17 Sauces for Broccoli That Will Make You Love Veggies
I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed with the right sauce. Adding the perfect sauce can take your broccoli from bland to bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of tangy, sweet, or savory, there’s a sauce for everyone.
From a creamy Peanut Sauce that makes your taste buds dance to a zesty Lemon Pepper Sauce that adds a citrusy kick, you’ll find plenty of options to explore. With simple ingredients like soy sauce, lemon juice, or even honey and mustard, you can whip up a delicious sauce in no time.
Your meals will never be boring again with these amazing sauces for broccoli. Dive in and discover how to make this green veggie the star of your plate.
Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously until it forms a smooth paste, about 1-2 minutes.
Slowly add the milk in small splashes, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer until it thickens.
Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, whisking until melted.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and onion powder.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until fully combined.
Serve warm over your broccoli.
Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, stock, sesame oil, and ground white pepper. Set aside.
Heat a wok or large pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Stir-fry quickly to avoid burning, about 15 seconds.
Add the broccoli florets to the wok. Stir-fry with the garlic for another 15-30 seconds.
Pour the Shaoxing rice wine around the perimeter of the wok, if using.
Add the sauce mixture to the wok. Stir well to coat the broccoli. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Whisk together the peanut butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and chili pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
- Slowly add the water, whisking constantly, until the sauce is smooth and has a pourable consistency. Add more water if needed.
- Serve the sauce over cooked or steamed broccoli, and enjoy!
Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the lemon juice, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli to the pan and stir to coat with the lemon butter sauce.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring once or twice, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Serve warm.
Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, honey (or sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- In another bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water.
- Heat the soy sauce mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add sesame seeds if desired.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Use immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Bearnaise Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine vinegar, wine, shallots, and tarragon in a small saucepan.
- Simmer until the liquid reduces to about 2-3 tablespoons. Let it cool.
- Transfer cooled mixture to a blender. Add egg yolks.
- Blend until smooth.
- With the blender running, slowly pour in melted butter.
- Blend until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm over steamed or roasted broccoli.
Outback Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Ranch dressing mix
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne powder
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Buttermilk until well blended.
- Add ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne powder, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Combine Parsley and Cilantro: Place the chopped parsley and cilantro in a blender or food processor.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mix.
Blend with Vinegar: Pour in the red wine vinegar and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not yet smooth.
Slowly Add Olive Oil: With the blender running on low, slowly pour in the olive oil until the sauce is well combined. You can also mix the oil manually by stirring if you prefer a more rustic texture.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Blend briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
Serve or Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several days.
Enjoy your chimichurri sauce on steamed or roasted broccoli for a delicious, tangy twist!
Honey Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon raw honey, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Whisk to combine.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer.
- In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir well.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
Enjoy your freshly made honey garlic sauce with broccoli!
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the broccoli and garlic cloves in a pot of salted water for about 15 minutes, until tender.
- Strain the broccoli and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked broccoli, garlic, coconut milk, white wine vinegar, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over your favorite pasta or vegetables.
Savory Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of broccoli
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
Instructions:
- Cut the broccoli into florets and place them in a steamer basket.
- Steam the broccoli for 3 minutes over boiling water. Transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir well.
- Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and vegetable broth or water.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Broccoli Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick paste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Serve the sauce over steamed or roasted broccoli.
Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and onion powder.
- Add broccoli florets to the bowl and toss to coat with the butter mixture.
- Spread broccoli on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until tender and edges are caramelized.
Soy Sauce
Ingredients
- Broccoli
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Ginger (optional)
- Chili pepper (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the broccoli.
- Add ginger, chili pepper, or sugar if desired.
- Cook until broccoli is tender. Enjoy!
Ginger Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey in a small bowl.
- Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
- In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the soy sauce mixture. Stir well.
- Heat the mixture in a pan over medium heat until it thickens.
- Pour over your cooked broccoli and enjoy!
Creamy Broccoli Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
Combine broccoli and sauce: Add the steamed broccoli to the saucepan and coat with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Enjoy your delicious creamy broccoli!
Marmite Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Marmite
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add the Marmite and soy sauce, stirring continuously.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the warm sauce over cooked broccoli and serve immediately.