Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe

If you’ve ever had the steamed broccoli at Red Lobster, you know it’s not just plain old veggies-it’s tender, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness. I’ve recreated this simple yet delicious Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe, and trust me, it’s the easiest way to make restaurant-quality broccoli at home.

Red Lobster’s steamed broccoli is cooked until tender and topped with their signature garlic butter-the same one used in their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It’s simple but so flavorful, making it the perfect side dish for seafood, steak, or even just on its own.

Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to get that same rich, buttery taste in under 10 minutes!

What Does Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Taste Like?

Red Lobster’s steamed broccoli is tender yet slightly crisp, with a rich, buttery, and garlicky flavor. The broccoli itself has a mild, slightly sweet earthiness, but the magic happens when it’s topped with Red Lobster’s signature garlic butter.

This buttery topping adds a savory depth with hints of garlic and a touch of salt, making the broccoli taste indulgent rather than plain. It’s the perfect balance between fresh, healthy greens and a rich, flavorful finish.

Ingredients Required for Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp Red Lobster garlic butter (or homemade garlic butter)
• 2 tbsp water

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Microwave-safe plastic bag
2. Microwave
3. Small bowl (for garlic butter)
4. Spoon (for drizzling butter)

Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Recipe for Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli at home

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Place the broccoli florets into a microwave-safe plastic bag. Add 2 tablespoons of water to create steam inside the bag.

Step 2: Microwave the Broccoli
Seal the bag, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For softer broccoli, microwave a bit longer.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the broccoli is cooking, warm the Red Lobster garlic butter in a small bowl. If you don’t have the pre-made version, mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder and a dash of salt.

Step 4: Coat the Broccoli with Butter
Carefully remove the steamed broccoli from the bag and place it in a bowl. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the top and toss gently to coat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Red Lobster-style steamed broccoli is ready to serve! Pair it with seafood, grilled chicken, or steak for the perfect side dish.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Steamed Broccoli

1. Next to a Juicy Steak
Nothing beats a perfectly seared steak with a side of buttery, garlicky broccoli. That rich garlic butter soaks right into the broccoli, making it taste like it belongs on a high-end steakhouse plate.

2. With Grilled Salmon
Pair this broccoli with a flaky, grilled salmon fillet, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home. The garlicky butter just melts into the salmon, tying everything together.

3. Tossed into a Pasta Dish
Oh, this is a game-changer! Chop up the steamed broccoli and toss it into a bowl of fettuccine Alfredo or garlic butter pasta. It adds texture, flavor, and a pop of color.

4. Stuffed Into a Baked Potato
Ever tried loading up a baked potato with this garlicky broccoli? Trust me, it’s incredible! Just add some shredded cheese and sour cream, and you’ve got a side dish that could totally be a meal on its own.

5. Served Over Rice with Grilled Chicken
One of my favorite weeknight meals! A bowl of fluffy rice, some grilled chicken, and this buttery broccoli on top-it’s simple, delicious, and filling.

6. Inside a Cheesy Quesadilla
Okay, hear me out… Broccoli in a quesadilla? YES! Just chop it up, mix it with some shredded cheese, and grill it between two tortillas. The buttery garlic flavor makes it taste unreal.

7. Mixed Into a Warm Quinoa Bowl
For a healthy twist, I love mixing this broccoli into a quinoa bowl with some roasted chickpeas and a squeeze of lemon. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor.

8. As a Side to Crispy Fried Shrimp
This is the ultimate Red Lobster-style combo. The crunch of the fried shrimp with the soft, buttery broccoli? Perfection. Add a little Red Lobster Dragon Sauce, and you’re golden.

9. Tossed with Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is already amazing, but adding this garlicky broccoli? Game over. The flavors blend so well, and the broccoli gives a nice little bite to balance out all that creamy cheese.

10. Inside an Omelet for Breakfast
Yes, I’ve even had this for breakfast! Toss some into an omelet with cheese and maybe a little bacon-trust me, it’s a delicious way to start the day.

Some Tips on This Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe

1. Don’t Skip the Water!
A little bit of water in the bag helps create steam, which makes the broccoli soft and tender. Without it, you’ll just end up with dried-out broccoli.

2. Use a Microwave-Safe Bag
Not all plastic bags are safe for the microwave. I always use a microwave-safe steam bag or a reusable silicone bag to keep things safe and easy.

3. Leave a Small Opening in the Bag
I used to seal the bag completely, and-oops!-it puffed up like a balloon. Leaving a tiny gap lets the steam escape so it doesn’t burst.

4. Don’t Overcook It
I like my broccoli tender but still a little crisp. Five minutes in the microwave is usually perfect, but if you like it softer, go for an extra minute.

5. Melt the Butter While the Broccoli Cooks
Multitasking for the win! I always warm up the garlic butter while the broccoli is in the microwave. That way, it’s ready to drizzle right away.

6. Use the Red Lobster Biscuit Butter for Authentic Flavor
The real secret? The garlic butter from the Red Lobster biscuit mix. It’s the exact same buttery goodness they use in the restaurant.

7. Toss the Broccoli for Even Coating
The first time I made this, I just poured the butter on top, and half my broccoli was dry. Now, I give it a quick toss to make sure every piece gets that garlicky goodness.

8. Add a Pinch of Salt If Needed
Depending on the butter you use, it might need just a little extra salt. I always taste a piece first, then sprinkle a tiny bit if needed.

9. Serve It Right Away
Steamed broccoli is best when it’s fresh. If it sits too long, it gets soggy. I try to time it so it’s ready to eat as soon as my main dish is done.

10. Make Extra-It Goes Fast!
Every time I make this, I think I have enough… and then it’s gone in minutes! If you love garlic butter as much as I do, double the batch so there’s plenty to go around.

How to Store and Reheat Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Properly

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30-45 seconds, then drizzle with a little extra garlic butter before serving.

Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Red Lobster’s steamed broccoli is cooked until tender and topped with their signature garlic butter-the same one used in their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It’s simple but so flavorful, making it the perfect side dish for seafood, steak, or even just on its own.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 168 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp Red Lobster garlic butter or homemade garlic butter
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

 

• Place the broccoli florets into a microwave-safe plastic bag. Add 2 tablespoons of water to create steam inside the bag.
• Seal the bag, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For softer broccoli, microwave a bit longer.
• While the broccoli is cooking, warm the Red Lobster garlic butter in a small bowl. If you don’t have the pre-made version, mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder and a dash of salt.
• Carefully remove the steamed broccoli from the bag and place it in a bowl. Drizzle the warm garlic butter over the top and toss gently to coat.
• Your Red Lobster-style steamed broccoli is ready to serve! Pair it with seafood, grilled chicken, or steak for the perfect side dish.

Video

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30-45 seconds, then drizzle with a little extra garlic butter before serving.

Keyword Copycat Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe, Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli, Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Common Queries on This Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Red Lobster Steamed Broccoli Recipe that people often ask.

1. Is Red Lobster’s Broccoli Steamed?

Yes! Red Lobster steams their broccoli until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. The key to their flavor is that they top it with their signature garlic butter, the same one used in their Cheddar Bay Biscuits. That buttery goodness takes simple steamed broccoli to a whole new level!

2. How Do You Add Flavor to Steamed Broccoli?

Steamed broccoli on its own can be a little plain, but adding garlic butter (like Red Lobster does) makes a huge difference. I also like to sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty kick.

3. What Enhances the Taste of Broccoli?

The secret? Butter and seasonings! Garlic butter is my go-to, but if you want something different, try topping it with parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A little seasoning goes a long way!

4. What Is the Best Seasoning to Put on Broccoli?

Garlic butter is my top pick (because, well… it’s amazing). But if you want to switch things up, try a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and a little smoked paprika. It adds a delicious depth of flavor without overpowering the broccoli’s natural taste.

5. Can I Make This Recipe Without a Microwave?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to use a microwave, steam the broccoli on the stovetop in a covered pot with a little water for about 5 minutes. Then, drizzle on the garlic butter just like in the microwave version.

6. How Do You Keep Broccoli Bright Green When Steaming?

The trick is to steam it just until it’s tender, not overcooked. If you want extra vibrant green broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds before steaming. This helps lock in the color.

7. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can! I’ve tried it, and it works just fine. Just keep in mind that frozen broccoli releases more water, so you might want to steam it for a little less time to avoid it getting too soft.

8. What’s the Best Way to Melt the Garlic Butter?

The easiest way is to microwave it for 10-15 seconds or melt it in a small saucepan on low heat. If you’re making your own garlic butter, mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder and salt-it’s super simple and tastes amazing.

9. Can I Make This in Advance?

I wouldn’t recommend making it too far ahead, as steamed broccoli is best fresh. But if you need to, you can steam the broccoli and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it and add fresh garlic butter before serving.

10. What Can I Serve with Red Lobster-Style Steamed Broccoli?

This pairs well with just about anything-grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or even pasta. If you want to go all-in on the Red Lobster experience, serve it alongside some homemade Cheddar Bay Biscuits!

And there you have it-steamed broccoli just like Red Lobster’s, ready in minutes! It’s buttery, garlicky, and packed with flavor, making it an easy go-to side dish for any meal. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!

Would you pair this with seafood or steak? Let me know in the comments!

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