Grilled Broccoli

Broccoli is a favorite vegetable side year-round, but if you’ve never added the sturdy spears to the grill, you’re missing out! The robust texture of the broccoli can stand up to the heat of the grill without withering, and the florets pick up great smoky flavor with just a slight brown singe at the edges. Marinating them with a little lemon juice and olive oil ahead of time layers in flavor, and the fluffy florets hold onto a coating of grated Parmesan that browns and crisps, going deliciously savory in the heat of the grill as the broccoli cooks. Once you’ve made this grilled broccoli recipe, you may have a hard time going back to eating broccoli any other way.

Ingredients for Grilled Broccoli

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• Broccoli spears: The main ingredient, broccoli provides a healthy and flavorful base for this dish.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the broccoli.
• Olive oil: Just a bit of olive oil helps the broccoli to brown and caramelize in the heat of the grill, instead of burning.
• Parmesan cheese: This intensely savory cheese doesn’t really melt in the heat of the grill but cooks into the broccoli, providing a nutty, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Grilled lemon slices and red pepper flakes (optional): The garnishes add extra flavor and visual appeal. Grilling the lemons caramelizes them slightly and adds nuance to their tart flavor. Slice them paper-thin and you can eat them whole, rind and all. Or, grill halved lemons and squeeze the juice over the finished broccoli just before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the broccoli

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Place the broccoli in a large bowl. Combine the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper, then drizzle the mixture over the broccoli and toss to coat. Let it stand for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Drain the broccoli and coat in Parmesan

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Toss the broccoli again, then drain it through a colander, discarding the marinade. Place the cheese in a small shallow bowl. Add the broccoli, a few pieces at a time, tossing after each addition to coat the broccoli with cheese.

Step 3: Grill the broccoli

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Prepare the grill for indirect heat using a drip pan. Place the broccoli over the drip pan on an oiled grill rack. Grill it, covered, over indirect medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until the broccoli is crisp-tender and beginning to singe lightly. If desired, garnish it with grilled lemon slices and red pepper flakes before serving.

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Grilled Broccoli Variations

• Change out the marinade: Try different flavors of marinade, such as a garlic-lime marinade or a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Use another salty aged cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano or aged Gouda cheeses, anything with a texture dry enough that you could grate it over pasta, will also work with this method.
• Serve it with dipping sauce: Pair grilled broccoli with a dipping sauce like hummus, ranch dressing or a creamy pesto sauce.

How to Store Grilled Broccoli

Store leftover grilled broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can you make broccoli on the grill recipes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Grill it just shy of crisp-tender, then let it cool completely. You can reheat it in the microwave or the oven to serve it. The time on the grill will infuse it with smoky flavor!

How do you reheat grilled broccoli?

To reheat this broccoli recipe, microwave it until it’s heated through, or add it to a skillet with a splash of water, cover it, then cook it over medium heat until it’s warmed through.

Grilled Broccoli Tips

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Can I make grilled broccoli recipes in a disposable grill pan?

This recipe will work if you cook it in a disposable pan on the grill, but it steams more than it picks up flavor from the grill. Instead, we recommend grilling the broccoli in a grill basket to make it easier to move all at once and to prevent smaller florets from falling through. Preheat the basket on the grill, then carefully transfer the broccoli out of it once done.

What can I serve with grilled broccoli?

Grilled broccoli is a versatile side dish with an Italian vibe. It would be delicious alongside creamy pesto chicken, a grilled steak or a robust grilled fish such as grilled rosemary swordfish.

Is grilled broccoli healthy?

Yes, this broccoli recipe is a healthy choice for a side dish. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. For the most nutritious meal, pair it with a source of protein, a little healthy fat and a carbohydrate.