Zesty Orange Shallot Buttered Broccoli
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this vibrant Zesty Orange Shallot Buttered Broccoli. This recipe offers a delightful marriage of fresh broccoli's crisp texture with a rich, tangy sauce made from orange juice and shallots, all brought together with velvety unsalted butter. While this dish requires a bit more attention than standard steaming or microwaving, the incredible depth of flavor makes it well worth the extra effort. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or adding a touch of sophistication to family meals, this broccoli dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
6
Servings
140
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli
3 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Fresh Orange Juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Shallot
1/4 cup (minced)
Unsalted Butter
5 ounces (cut into cubes)
Orange Rind
2 tablespoons (julienned)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2
Once boiling, add the broccoli pieces and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender yet maintains a firm texture.
3
Carefully drain the broccoli and immediately run it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry with a clean kitchen towel.
4
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh orange juice and minced shallots. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to about 2 tablespoons.
5
Once reduced, add the cubes of unsalted butter to the saucepan along with the julienned orange rind. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and combined with the orange juice and shallots.
6
Add the prepared broccoli to the saucepan, gently tossing to coat the florets evenly with the orange shallot butter mix. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Shallot Buttered Broccoli?
It is a vibrant vegetable side dish that combines fresh broccoli with a tangy sauce made from reduced orange juice, minced shallots, and unsalted butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving in this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in this broccoli dish?
Each serving contains 5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
This dish provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of broccoli, fresh orange juice, minced shallots, unsalted butter, and julienned orange rind.
How long should the broccoli be boiled?
The broccoli should be cooked in boiling salted water for approximately 5 minutes until tender yet firm.
Why is the broccoli placed under cold water after boiling?
Running it under cold water halts the cooking process to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color.
How much should the orange juice and shallot mixture be reduced?
The mixture should be simmered until it reduces and thickens to about 2 tablespoons.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for unsalted butter to control sodium levels, you can use salted butter and adjust the additional salt to taste.
How should the orange rind be prepared?
The orange rind should be julienned, which means cut into thin, matchstick-like strips.
What is the preparation method for the shallots?
The shallots should be finely minced before being added to the orange juice.
How much orange juice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 5 ounces of unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
How long do you heat the broccoli once it is added to the sauce?
Once tossed with the orange shallot butter, heat the broccoli through for about 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe considered a gourmet side dish?
Yes, the combination of shallots, fresh reduction, and julienned rind gives it a sophisticated, gourmet profile.
Is Zesty Orange Shallot Buttered Broccoli gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (broccoli, juice, shallots, butter, rind), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.
How should I prepare the broccoli before cooking?
The broccoli should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier serving.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are a total of 7 ingredients including salt and pepper.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor and acidity, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste at the very end, just before serving.
What category of food does this belong to?
This is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the specific value isn't listed in the raw data, broccoli is a naturally high-fiber vegetable.
Is it necessary to pat the broccoli dry?
Yes, patting the broccoli dry after the cold water shock ensures the butter sauce adheres better to the florets.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include broccoli, vegetable side dish, orange butter, shallots, healthy recipe, gourmet vegetables, and quick vegetable dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
It is best to serve the sauce immediately after melting the butter to maintain the emulsion and fresh flavor.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The broccoli should be tender-crisp, coated in a velvety, tangy orange-butter glaze.
How much orange rind is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of julienned orange rind.