Ever wondered how Red Lobster’s broccoli tastes so rich, buttery, and full of flavor? I’ve cracked the recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-style Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe at home. It’s quick, easy, and pairs perfectly with any meal.
Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli is known for its tender texture and deliciously rich garlic butter coating. The secret? Steaming the broccoli just right and tossing it in the same flavorful garlic butter used in their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It’s a simple but elegant way to elevate your greens.
Let’s dive in and make this buttery, garlicky goodness at home!
What Does Red Lobster Dragon Broccoli Taste Like?
Red Lobster’s Dragon Broccoli is a bold and flavorful twist on classic steamed broccoli. It has a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
The broccoli is crispy and slightly charred, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that has a hint of heat from Sriracha or Red Lobster Dragon Sauce. It’s then topped with crispy fried onions or panko for a satisfying crunch.
The combination of the garlicky, spicy glaze and the crunchy texture makes this dish an irresistible side or appetizer. It’s a sweet, tangy, and spicy experience in every bite!
Ingredients Required for Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Red Lobster Broccoli
- 1 large head of broccoli (cut into florets, about 3-4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for that rich, buttery flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (adds a wonderful aroma)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs for extra flavor)
- Juice of 1 lime (adds freshness and a zesty touch)
- 1.5 cups dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for a light, tangy taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy, savory finish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
✔ Microwave-safe plastic bag (for steaming broccoli)
✔ Large skillet or saucepan
✔ Knife and cutting board
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Copycat Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Red Lobster Broccoli at home
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe plastic bag with a tablespoon of water. Seal the bag, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Microwave for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp. Carefully remove the bag and let it sit while you prepare the garlic butter.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Broccoli
Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and give it a final toss.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of melted butter for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy this Red Lobster-style broccoli!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Red Lobster Seasoned Broccoli
1. With a Juicy Steak
Trust us-this broccoli alongside a perfectly seared ribeye or sirloin steak is a game-changer. The garlic butter from the broccoli complements the richness of the steak, and when you throw in a baked potato? Chef’s kiss!
2. Next to a Grilled Salmon Fillet
We’ve tried this broccoli with salmon so many times, and it never disappoints. The lime juice in the broccoli adds a fresh zing that cuts through the richness of a buttery grilled salmon. Pro tip: Add a squeeze of extra lime over both for that perfect balance.
3. Tossed into a Pasta Dish
Sometimes, we like to chop up this broccoli and mix it into a creamy alfredo pasta or a light garlic butter spaghetti. The Parmesan melts right in, making it feel like it was meant to be there all along.
4. Served Over Rice for a Simple Meal
On lazy nights, we just serve it over steamed jasmine rice and call it a meal. The buttery sauce seeps into the rice, making every bite flavorful. Add a fried egg on top, and boom-dinner sorted!
5. Paired with Crispy Garlic Shrimp
This combo feels straight out of a seafood restaurant. Red Lobster Dragon Shrimp with this broccoli? Yes, please! It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, buttery, and slightly spicy flavors.
6. As a Side for a Rotisserie Chicken
Ever grabbed a rotisserie chicken from the store and needed a quick side? That’s where this broccoli comes in. The garlic butter and seasoning make it feel fancy, even if dinner was a last-minute decision.
7. Layered in a Cheesy Quesadilla
Okay, hear us out-broccoli quesadilla might sound weird, but it works! We’ve chopped up this broccoli, stuffed it into a tortilla with some cheddar and mozzarella, and grilled it to golden perfection. Add some sour cream on the side, and it’s so good.
8. Topped on a Loaded Baked Potato
We once spooned this broccoli over a fluffy baked potato, added extra Parmesan, and let the butter soak in. It tasted like something from a steakhouse, and now we do it all the time.
9. Mixed into a Warm Grain Bowl
For a healthier twist, we’ve tossed this broccoli into a quinoa or brown rice bowl with roasted chickpeas, feta cheese, and a lemony dressing. It’s light, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful.
10. Served Cold in a Salad
Yes, you can eat this broccoli cold! We’ve thrown it into a salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette, and it turned into a refreshing side dish. Who knew?
Some Tips on This Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe
1. Don’t Over steam the Broccoli
I learned this the hard way-if you steam the broccoli too long, it turns into mush! You want it tender but still slightly crisp. Three to four minutes in the microwave is perfect!
2. Use Real Butter, Not Margarine
Margarine just doesn’t give the same rich flavor. I always go for real butter because it makes the sauce super creamy and delicious.
3. Fresh Garlic is a Must!
I once tried using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic… Big mistake! Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, and it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
4. A Little Red Pepper Flakes Goes a Long Way
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in just a pinch of red pepper flakes. But be careful-I got carried away once, and let’s just say my mouth was on fire!
5. White Wine Adds a Fancy Touch
At first, I wasn’t sure about adding white wine, but wow-it makes the broccoli taste fancy! Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works best, but if you don’t have any, you can skip it or use a splash of chicken broth.
6. Don’t Skip the Lime Juice
This might sound weird, but lime juice makes a huge difference! It brightens up the flavors and balances out the buttery richness. Try it, and you’ll see what I mean!
7. Let the Cheese Melt Naturally
I used to dump Parmesan on too soon, and it would clump up. The trick? Sprinkle it on right at the end, and let the warmth of the broccoli melt it perfectly.
8. Toss It Well in the Sauce
Just pouring the garlic butter on top isn’t enough! Toss the broccoli in the skillet for a minute to make sure every bite is coated in that buttery goodness.
9. Want Extra Flavor? Use the Red Lobster Biscuit Garlic Butter
I found out Red Lobster uses the same garlic butter from their famous biscuits. If you have the biscuit mix at home, use the butter packet for an authentic taste!
10. Serve It Right Away
This broccoli is best when it’s fresh and hot. If you let it sit too long, it can get soggy. I always serve it right off the skillet, and it’s perfect every time!
How to Store and Reheat Red Lobster Dragon Broccoli Properly
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30-40 seconds or warm in a skillet with a little butter.
Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli cut into florets, about 3-4 cups
- 2 tablespoons butter for that rich, buttery flavor
- 2 garlic cloves minced (adds a wonderful aroma)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a slight kick
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a blend of herbs for extra flavor
- Juice of 1 lime adds freshness and a zesty touch
- 1.5 cups dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for a light, tangy taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, savory finish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe plastic bag with a tablespoon of water. Seal the bag, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Microwave for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp. Carefully remove the bag and let it sit while you prepare the garlic butter.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and give it a final toss.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of melted butter for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy this Red Lobster-style broccoli!
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Notes
Common Queries on This Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Red Lobster Broccoli Recipe that people often ask.
1. How do restaurants make broccoli so good?
From our experience, the secret to restaurant-quality broccoli is steaming it just right-not too mushy, not too crunchy. Then, it’s all about the buttery, garlicky seasoning. Red Lobster (and many other restaurants) coat their broccoli in garlic butter, giving it that rich, savory taste. A touch of fresh lime juice and Parmesan takes it over the top!
2. Is Red Lobster broccoli steamed?
Yes! Red Lobster steams their broccoli first to keep it tender but firm. Then, they toss it in their signature garlic butter (the same one used for Cheddar Bay Biscuits). That’s why it tastes so buttery and flavorful.
3. What is the best seasoning for broccoli?
From our experience, the best seasonings for broccoli are:
✔ Garlic butter – Makes it rich and flavorful
✔ Italian seasoning – Adds a balanced herb blend
✔ Red pepper flakes – A little heat enhances the taste
✔ Lime juice – Freshens up the flavor
✔ Parmesan cheese – For a savory, cheesy finish
4. What enhances the taste of broccoli?
Broccoli can be a little bland on its own, so we love to layer flavors! Steaming keeps the texture right, but garlic butter, seasonings, and a splash of acidity (like lime or lemon juice) take it to the next level. Parmesan cheese is also a game-changer!
5. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! We’ve tried it with both fresh and frozen, and it works either way. Just microwave the frozen broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through, then toss it in the garlic butter sauce. The key is to drain any excess water so the sauce sticks better.
6. What kind of butter does Red Lobster use?
Red Lobster uses garlic butter, which is the same one they use for their Cheddar Bay Biscuits. We’ve recreated it by melting butter with minced garlic, a bit of Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. You can also use pre-made garlic butter if you want to save time!
7. Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes! We love the light tangy flavor that white wine adds, but if you don’t want to use it, just swap it with vegetable broth or chicken broth. It’ll still taste amazing!
8. What can I serve with this broccoli?
This dish pairs well with just about anything! We love serving it with:
✔ Grilled chicken or steak
✔ Seafood dishes (like shrimp or salmon)
✔ Rice or mashed potatoes
✔ Pasta (especially creamy Alfredo!)
9. How do I keep my broccoli from getting soggy?
We’ve learned that the trick is not overcooking it! Steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still has a little crunch. Also, avoid covering it too tightly after cooking, as the trapped steam will make it soggy.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best taste, we recommend making it fresh. If you need to prep ahead, steam the broccoli first and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, quickly toss it in the garlic butter sauce for 2-3 minutes, and it’ll taste just as fresh!
This Red Lobster-style broccoli is a quick and flavorful side dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The buttery garlic sauce, combined with the slight zest from lime and the rich taste of Parmesan, makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Try it out and bring restaurant-quality broccoli to your dinner table!
Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out!
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Came out perfect
thanks
Welcome
Healthy and delicious
Thanks