time is crucial for achieving that signature tender-crisp texture. Set a timer to avoid overcooking, which leads to mushy broccoli. This precise timing is the secret behind the best way to cook broccoli with restaurant-quality results.
2. Ice Bath Optional but Beneficial: While not required, shocking the blanched broccoli in ice water immediately stops the cooking process and locks in that brilliant green color. This professional technique is especially useful when preparing the dish ahead for entertaining.
3. Fresh Garlic vs. Jarred: Both work beautifully in this copycat Texas Roadhouse broccoli recipe, but fresh minced garlic provides a sharper, more pungent flavor. If using jarred garlic, it offers convenience and a mellower taste that many prefer for family-friendly broccoli recipes.
4. Don’t Skip the Drying: After blanching and draining, pat the broccoli florets dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. Excess water dilutes the garlic oil coating and prevents proper seasoning adhesion, resulting in bland broccoli.
5. Medium Heat for Garlic: When infusing the oil with garlic, maintain medium heat rather than high. Burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the entire dish. Watch for that golden fragrant moment, typically 30-60 seconds, when the garlic perfumes your kitchen without browning.
6. Use Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a primary flavor component in this Texas Roadhouse steamed broccoli recipe, choose extra virgin olive oil with good flavor. The oil carries the garlic throughout the dish and adds its own fruity, peppery notes.
7. Serve Immediately: This dish is at its absolute best when served fresh from the pan. The broccoli maintains its ideal texture for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the blanching step by 15 seconds, then finish in the garlic oil just before serving to ensure optimal crunch.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover Texas Roadhouse broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds. Note that reheated broccoli will be softer than freshly prepared.
Texas Roadhouse Broccoli Recipe
Craving that perfectly seasoned, tender-crisp broccoli from your favorite steakhouse? This texas roadhouse broccoli recipe recreates the classic side dish you love, bringing bold, savory flavor straight to your home kitchen. Designed to mirror the restaurant favorite, this copycat texas roadhouse broccoli recipe uses simple ingredients and a quick cooking method to capture that signature taste without any hassle.
Ingredients
- 1 large head fresh broccoli (about 1–1.5 lbs), cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the broccoli florets, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover with a lid and cook for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds to blanch the broccoli, keeping it bright green and al dente.
Step 2: Immediately remove the lid and use a spider strainer, slotted spoon, or tongs to transfer the broccoli to a plate. Drain well and set aside. Optionally, shock in ice water for 30 seconds to stop cooking and preserve the vibrant color, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Wipe out or rinse the same pot to remove excess water. Place it back on medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4: Add the 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the oil. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and infused, being careful not to let it brown or burn.
Step 5: Return the blanched broccoli to the pot. Add the 1 teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon sea salt.
Step 6: Stir-fry the broccoli in the garlic-infused oil for 1–2 minutes, tossing frequently, until the flavors coat the florets evenly and the broccoli is heated through but still crisp-tender.
Step 7: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Store leftover Texas Roadhouse broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds. Note that reheated broccoli will be softer than freshly prepared.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190
Common Queries and FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this Texas Roadhouse broccoli recipe?
A: While fresh broccoli crowns yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli florets in a pinch. Skip the blanching step and add frozen broccoli directly to the garlic oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes until heated through and tender.
Q: Why is my broccoli turning out mushy instead of crisp-tender?
A: Overcooking is the main culprit. Stick strictly to the 90-second blanching time and ensure you remove the broccoli immediately. Also, avoid covering the broccoli after cooking, as trapped steam continues the cooking process.
Q: Can I make this copycat Texas Roadhouse broccoli recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, blanch the broccoli up to 4 hours ahead, shock in ice water, drain thoroughly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, proceed with the garlic oil step, allowing an extra 30 seconds of cooking to heat the cold broccoli through.
Q: What’s the best way to cook broccoli to keep it green?
A: Blanching in boiling water for a short time (90 seconds) followed by an optional ice bath preserves the bright green color. Avoid overcooking and don’t cover the pot after cooking, as trapped heat dulls the color.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cauliflower florets work beautifully with the same timing. Carrots, snap peas, or green beans can be added but require adjusted blanching times based on their density.
Q: Is this Texas Roadhouse steamed broccoli recipe healthy?
A: Yes, this is a nutritious side dish. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and garlic offers immune-boosting properties with minimal calories overall.
Q: Can I use broccoli stems or just the florets?
A: This recipe calls for just the crowns (florets) for uniform cooking and the signature presentation. However, you can peel and slice the stems into coins and blanch them for an extra 30 seconds before adding the florets.
This copycat Texas Roadhouse broccoli recipe proves that restaurant-quality vegetables are easily achievable at home with the right technique. The combination of precise blanching, aromatic garlic-infused oil, and simple seasoning creates a side dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Whether you’re recreating a steakhouse dinner or simply looking for broccoli recipes that deliver big flavor, this Texas Roadhouse steamed broccoli will become your go-to method. The best way to cook broccoli is the way that makes you actually want to eat it-and this recipe does exactly that!
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