If you’re a fan of Longhorn Steakhouse, you must have tried their delicious broccoli dish. The great news is, you don’t have to dine out to enjoy this side anymore. You can now recreate the famous Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli recipe at home. This copycat recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also brings the same flavors right to your kitchen.
One of the best parts of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients like fresh broccoli, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, you can whip up a restaurant-quality side dish in no time. This makes it a perfect addition to any of your home-cooked meals.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner side or something a bit more special for a weekend feast, this recipe fits the bill.
Now, let’s dive into what makes this dish so special. The combination of tender, steamed broccoli with a buttery garlic Parmesan sauce is simply mouthwatering. The process is straightforward, so you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- The recipe uses simple ingredients like broccoli, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- You can easily recreate the Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli dish at home.
- The cooking process is quick and straightforward.
Ingredients List
When making the Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli recipe, it’s important to prepare the broccoli properly, season it well, and add the right cheeses for flavor. This combination will help you achieve the best results.
Broccoli Preparation
To start, you’ll need fresh broccoli. I prefer using a whole head of broccoli because it’s more economical and fresher than pre-cut florets or frozen broccoli.
First, rinse the broccoli under cold water. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the large stem. Divide the head into smaller florets. If you want a quick meal, buying pre-cut florets works fine, too.
Remember, food with fiber and essential nutrients like broccoli is great for your diet.
Seasonings and Spices
Seasoning the broccoli is crucial for getting that authentic taste. Start with basic ingredients like salt and pepper. I usually go for about a teaspoon of sea salt and black pepper.
Garlic is another key ingredient. You can use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice, tangy flavor.
Don’t forget to use butter when cooking for a rich taste.
Cheeses for Flavor
Cheese enhances the broccoli’s flavor. Parmesan cheese is classic in this copycat recipe. I like to sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese over the broccoli after steaming it.
In addition to parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or white cheddar cheese for an extra creamy texture. Asiago cheese is also great for adding a nutty flavor.
Remember, the cheeses you choose can make a big difference in the final taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
I’ve got two main parts covered here to help you achieve tasty Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli: steaming the broccoli and enhancing its flavor with seasoning and sauces.
Steaming the Broccoli
First, cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
Add 2 cups of water to a large pot or skillet. I like to use a skillet because it gives more surface area for the broccoli.
Season the water with about a teaspoon of salt to enhance the broccoli’s natural flavor. Bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat.
Carefully place the broccoli pieces into the boiling water.
Cover the pot or skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the broccoli steam for 5-7 minutes. Steaming keeps the broccoli tender while retaining a vibrant green color.
If you prefer to use a steamer basket, place it in the pot before adding the broccoli.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement
Once the broccoli is steamed, drain the excess water. I usually transfer the broccoli to a separate bowl for this step.
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter. This gives it a rich, savory flavor.
Sometimes, I also drizzle olive oil or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle garlic parmesan on top for a delicious twist. If you like a bit of zest, a quick drizzle of lemon butter sauce works wonders.
Mix everything gently to coat the broccoli evenly with the seasonings.
Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe Copycat
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutesThis Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli recipe is quick, easy, and brings a touch of restaurant quality to your home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Season the Broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Steam the Broccoli: In a steamer basket over boiling water, steam the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Alternatively, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Optional Enhancements: For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the steamed broccoli and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to replicate the signature broccoli dish from Longhorn Steakhouse, here’s how you can do it. From adding a zesty lemon twist to nailing the perfect garlic butter sauce, I’ve got you covered.
How can I make Longhorn Steakhouse style broccoli with lemon at home?
To make Longhorn Steakhouse style broccoli with lemon, steam your broccoli until tender-crisp. After steaming, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the broccoli. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that’s a great complement to the vegetable’s natural taste.
What ingredients are used for the Parmesan crusted broccoli at Longhorn Steakhouse?
To make Parmesan crusted broccoli, steam the broccoli first. Then, melt some butter and mix it with grated Parmesan cheese. Coat the broccoli with this mixture and place it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
Can you replicate the vegetable seasoning used in Longhorn Steakhouse dishes?
Yes, you can replicate the vegetable seasoning. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning over steamed or sautéed broccoli to give it a similar taste to Longhorn Steakhouse’s seasoned vegetables.
What is a similar recipe for Longhorn Steakhouse’s broccoli that also has a low calorie count?
For a low-calorie version, steam the broccoli and season it with a small amount of salt and pepper. Skip the butter and cheese, and instead, use a sprinkle of lemon juice or your favorite herbs for flavor without adding extra calories.
How can you properly cook broccoli to achieve the texture served at Longhorn Steakhouse?
To achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture, steam the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it. The broccoli should be bright green and still have a bit of bite to it when done.
What’s the secret to the garlic butter used in Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli?
The secret to the garlic butter is simple. Melt butter in a pan. Then, add minced garlic and sauté until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour this garlic butter over the steamed broccoli for a rich and flavorful finish.