Easy, Lemon-Garlic Grilled Broccoli

published May 9, 2023
summer
grilled broccoli with a half grilled lemon, squeezed
Credit: Kelli Foster

How to get the most irresistibly crisp and tender broccoli from the grill in just 15 minutes.

Serves3 to 4

Prep10 minutes

Cook6 minutes to 8 minutes

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grilled broccoli with a half grilled lemon, squeezed
Credit: Kelli Foster

Once the weather warms up, grilled broccoli is the side dish I make on repeat — especially when I’m already firing up the grill to cook dinner. And while there are plenty of ways to cook broccoli, the grilled variety has easily become a staple side dish in my house.

In under 15 minutes, you’re rewarded with tender, lightly charred broccoli that has the most irresistibly crisp and frizzled edges. Best of all, though, is the charred lemon juice you’ll squeeze over top just before serving (it grills right alongside the broccoli!). It’s the reliably quick and easy summer side dish that goes with anything I’m cooking for dinner.

Ingredients You Need for Making Grilled Broccoli

  • Fresh broccoli heads: Choose full heads with stems (save broccoli crowns and bags of pre-cut florets for steaming or roasting)
  • Lemon 
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

How to Cut Broccoli for Grilling

When grilling, you’ll want to cut the broccoli into large pieces that can lay across the grill grates without falling through. Trim the stem ends and cut the broccoli into large, long florets that are about two inches wide at top and four inches long. No need to peel the stems — they’ll cook up with a tender, sweet bite.

Credit: Kelli Foster

How to Grill Broccoli 

Grilled broccoli comes together in just 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make it.

  • Heat outdoor grill to medium-high direct heat.
  • Cut broccoli heads into long, wide florets and halve the lemon.
  • Toss broccoli with Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  • Place broccoli and half of the lemon directly on the grill grates.
  • Grill lemon undisturbed until grill marks form.
  • Grill broccoli until tender and lightly charred, flipping once halfway through.

Grilled Broccoli Recipe

How to get the most irresistibly crisp and tender broccoli from the grill in just 15 minutes.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 6 minutes to 8 minutes

Serves 3 to 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds

    fresh broccoli heads (about 4 medium)

  • 1/2

    medium lemon

  • 2 tablespoons

    plus 1/4 teaspoon olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

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  1. Heat an outdoor grill for medium-high, direct heat (about 375ºF).

  2. Trim the stem ends from 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli. Cut into large, long florets that are about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long, and place on a large rimmed baking sheet. Reserve the remaining stem for another use.

  3. Brush the cut side of 1/2 medium lemon with 1/4 teaspoon of the olive oil.

  4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the broccoli and toss to coat.

  5. When the grill is ready, scrub the grill grates clean if needed. Place the broccoli and lemon cut-side down on the grill grates. Cover and grill the lemon undisturbed until grill marks form on the bottom, 6 to 8 minutes. Grill the broccoli until grill marks appear on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the broccoli with tongs and grill until tender and lightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes more.

  6. Transfer the broccoli to a platter. Juice the lemon over the broccoli.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.