Black Pepper Free Steamed Broccoli with Butter
Steamed broccoli gets a bad reputation for being boring, but this version proves that simple done right is genuinely satisfying. A knob of melting butter and a pinch of sea salt are all it takes to turn tender, bright green florets into something you'll actually look forward to eating. For anyone avoiding black pepper — whether for digestive reasons, a sensitivity, or just personal preference — this is the kind of side dish that's easy to trust, because every ingredient is right there in plain sight with no hidden seasonings to second-guess. The steaming method keeps the broccoli vibrant and just-tender rather than mushy, so the texture is as good as the flavor. A scatter of fresh flat-leaf parsley at the end adds a little color and a mild herby lift without complicating things. It pairs beautifully with just about any main, and the whole process is straightforward enough to pull off on a busy weeknight without a second thought.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 large head broccoli (about 1 ½ lb), cut into florets
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pour about 1 inch of water into a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Set a steamer basket inside — the water should sit just below the basket.
- 2
Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket, cover with the lid, and steam for 5–7 minutes, until the florets are bright green and a fork slides into the thickest stem with just a little resistance.
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