This easy grilled broccoli recipe is a simple, delicious summer side dish! Ready in 20 minutes, it's crisp-tender, flavorful, and beautifully charred.
This grilled broccoli recipe is a fresh, easy summer side dish. If you’re a fan of roasted broccoli, you’ll love it. It has the same dark, crispy edges and crisp-tender texture, but its flavor is even more complex.
This grilled broccoli is smoky, sweet, and savory. As the broccoli cooks, the hot grill brings out its natural sweetness. At the same time, it becomes beautifully charred, taking on a smoky taste. A sprinkle of garlic powder gives it savory depth. This grilled broccoli is broccoli at its best.
I’ve tried a variety of methods for grilling broccoli (in a grill basket, in foil packets, etc.), but the one I share in this recipe is my favorite. I grill large broccoli florets directly on the grill grates for maximum char. In the last few minutes of cooking, I tent them with foil to help them soften. It’s simple and delicious. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
How to Make Grilled Broccoli
The first step in this grilled broccoli recipe is trimming the florets. I like to grill large broccoli florets that I can place directly on the grill. Aim for about 4-inch pieces. Trim the long edges to create two flat sides that will make direct contact with the grill grates.
Next, season the broccoli. Toss the trimmed florets with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Use your hands to rub the seasonings into the tops of the florets, making sure they’re well coated.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. When it’s hot, place the broccoli on the grill. Cook until char marks form underneath, about 5 to 8 minutes. Flip, tent with foil, and cook until the broccoli is tender and well charred, 3 to 6 minutes.
Season to taste with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, and/or red pepper flakes. Enjoy as a side dish with whatever you’re grilling!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Recipe Tips
- Tent the broccoli with foil so that it steams and softens. Without the foil, the broccoli will char on the outside but remain firm in the middle. The foil traps moisture around the broccoli, helping it become crisp-tender all the way through.
- Adjust the heat as needed. If the broccoli is charring faster than it’s becoming tender, reduce the heat as needed. A lower temperature will char the outside more slowly, giving the broccoli time to cook through in the middle.
What to Serve with Grilled Broccoli
This grilled broccoli recipe is a tasty side dish for any summer meal. Serve it with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or a simply grilled protein like grilled tofu or halloumi cheese.
It would also pair well with a summery pasta like this zucchini pasta or corn pasta. It would go nicely with a hearty salad like my panzanella too.
No matter what you pair it with, squeeze it with lemon juice and sprinkle it with red pepper flakes before serving. They add a pop of brightness and a touch of heat that take it over the top!
These garnishes would also be delicious:
- A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme
How do you like to serve grilled broccoli? Let me know in the comments!
Storage
Store leftover grilled broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in the microwave for a quick side, or chop it and add it to a salad, sandwich, or frittata.
More Grilled Veggies to Try
If you love this easy grilled broccoli recipe, try one of these grilled vegetables next:
Grilled Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli, about 2 medium heads
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Lemon wedge, for squeezing
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into large 4-inch florets. Trim the long sides to create flat edges that will make direct contact with the grill grates.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the broccoli in a large bowl and add the olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Toss to coat, using your hands to make sure the tops of the broccoli florets are well oiled.
- Grill the broccoli for 5 to 8 minutes on the first side, or until char marks form. Flip, tent with foil, and grill for 3 to 6 minutes on the second side, or until the broccoli is tender and well charred. If it’s charring faster than it’s becoming tender, reduce the heat to low.
- Remove from the grill and squeeze with lemon juice. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, season to taste, and serve.
