Charred Broccoli Lemon Parmesan (Printable Copy)

Smoky roasted broccoli paired with lemon zest and Parmesan for a bright, fresh side or light meal.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head broccoli (approximately 1.1 lbs), cut into florets
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

08 - 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (about 1.4 oz)
09 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper.
03 - Arrange broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Roast or air-fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are charred and broccoli is just tender.
04 - In the final 5 minutes of cooking, add the sliced red onion to the tray or basket if using.
05 - While broccoli cooks, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining lemon zest in a large bowl.
06 - Transfer hot charred broccoli and onions (if included) to the bowl with dressing and toss thoroughly to coat.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Top with shaved Parmesan, toasted nuts, and chopped parsley as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The charred edges taste like restaurant food but it takes five minutes of prep
  • You can serve it warm from the oven or let it sit on the counter for hours
02 -
  • Do not crowd the baking sheet or the broccoli will steam instead of roast
  • The broccoli continues cooking after it leaves the oven so pull it when it looks slightly less done than you want
03 -
  • Use rimmed baking sheets to keep the florets from sliding off when you shake the pan
  • Grate extra lemon zest and freeze it in a small container for future recipes
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