We eat a lot of broccoli at our house and as a result are super picky about the texture of the broccoli once cooked. We do not like mushy broccoli! I often blanch the florets and then saute them, but that’s a lot more work when it comes to a weeknight dinner, even though it gives good results.
Earlier this summer I started experimenting with how to make great tasting broccoli in record time. I’ve finally come up with the perfect, very tasty recipe. It’s full of mouth-popping flavor and isn’t a high calorie mess. I have been making this several nights a week and sometimes for an afternoon snack (not kidding). That’s how much I love it.
I use broccoli florets straight from a bag, already pre-cut (a great time-saver). However, even the ones in the bag are too big. I slice the bigger ones down to the size you see here, try to cut the stems without cutting through the tree part.
I boil the broccoli (covered) in a 1/4″ of water, just until it turns bright green. About two minutes. Any longer and you get mush.
This recipe does require a special, very flavorful seasoning and there is just not a good substitute for it. This is widely available where I live and is always in the produce section of the market. It is a common seasoning Hispanics use on fruit. Interestingly, I like it on savory foods only. It’s okay on watermelon and on the rim of a glass filled with a Bloody Mary, but I adore it on veggies. It’s concentrated and just makes everything pop. I also see it at Costco now, so it’s everywhere. If all else fails, get it from Amazon, it’s worth it.
The ingredients of this seasoning consist of dried chili peppers, salt and dehydrated lime juice. It’s a concentrated and delicious flavor.
This will be your new way to prepare broccoli, I promise.
5-Minute Spicy Lemon Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets, trimmed to 1-1/2" pieces
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons butter
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
- Fill a 12" nonstick skillet with 1/4" of water. Add broccoli, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 2 minutes or until broccoli turns bright green (no longer). Remove from heat and pour off 95% of the water, leaving the pan just slightly wet on the bottom.
- Add butter, lemon juice, Tajin, garlic salt and red pepper flakes to the pan and toss until butter is melted and broccoli is coated with all the seasonings. Place broccoli on serving plate, leaving all the juice in the pan. Serve immediately.
Jo Wake says
I find I have gone right off broccoli lately and would love to try this recipe. Never seen or heard of Tajin sauce though. I recently posted a broccoli recipe which I thought sounded good.
Sues says
I love broccoli, but am also not a fan if it isn’t cooked well. This looks perfect!
Paula says
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing. And while we’re on the subject of broccoli, remember that you shouldn’t store them next tomatoes or else it will ripen.
Marvell Adams says
I use Tujan spice on a lot of things ….very good on cucumbers,oranges,apples …etc
you can usually find it in the produce department on an end aisle ..at least it is there at WalMart ..and they do have low sodium too
Lori E says
Arrrrgh… not in Canadian Costco.. May have to do some cross border shopping just for this item. When the border guard asks why I am coming down south my answer will likely get me sent into the interrogation room. Lol.
Dorothy Smith says
I’vet t
Tried Walmart, speciality seasoning stores, darn near every place I can thinnk of here in B.C. Canada, so, it’s an American thing :(I’m goingto sub with a Cajun seasoning.
Cathy says
Amazon.
Cindy Suminski says
I bought my Tajin at Aldi. I had no idea what it was for but it looked good. Thanks for this recipe. Now I get to use it! 🙂
Kathy says
Happy birthday. !!
Thanks for recipe..gonna make it as soon as i go shopping..!
A gift from Barry and on his birthday…super nice!
Sue says
I live on the East Coast and have only seen Tajin at Aldi. Our daughter introduced it to us in Southern California. It’s everywhere there. Cajun seasoning is very different. Tried the recipe. We usually just eat broccoli steamed, then add salt and pepper at the table, but we’re cutting down on salt, and this recipe has a lot of flavor without too much sodium.
Cathy says
Glad you enjoyed it.
Barbara says
Tajin usually found in the produce department. Also good sprinkled on fruits.