Charred Broccoli isnt an accident! Roast your broccoli with the intention of getting all those dark, delicious crispy bits! Youll never make broccoli another way.
Charred broccoli was an accident, but some of the greatest recipes ever created were done by accident right? Im not saying burnt broccoli is as great an accident as chocolate chip cookies but Im not not saying that either…[feast_advanced_jump_to]
This was meant to be a simple weeknight roasted broccoli recipe — broccoli florets tossed with nothing but a little olive and salt right on the sheet pan, then roasted at the usual temp. But somehow I accidentally cranked the temperature of the oven, left the broccoli in the oven too long, and ended up with what my nephews now lovingly refer to as my “Burnt Broccoli.”
And guess what? After having this super crispy, crunchy roasted broccoli that has that kind of umami that comes from char, my nephews (and I!) will never go back to basic broccoli. And honestly, if charring broccoli gets my nephews to eat more, Im happy to accidentally burn my broccoli every time.
Most charred vegetables are safe because they lack the components that can create potentially harmful carcinogens, Dr. Adams Hutt says.
How to Make Charred Broccoli
This recipe is so easy. This is a high-level how-to:
- Cut broccoli into florets first, then wash.
- Wash the florets. Like I always say about prepping vegetables, wash thoroughly, and in the case of broccoli, use a produce wash that helps remove some of the natural waxiness. This organic vege wash is my fav that Ive been using for almost 10 years.
- Wash the florets. Oh did I mention “washing” twice? Its so important, I meant to.
- Dry the florets. Dry the florets thoroughly, using a salad spinner if you have one. If you have to dump the florets out onto a kitchen towel to get them really dry, do it. When roasting anything to get a crisp texture, the key is actually starting with ingredients that are totally dry so the dish doesnt ending up steaming itself instead.
- Toss with olive oil and salt, roast, and enjoy!
Ingredients Notes and Resources
- Broccoli. There are a few different varieties of broccoli, and theyre all delicious. The broccoli that were most accustomed to seeing, big fluffy crown on a sturdy stalk, is what I usually use. Broccolini or baby broccoli, which have small crowns on longer, thinner stems usually sold bunched together, works great and doesnt event need to be cut or broken into florets. The one type I would make a special note of is “broccoli raab” or rapini, which is generally bitter (on purpose) and while you will love it, other people and kids may need some time to get used to the flavor!
- Avocado Oil. I use this avocado oil for roasting. You can use any neutral-flavored oil suitable for high-heat roasting like a light olive oil or grapeseed oil.
- Salt. I use this kosher salt. Use any fine-ish grain salt. If you use regular table salt, start with about half the amount listed because it tastes saltier, and season the broccoli again after roasting if needed.
How to Make Skillet Roasted Broccoli
FAQ
Is it OK to eat overcooked broccoli?
Is roasted broccoli still good for you?
Why does my roasted broccoli burn?
Does roasting broccoli remove nutrients?
Can you eat burnt Broccoli?
Broccoli has tons of great properties to support health, and eating it raw or cooked but not burnt, is the best way to take full advantage of them. What Happens When We Eat Burnt Broccoli?
What is the best way to eat broccoli, raw or cooked?
Consuming raw broccoli allows for a better use of its nutritional value. Raw broccoli is richer in vitamins, which can be lost in the cooking process, its fibers are also intact, since when cooked they are softened. This feature is interesting for intestinal functioning.
What to do with burnt Broccoli?
Since your burnt broccoli will deliver a strong, crunchy taste, add a lighter layer of flavor with a smooth sauce or dressing. Once you’ve got your burnt broccoli hot and ready, add some layers to its flavor by sprinkling it with some seasoning.
Can you eat Broccoli if you cook it too long?
Cooking broccoli too long destroys the beneficial enzyme that breaks down chemicals into cancer fighters. The best way to eat it is raw or steamed for just two to three minutes, a nutrition expert says.