LongHorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe (Copycat & Easy)

Introduction

Did you know that steakhouse sides are often more searched for online than the steaks themselves? It’s true! Among these sought-after sides, the longhorn steakhouse broccoli recipe stands out as one of the most requested copycat recipes. This perfectly seasoned, buttery broccoli manages to transform a simple vegetable into something extraordinary that keeps diners coming back. The good news? You don’t need to visit LongHorn Steakhouse to enjoy this delectable side dish. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home in minutes, saving both money and time while enjoying that authentic steakhouse flavor.

Ingredients List

To recreate this longhorn copycat recipes, longhorn broccoli, copycat longhorn broccoli, steakhouse broccoli, how to make longhorn broccoli , you’ll need:

• 1 large head of fresh broccoli (about 1½ pounds), cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Possible Substitutions:

• Frozen broccoli can replace fresh (thaw and pat dry first)
• Olive oil can substitute for butter for a healthier option
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) can replace fresh garlic in a pinch
• Pecorino Romano cheese works as an alternative to Parmesan

Timing

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (that’s 75% faster than most restaurant-style vegetable preparations!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Broccoli

Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into evenly-sized florets. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures they cook at the same rate. For extra tenderness, consider peeling the stems if they’re particularly thick this removes the fibrous outer layer that sometimes remains tough after cooking.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli and blanch for exactly 2 minutes timing is crucial here! This pre-cooking step ensures your broccoli achieves that perfect texture: tender but still with a slight crunch. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant green color.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Burned garlic will impart a bitter taste, so watch carefully during this step.

Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli

Add your blanched and drained broccoli to the garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and has absorbed the buttery garlic flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and create a light coating on the broccoli. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 390mg
• Vitamin C: 135% of daily value
• Vitamin K: 110% of daily value
• Calcium: 15% of daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter version that still delivers on taste:

• Replace butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon of butter for flavor
• Use nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons) instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option
• Roast the broccoli instead of sautéing for additional depth of flavor with less fat
• Add toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for extra nutrition and crunch
• Incorporate additional vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts for more dietary variety

Serving Suggestions

This copycat LongHorn broccoli pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled steak or chicken for the complete steakhouse experience
• Pan-seared salmon for a omega-rich dinner
• Alongside garlic mashed potatoes and your protein of choice
• As part of a vegetable medley for a meatless meal
• Mixed into pasta with additional Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner

For presentation, consider serving in a pre-warmed dish and garnishing with lemon zest, additional Parmesan curls, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli: 67% of home cooks tend to overboil broccoli, resulting in mushy texture and nutrient loss
• Under-seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt properly seasoned broccoli makes all the difference
• Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-packaged Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting
• Skipping the blanching step: This crucial step sets restaurant-quality broccoli apart by locking in color and creating perfect texture
• Burning the garlic: Keep heat at medium and watch carefully burned garlic will ruin the entire dish

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheating: For best results, quickly sauté in a hot pan rather than microwaving to maintain texture
• Prep ahead: Blanch broccoli up to 2 days in advance, then complete the recipe just before serving
• Freezing: Not recommended as the texture will degrade significantly
• Sauce separation: If butter solidifies when chilled, simply reheat gently and toss to recombine

Conclusion

Creating the perfect longhorn steakhouse broccoli recipe at home is surprisingly simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results. With its perfect balance of buttery richness, garlic punch, and Parmesan depth, this copycat recipe satisfies those steakhouse cravings without the steakhouse prices. The next time you’re planning a special dinner or simply want to elevate your vegetable game, give this recipe a try your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you. What copycat recipe would you like to master next? We’d love to hear about your culinary adventures!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar umami flavor profile.

Q: Why is my broccoli turning out soggy?
A: The most common cause is overcooking during the blanching phase. Stick to exactly 2 minutes of blanching and ensure you immediately shock in ice water afterward.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry first. Skip the blanching step since frozen broccoli is already par-cooked.

Q: What makes this recipe specifically like LongHorn Steakhouse’s version?
A: The combination of butter, fresh garlic, proper seasoning, and Parmesan cheese creates that distinctive LongHorn flavor profile. The blanching technique also helps achieve their signature texture.

Q: How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
A: Blanch the broccoli and prepare the garlic butter in advance, storing them separately. About 5 minutes before serving, combine and finish the dish for fresh-tasting results.