At first glance, the broccoli at LongHorn Steakhouse might not seem like much — until you take that first bite. It’s vibrant green, tender without being mushy, and seasoned so simply yet so perfectly that you find yourself reaching for it again and again. It’s proof that even the most basic side dish can steal the show when done right.
This LongHorn-style broccoli recipe is all about simplicity, freshness, and flavor. It’s steamed until crisp-tender, then tossed in melted butter, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan — a combination that makes even the pickiest eaters take notice.
It’s one of those side dishes that makes you feel good about eating your veggies, and the best part? It only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s quick, easy, and delicious — the kind of veggie side you can pair with anything from steak and grilled chicken to pasta and rice bowls. The garlic-butter-Parmesan combo makes this broccoli irresistible, and it’s completely family-friendly.
Plus, it’s adaptable — keep it dairy-free, add lemon zest, or go spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Once you make this at home, you may never steam plain broccoli again.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli (or 2 medium), cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Pro Tips
- Don’t over-steam – The key to restaurant-style broccoli is a crisp-tender bite. Steam for no more than 4–5 minutes.
- Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds bold flavor that pre-minced garlic in a jar just can’t match.
- Toss while warm – Add the garlic butter and seasoning while the broccoli is still hot so it soaks up all the flavor.
- Serve immediately – This dish is best right after cooking when the texture and color are perfect.
- Use a steamer basket – It makes steaming easier and more consistent than boiling.
Tools Required
- Steamer basket or insert
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small skillet or saucepan (for garlic butter)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- No steamer? Boil the broccoli for 2–3 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan.
- Extra flavor: Add lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a new twist.
- Cheese swap: Try shredded Asiago or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
- Garlic upgrade: Roast the garlic before adding it for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep ahead:
- Cut the broccoli and mince the garlic up to 2 days in advance.
- Steam the broccoli a few hours ahead, then reheat briefly in the skillet with garlic butter before serving.
- Avoid adding cheese until right before serving to keep the texture just right.
Instructions
1. Cut and prep the broccoli
Trim the broccoli into florets and rinse well. Let drain in a colander or pat dry.
2. Steam the broccoli
Fill a saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer. Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket and cover. Steam for 4–5 minutes, until bright green and just tender.
3. Make garlic butter
While the broccoli steams, melt butter with olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Toss broccoli with seasoning
Transfer steamed broccoli to a large bowl. Pour garlic butter over the top. Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using). Toss gently to coat.
5. Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra butter, or microwave in short intervals. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain texture.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Steam from frozen, but be careful not to overcook — it softens faster than fresh.
2. How do I make this taste just like LongHorn’s?
Use fresh broccoli, real butter, and finish with Parmesan and garlic. Keep it simple and don’t over-steam.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your Parmesan and butter brands if needed.
4. Can I roast the broccoli instead?
You can! Toss florets in olive oil, roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, then finish with garlic butter and Parmesan.
The Side Dish That Steals the Show
This LongHorn Steakhouse-style broccoli may be simple, but it delivers big flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving it next to a juicy steak or adding greens to your weeknight dinner, it’s a fast and foolproof favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out — leave a comment with your thoughts or questions. I’d love to hear how you served it and whether your family loved it as much as mine does!