What to do with broccoli: 8 easy recipes to cook it differently

Saturday 31 January 2026 10:00 - Adèle Peyches
What to do with broccoli: 8 easy recipes to cook it differently

Broccoli sometimes has a bad reputation. We immediately think of steamed broccoli, a bit mushy, not very sexy, eaten because "it's good for you". And that's a shame, because in reality, this vegetable can be really delicious.

The secret is in the cooking. When overcooked, it loses its taste and texture. But when well prepared, it can be melt-in-your-mouth, slightly crunchy, fragrant and even delicious. It also goes very well with many everyday ingredients such as pasta, cheese, eggs, potatoes, salmon or spices.

And the big advantage is that it can be adapted to suit every taste. You can make it a light dish, a complete dinner, a comforting gratin or even an aperitif recipe. In short, if you've got broccoli in the fridge, you've got a lot more than just a side dish.

Here's a selection of easy broccoli recipes to keep on hand for a little variety and enjoyment:


Choosing the right broccoli and cooking it properly

Before moving on to the recipes, there's just one important point to bear in mind: cooking.

Broccoli shouldn't be cooked for too long. If you do, it becomes soft and loses all its appeal. The ideal is to keep it slightly firm.

You have several simple options:

  • Steam for just a few minutes
  • In boiling salted water, then quickly drained
  • In the oven, in florets, with a drizzle of olive oil
  • In a pan, with a sauce or wok base

Simple tip : to keep a beautiful green color, avoid overcooking. Broccoli that's still a little crunchy is always better.

Discover our recipes below:

Super-easy broccoli pasta to get kids excited about vegetables, no material required!Recipe Super-easy broccoli pasta to get kids excited about vegetables, no material required!

Pasta with broccoli is the perfect way to introduce vegetables to young and old alike! With its lovely green color and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it's both comforting and light on the plate. Can't believe it? Wait until you try this simple and...

Vegetarian buddha bowlRecipe Vegetarian buddha bowl

For an easy and healthy lunch, nothing beats a Buddha Bowl! The principle is simple: combine vegetables, proteins, and starches in a bowl to create a balanced meal. Here, I've chosen a vegetarian version with foods rich in plant-based proteins...

Broccoli and shrimp in korean spicy sauce - a simple, balanced and spicy meal served with riceRecipe Broccoli and shrimp in korean spicy sauce - a simple, balanced and spicy meal served with rice

Were you looking for a healthy , delicious, balanced dish with a spicy and tangy side? Well, you've come to the right place! We simply love composed plates for their simplicity and the possibility of taking them everywhere :-) Today we offer you a...

Creamy pasta with broccoli and almonds: an easy-to-prepare, flavor-packed dishRecipe Creamy pasta with broccoli and almonds: an easy-to-prepare, flavor-packed dish

A creaminess that envelops the palate, offering a unique sensory experience : the pasta is topped with a velvety broccoli and almond sauce , in which each ingredient combines harmoniously , creating a perfect balance of flavors. The natural...

Easy and healthy chicken in parchmentRecipe Easy and healthy chicken in parchment

A healthy, easy, and quick way to prepare food is by using the parchment technique (a piece of paper) where everything is cooked in the oven and steamed. Today's recipe features chicken, carrots, and broccoli, a well-balanced dish for the whole family...

Vegetable garden for appetizers (hummus and baby vegetables)Recipe Vegetable garden for appetizers (hummus and baby vegetables)

For your Easter appetizer, a beautiful edible spring garden graces your table! A base of hummus represents fertile soil, showcasing a variety of crunchy vegetables! An original way to get everyone to eat their veggies ;-) Plus, this recipe is...

One-pot pasta - tagliatelles with salmon and broccoliRecipe One-pot pasta - tagliatelles with salmon and broccoli

When looking for an easy, quick, and especially all-in-one recipe, one-pot pasta is a no-brainer! A dish of pasta with salmon and broccoli where all the ingredients cook at the same time in the same pot. This helps limit the dishwashing chore as well...

Wholegrain rice with broccoli and shrimp! easy and balancedRecipe Wholegrain rice with broccoli and shrimp! easy and balanced

For a healthy, balanced and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, there's nothing like delicious brown rice with shrimps and broccoli ! Today we're presenting a classic version, but you can also add sauces to make this dish even...

Broccoli is much easier to cook than you think

In au gratin, quiche, soup or wok, it can be truly gourmet. With these recipes, you'll have something to vary without getting bored, and above all, something to cook other than steaming ;)

Adèle PeychesAdèle Peyches
Editorial manager who just can't wait for winter to enjoy fondue! Passionate about gastronomy and always on the lookout for new culinary gems, I first studied law before returning to my first love: the taste of good products and the joy of sharing around the table :)

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