How can I use broccoli stalks?

The raw broccoli stalks are pretty tough and fibrous but they are edible and very healthy. The trick is to make sure they are sliced or chopped in small pieces so they aren't tough to eat. Use a vegetable peeler and shave off some of the outer part of the stalk. Then there are so many ways to use it.Add finely chopped broccoli stalks in soups and vegetable slaw. You can use very thinly sliced stalks in a stir fry or a salad. Also cut off about 1/4 inch of the bottom stalk. And then you can thinly slice the bottom into round "coin-like" shapes and roast in the oven.

Can I marinate the broccoli overnight?

I don't recommend marinating broccoli more than an hour, at the most. Any more than that and the broccoli tips will get soggy.

What goes well with marinated broccoli?

We eat broccoli at least once or twice a week and like to serve it with meats we have grilled. Some favorites are brats , pork chops , and chicken .

Marinated Broccoli ⋆ Deb's Daily Dish

Description

Serve this marinated broccoli with your next dinner and you will love how delicious it is! A simple mixture of fresh or dried herbs and spices, olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar transforms this simple, basic vegetable into a very flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut in 2 inch pieces (about 5 cups broccoli florets)
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil (5 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 sprig fresh thyme, finely minced or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
pinch of red pepper flakes
3-4 tablespoons water

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Instructions

Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a cup or bowl.
Rinse and drain the broccoli. Cut into 2 inch florets, discarding the tougher stalk, if not using. *
Place in a large plastic storage bag or medium bowl. Pour marinade over broccoli.
Put in refrigerator and let the broccoli marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
When ready to cook, drain the marinade.
Heat a large frying pan over medium high heat. Add one more tablespoon of oil and swirl in pan.
Place broccoli in fry pan and stir for 3-4 minutes. Add some water and stir, cooking broccoli for another 3 minutes or so. If you don't like the broccoli to be browned, turn the flame down to low-medium.
Use a fork and test broccoli for doneness. It should be crisp tender after a total cook time of 6 minutes or so. If you like it softer, cook 1-2 minutes longer.
Serve with extra lemon wedges if you'd like.

Notes

*If you like vegetables to have a bit more spicy flavor, you can add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.

*The stalks of broccoli can be used in many ways. I don't use them with the broccoli florets because they won't be done at the same time since they are tougher. Check out the broccoli stalk suggestions in my post above.

*You can also sprinkle some shaved parmesan over cooked broccoli.

*FYI - the nutrition information was calculated using only 2 tablespoons oil. Most of the marinad was leftover when it drained from the broccoli.