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Brighten up your mealtime with this quick recipe for sautéed broccoli with orange peel, a vibrant side dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Ready in just minutes, this versatile recipe pairs the fresh, crisp taste of broccoli with a zesty twist of orange, making it the perfect complement to any main course. Check the recipe notes for some additional flavor combinations if you want to experiment to find your favorite.
We like to give broccoli more flavor by sautéing it in garlic-infused oil and adding dried orange peel for a winning flavor combination. Orange peel is a natural complement to broccoli that not only brightens its flavor but adds visual appeal, as well. Although you can buy dried orange peel in the spice aisle, we like to make our own. We’ve found our homemade version has a fresher, more intense citrus flavor, and it’s more economical too.
Featured Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you need to know about the key ingredients in this recipe. The complete list, including quantities, is in the printable recipe card below.
BROCCOLI FLORETS: To achieve the crisp-tender texture of this recipe, we recommend using fresh broccoli florets. You can achieve the same flavor profile using frozen, but the texture will definitely be different.
DRIED ORANGE PEEL: We always make our own dried orange peel and keep it on hand in the refrigerator for a variety of dishes. It’s very easy to do and keeps a long time in a tightly sealed jar. You can substitute fresh orange zest as well. The quantity is listed in the recipe.
Overview
How to Make Sautéed Broccoli With Orange Peel
Planning to make this recipe? Here’s a quick overview of how it’s done. Detailed, step-by-step instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
First, make sure your broccoli is bone dry, or your cooking oil will splatter. Then, heat up some oil, toss in the garlic for a quick flavor boost, and then toss it out.
Next, crank up the heat and get the broccoli in there, stirring until it’s bright green. Then, add a splash of water, orange peel, and seasonings, and cook it a bit more until it’s tender.
What to Serve With Sautéed Broccoli
Sauteed broccoli is a super versatile side dish that goes well with a ton of main courses. Here are some ideas to get you started:
SEAFOOD: Broccoli complements the delicate flavors of fish well. Try it with roasted salmon, baked cod, and baked stuffed shrimp.
CHICKEN: This is a classic pairing! Sauteed broccoli goes great with anything from simple roasted chicken thighs or grilled chicken breasts to options like chicken breasts with orange pan sauce or barbecue chicken meatloaf.
MEAT: Beef, pork, or lamb can all be delicious with broccoli. Consider pairing it with grilled pork tenderloin, a juicy steak, or pan-seared lamb chops.
Sautéed Broccoli with Orange Peel
Ingredients
- 3/4 to 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, quartered
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon dried orange peel, or 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets, then trim them to be as uniform in size as possible. To avoid splattering, it's important that the florets are as dry as possible.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, sauté for 1-1/2 minutes, then remove it from the pan and discard.
- Raise the heat to high and add the broccoli. Cook, stirring constantly, until the broccoli turns bright green, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high, add the water and orange peel and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the broccoli is tender, about 2 minutes more.
Notes
Flavor Variations
ASIAN-STYLE To give this recipe a bit of an Asian flair, toss the broccoli with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds just before serving. ITALIAN-STYLE For a different flavor profile, replace 1 teaspoon of the water with balsamic vinegar (this will darken the broccoli) and add a pinch of crushed red pepper. LEMON-BUTTER For a third variation, just before serving, squeeze a wedge of lemon over the broccoli and toss it with a tablespoon of melted butter.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this the other night to serve with roasted salmon fillets and steamed rice. I substituted orange zest and flavor was really nice with the broccoli. I’m going to try making your dried orange peel soon so I can use that next time.