Brilliant Sauteed Broccoli

I actually sauteed the raw broccoli with the spices and the lid on, stirring occasionally for a few minutes. Then I added the cheese and brown sugar mixture. I stiired it in over the heat then turned off the heat and let it set with a lid on for 2 minutes. It was perfect. My husband loved it and he is not a big veggie eater. It doesn't need to be pre steamed.

This was pretty awesome. I tried the brown sugar and it was a little too sweet. So, instead I created a mixture of a little sugar (a pinch), nutmeg, and a pinch of cinnamon. It added the right amount of sweetness without being too sweet.

In both preparation and taste this couldn't have been better. The cooking technique was just what I needed for an uncertain supper time and, since Hubs detests overcooked vegetables, it ensured that wouldn't be an issue. I blanched the broccoli ahead of time and when I knew Hubs would be ready to eat it was no big deal to quickly do the last minute sauteeing. Don't hesitate to use the brown sugar - it's not enough to taste any sweetness, but just enough to eliminate any possibility of broccoli bitterness. And in my (Italian) book, anything that calls for fresh Parmesan cheese is always a plus. Flawless recipe, and certainly one to keep in the reference file.

I have to agree with Emilysmom in that the technique was great. It was wonderful to steam the vegie first to get it to that wonderful green color and then give it the old ice bath. The brown sugar didn't sit well with me and wouldn't have been favored by my family either which is why I left it out. Everything else was superb and we all enjoyed it very much. Thank you!

Really good! I took other reviewers advice and just sauteed the broccoli and added all the ingredients while it was cooking. I needed more oil so I just added it as I went. The good thing about this recipe is that it's really easy to add more of what you like at the end; you can make it sweeter, cheesier, or more spicy! Even my 13 month old loved it!

I hate to say this, but we didn't really enjoy this recipe. We're probably nuts (based on other reviews); but the brown sugar really didn't do anything for us...the cheese and red pepper flakes were nice though!

I made this last night for my husband who loves broccoli and he said it is the best he has had! I used a bit more red pepper flakes which was a great compliment to the sweetness of the brown sugar parmessian mixture! I will definitely make this again! Thanks for the recipe

This was a good recipe, and I served it with basmati rice and Maple Teriyaki Salmon Barbeque (also from this site). The slight sweetness from the brown sugar complimented the salmon well (although I used about 1/2 tsp). I also added a pinch of cinnamon, and put the parmesan mixture on the broccoli while still in the skillet for about one minute to melt the cheese.

I am rating this based purely on the technique because I seasoned according to my kids preference. I have been looking for a good way to cook broccoli based on the most delicious brocoli served at a popular chain resturaunt. This comes close--but is it just me or does this require an awful lot of dirty dishes to make one side dish???

I thought I would like the sweet/savory - but did not really. I love the technique though, I will definitely make this again, without the brown sugar. Thanks for showing me something different!

Delicious. Wouldn't change a thing.

Amazing. My 5 year old son looked and said "I don't like cooked broccoli" but I made him try a tiny piece. He ate all of the broccoli and then proclaimed that he wanted the same meal the next night because "IT IS SO GOOD AND I LOVE IT!" Thanks for the great recipe.

This recipe's prep-instructions are the star! I usually just zap my brocc w/ a lemon wedge and butter in the microwave, but this method produced restaurant quality texture and color -- really, these WERE Brilliant Broccoli! My husband and I gushed (in b/t mouthfuls) over the bright green hue and the crunch that the broccoli retained, even after we sauteed longer than the 1-2 min. the recipe called for. Only difference was that I shook on powdered Parm (I know, I know, it's no sub for grated fresh, but it's all I had!) and scaled the red pepper back. It still had quite a kick to it, so my toddler made a face when she put a "tree" in her mouth. I served this broccoli w/ 2 recipes from here as well, which complimented it well -- "Algerian Carrots" and "Roasted Pork Chops with Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Garlic Sauce." Thanks for a great recipe, Doppio!

The red pepper flakes were definitely over powering and strong!

Super yummy. Adding 1 tsp of red pepper flakes is great for adults, but too spicy for my 3-year old. The broccoli are cooked to perfection - not overcooked, but just enough crisp.

Yum great flavor! Just steamed & then procced with recipe-mainly cause husband doesn't eat veggies when crisp. I skip the sugar too but plan to try it when not on diet.

very tasty with some zing and cheesy flavor without needing too much. Awesome!

Steamed and shocked the broccoli instead of quick-boil. I decided to add garlic in when the oil got warm; It was a great addition. Also skipped the brown sugar. It's a good thing when hubby clears all the broccoli from his plate!

This was great instead of my usual steamed broccoli. Will make again to mix things up.

Very nice simple recipe (even for simple can't cook anything me). I didn't have any of the red pepper flakes so I just used a bit of Creole Seasoning mix and also just used generic Parmesan cheese. Very good!!!

I am not a big broccoli fan but my husband likes it so I thought I'd give this recipe a try. I followed it exactly except for using Mrs. Dash instead of salt and it was wonderful. I steamed the broccoli for 2 minutes and then shocked them in ice water. I then sauteed them for about 8 minutes on med-hi and they turned our delicious. I will be making this recipe again and again. Thanks Doppio Sous!

I used New Mexico red chile powder and was a bit too hot for the kids....my fault....but the adults loved the heat

This was ok, but I won't be making it again. Too much parmesan, and nothing brilliant about it. I rate it a 3, my partner rates it a 1.

There are several great things about this recipe. 1) It's easy. 2) The broccoli stays very green and fresh looking. 3) The spiciness of the red peppers. I omitted the brown sugar based on the reviews of others.

-Skip the grated cheese/brown sugar step for tangy broccoli.

I really liked the first two steps to boil the broccoli, soak it in cold water, and then dry it before sauteeing. It helps the broccoli retain its crunchiness. However, I didn't like the red pepper flakes with it, because it turned out too spicy. I don't know if it's because I added red chili flakes instead. The combo of red pepper (chili) flakes and Parmesan cheese didn't taste delish, but the brown sugar was good.

I made this exactly as written and thought it was delicious. I was a little concerned about mixing brown sugar and parmesan cheese, but it turns out that it's a great combination! Thanks for the great recipe!

these were okay to me they needed more brown sugar or cheese. the spiciness hits you more toward the back of the throat. not sure if I'd make this again.

I have avoided broccoli my entire life. I cannot stand it when its cooked until limp, and I do not like it uncooked because of the texture of the leaves. I was making this for my hubby and for some reason I decided to try it. I am 29 years old and just figured out I DO like broccoli. Thank you so much for this simple but delicious recipe.

Brilliantly done, Doppio!

I was reluctant to put brown sugar and parmesan cheese on broccoli but it was AMAZING. I really like this recipe and will use this again. It was a hit at dinner. I saw my boyfriend's eyes widen when he bit into the broccoli. Good sign. Thank you for posting this recipe.

Very good, easy enough to prepare but had too many steps for me. I omitted the water boil and went with steaming. Once done I removed the steamer insert, drained and dried the pot and proceeded with the recipe using the same pot. I added oil and fresh garlic, browned that then added the steamed broccoli, cheese and seasoning. I skipped the sugar. Very good and would make again.

We LOVE cooked broccoli but this just did not do it for us. The brown sugar was just weird with the parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Parboiling the broccoli and holding it until ready to cook is a great tip, though.

This was a wonderfully easy and healthy recipe! I made the recipe as written, but proportioned down for 2 people. The broccoli was indeed brilliant green and crisp-tender. I was concerned about the brown sugar, but it was barely noticeable, perhaps because of the very small amount in the scaled down version. I have since used this method of cooking the broccoli for other recipes, including salads and just plain broccoli with a little squirt of lemon as a side dish. It really makes a beautiful presentation on the plate.

This just did not do it for us. Wanted to like it, especially with the brown sugar factor, but my kids did not care for it. On the other hand, they do like to eat assorted roasted veggies including brocolli, guess I'll continue to go that way.

This was ok. I thought it needed more cheese and salt, otherwise it was just average broccoli. Probably won't make it again.

Excellent! I ran out of time to boil & blanch before sauteing but it still came out great!

I liked how relatively easy this was to make and healthy it was. I used up a large head of broccoli. Only thing was, it was a slight odd mix of flavors. It did seem to get better once it cooled though. I used 1/2 the amount of red pepper flakes and it still had quite a kick! If I made it again, I might even try just 1/4 tsp. To cook it quicker, I steamed the broccoli florets in about an inch of water, covered, in the microwave for about 8 minutes (I have a smaller microwave).

Very good! The brown sugar makes it pop.

Great new way to cook broccoli! I loved it but warning... it does have a kick of spice!

We loved this dish. The only thing i did differently was cut right down on the red pepper flakes to 1/4 tsp and increased the cheese. I kept the brown sugar the same. For us, it was the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy and sweet. I will be making this a lot because broccoli is my least favourite vegetable buti loved this.

Absolutely perfect. We loved this broccoli recipe.

Very simple and had a good flavor. I may add slivered almonds next time. Thanks!

This was very good. I have a tendancy to steam the heck out of my broccoli. I usually end up with leftovers. Not this time. They made all gone. I must say I was alittle nervous about the brown sugar. But it was o.k.. It gave it a nice taste. Next time I will add alittle less red pepper. To me that was abit too much heat for my brood.

I only gave this 4 stars because I think the steps are a little more complicated than necessary. Simply steaming the broccoli and then tossing into the oil mixture is enough, and it is DELICIOUS!!

We didn't care for the parmy-brown sugar combination at all. But thank you thank you thank you for such a concise description of shocking the broccoli. Knew about the technique but your clear description lead to me being able to do actually it, with gorgeous results! TY again!

To me, it wasn't the best broccoli side dish I've ever had, but my husband loved it! Served with Ina Garten's Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic and Couscous with Pine Nuts and AR's Brilliant Sauteed Broccoli.

This broccoli recipe ROCKS! The spicy and sweet are incredible together.

Absolutely awesome flavor!

Yum! Great, easy method that I'll be sure to remember and use in the future. Instead of olive oil, I used butter. Also, just eyeballed the ingredients. The brown sugar added a nice, subtle sweetness...Tasty!!

This turned out great. I didn't do the ice method. I boiled, drained and threw back in the same pot to mix all the other ingredients in. Nice flavor.

Awesome! My kids ( who are picky eaters ) LOVE this! Great way to get in their vegetables in with no arguments!

This gets an extra star for originality. I would have like the broccoli to be a little more tender. I followed the recipe to a T.

Really good sauteed broccoli. Even my unhealthy family said this was good.. and ate it!, which I was really surprised about. I thought I was gonna have to eat the majority by myself. I would have given 5 stars but I had to add salt and butter to it for more flavor. I was skeptic about the brown sugar, but the parmesan/brown sugar mixture made the broccoli. I would suggest adding the parmesan mixture while the broccoli is on the heat. It made some of the cheese melty and stringy and yummy!

Loved this! Followed the recipe and really enjoyed the hot/sweet flavor.

I just love the way this is prepared! The broccoli stays crisp-tender and the color is phenomenal. My children have bland taste buds so I leave out the pepper and sugar. Otherwise, it's a family favorite!

I wanted to keep it vegan (parve) so i substituted Parmesan cheese with garlic powder. I also followed other reviews and did not blanch it, i put the raw broccoli straight into the saute pan and left it covered for a few minutes. i wanted to give it a 4 on flavor, it was good, not amazing. the extra star is for how easy and simple this recipe is. will def make again!

I was a little wary of the brown sugar (and absence of garlic) in this recipe, but it was needless fretting. This is an outstanding side! I love that you can blanche ahead of time and simply saute, season, and serve in a matter of minutes. Most of my go to veggie sides include roasting, so it's fantastic to have a new go to that doesn't involve juggling oven times/temps. I made no changes, other than to eliminate the black pepper per personal preference. THANKS, Doppio Sous, for one of my new go to veggies sides!

Amazing flavor, better the next day!!!

Made as written, this was fantastic enough to get all 4 kids to eat broccoli!

Delicious! The reason I'm giving 4/5 is because it was a bit on the sweet side... but I think that was my fault adding too much brown sugar. Next time I'll cut back and it'll be super awesome.

I love this! I was getting bored with steamed broccoli and looking for something new- and this is perfect! Lots of flavor, the blanching is not needed. It's delicious and colorful without.

This recipe easily gets 5 stars as written (it's very frustrating when people make a bunch of changes and give a recipe 5 stars). This was very easy and delicious. I would not be disappointed if I ordered it in a restaurant. The brown sugar and red pepper flakes were a fantastic balance of sweet and spicy. This is a keeper.

My husband does not usually like vegetables but he took seconds of this broccoli! Will definitely make it again despite all the dishes it generated to make it.

This was good. made for a nice side dish. I added some garlic salt for flavor. Re-heated later for leftovers and it was still pretty tasty.

I put all the seasonings in one of the microwavable steamer bags and it was great! Just a hint of flavor without being too overpowering

Excellent dish that was a big hit tonight. I went light on the red pepper and it turned out mild with subtle zing. I'll use more next time. Very simple to pull make!

Fast and easy

I have made this several times and it is always fantastic. The recipe is great just as written, no changes need to be made for a wonderful side dish to serve at home or bring to a potluck or dinner party.

This was really good! Even I enjoyed eating my veggies this time!

Made this as directed but omitted the brown sugar, as it just didn't sound like something we'd enjoy. It turned out very well and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. I'll be using this technique again in the future--thank you!

No one in my family liked this. I'm not a huge broccoli fan to begin with, but my broccoli-loving husband and 4 year old did not like at all. Too spicy for the kids, and just weird tasting overall. Sorry, won't make this again.

Excellent! I had wanted to try this cooking method & it is wonderful! I added a splash of lemon juice instead of salt. The red pepper flakes really make this dish-Thank you!

This was delicious! I'll be making this one often!!

Made this last night and it was fantastic! Thank you for the recipe!

easy! everyone in the family loved this. I too sauteed the vegies witht he spices then added the cheese mixture. Worked perfectly. Nice change of pace!

This truly is a winner and a keeper. I do recommend measuring out the red pepper flakes . . . I just kept shaking them on, and fear I got too much, as the broccoli was VERY spicy. But the color is fabulous and the recipe truly makes a delicious side dish.

too much oil makes broccoli too crunchy, almost like it's fried

I use this cooking technique often - makes your veggies look so pretty and hold their vibrant color. However we didn't care for the rest of this recipe much.

It was good as a side for some ribs. I made them ahead of time, and then cooked them right before serving. Some ppl thought it was too hot. But I liked it.

This has to be the best broccoli recipe ever!!! My family has been suffering with my generic broccoli prep and I was always throwing out broccoli. But no more!! This is the only recipe I will ever use again - even my husband who gags at the slightest parmesan flavor loved this and wants me to use this recipe again - go figure!

OMG! Just finished eating this with the family and it was awsome! All of my children loved it to include my 14 mth old! I would definately reccomend this for anyone having problems getting your kids to eat vegetables. We only used colby jack cheese instead of parma because we don't care for it, otherwise it was great! Will definately make again!

Brilliant, indeed! Only change was to use 'steamfresh' broccoli. Oh, and used the pepper flakes, to taste. Will def be making this again and again! Thanks for sharing. :)

This was really great. We dislike overcooked veggies so the cooking method really worked well. I loved the bit of kick from the red pepper flakes and the cheese was a nice addition. We usually steam our broccoli and pour homemade cheese sauce (with pepper flakes) over it, so this was somewhat reminiscent of that taste but much easier and I suspect a lot lighter in calories! Thanks for the recipe!

This is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. We were so so tired of the same old steamed broccoli so I tried cooking it this way. We love it. The red pepper flakes against the brown sugar is a great combination. I have toddlers, so I left the red pepper out of theirs.

Used frozen broccoli in the microwave then continued with steps 2-3. Yummy

this was ok. i served it with the shrimp and garlic cheese grits from this site. this is one way to get my boyfriend to eat vegetables without drenching them in velveeta!

Although, I really liked the texture of the broccoli, there was a little something missing in the flavour department. I did like the flavour that was there, I just think there needed to be more of it.

I cooked the broccoli in the microwave before putting it in the pan to saute. I otherwise followed the recipe. It was very good!

This was wonderful!

Way too sweet. Not sure will try again.

Very good. Does not taste sweet at all - the sugar just adds a little depth to the flavor.

my husband and I loved this recipe! i placed it in a serving bowl and he wouldn't stop eating it out the bowl before I ever got to serve him!! wonderful technique!! thank you for this fun way to cook broccoli!

This is my new favorite broccoli recipe! I add chopped onion (red or white, both great) before adding broccoli. The spicy/sweet combo works so well, while the parmesan adds a nice texture.

delicious! sweet with a slightly spicy kick.

This was just ok. Nothing great about it. I wasn't real fond of the taste for some reason. Will probably just stick to plain old broccoli with butter next time.

This was very good...I didn't use the full amount of brown sugar, but used a bit more Parm, freshly grated, of course. I also used a mixture of asparagus and broccoli and it was well-received by all. The bright color is a definite plus for making a dish you'd feel good about serving to anyone...in this case, it was my husband and grown kids for Easter supper...no one MORE important in my book! Next time I make "plain" sautéed spinach, I'm going to cook it with these seasonings...should be tasty!

This broccoli was great and very easy as a side dish. The spice was just right.

Very good! Replaced red pepper flakes with Italian seasoning because it's what I had on hand! The only problem I had was that some of the Parmesan cheese melted together and made big clumps...any suggestions on how to fix that? The taste was excellent and not sweet at all!