What Sauces Go With Broccoli? ANSWERED!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

When it comes to enjoying broccoli, the right sauce can completely transform this nutritious and versatile vegetable.

You might be a fan of simply steaming or roasting broccoli, but pairing it with a delicious and flavourful sauce can take your love for this humble veggie to new heights.

In this article, we’ll explore various sauces that complement broccoli perfectly… 

What Sauces Go With Broccoli? 

The best sauces for broccoli include: 

  • Classic options like cheese, hollandaise, and lemon butter 
  • Asian inspired sauces such as sesame soy, teriyaki, and peanut 
  • Creative sauces including pesto, garlic parmesan, and spicy roasted red pepper 

Let’s take a look at how to prep these in your own kitchen… 

Classic Sauces for Broccoli

Cheese Sauce

When it comes to pairing sauces with broccoli, you can never go wrong with a classic cheese sauce.

To make a delicious and simple cheese sauce for your broccoli, start by making a roux with equal parts butter and plain flour.

Then, gradually add milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth béchamel sauce.

Finally, add grated cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or Parmesan, and stir until melted and smooth.

Pour the cheese sauce over your freshly steamed or roasted broccoli for a tasty, comforting side dish.

Hollandaise Sauce

Another classic sauce to serve with broccoli is hollandaise sauce.

This rich, creamy sauce is made from butter, egg yolks, and lemon juice, and its tangy, smooth flavour complements broccoli perfectly.

To make hollandaise, melt butter in a saucepan and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with a splash of water and a dash of lemon juice.

Then, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and continue whisking to cook the egg yolks.

Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking, until the sauce thickens.

Season with salt, pepper, and a little more lemon juice to taste.

Serve the hollandaise sauce alongside or drizzled over steamed or blanched broccoli for an elegant and delicious side dish.

Lemon Butter Sauce

Another great option for broccoli is a tangy lemon butter sauce.

This simple yet flavourful sauce is easy to make and pairs perfectly with steamed or roasted broccoli as well as fish, chicken or other vegetables.

To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice and some seasonings such as minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

If you like, you can also add a dash of white wine or vegetable stock for some added depth of flavour.

Cook the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve the sauce poured over your broccoli for a zesty, aromatic and delicious accompaniment to your meal.

Asian-Inspired Sauces

When preparing broccoli, it’s always a great idea to kick up the flavours with some delectable Asian-inspired sauces.

In this section, we will discuss three popular choices: Sesame Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, and Peanut Sauce.

Sesame Soy Sauce

To create a simple yet flavoursome sesame soy sauce for your broccoli, start by whisking together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

For an optional kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Drizzle this mixture over your steamed, sautéed, or roasted broccoli, and toss to coat evenly.

Finish by sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of crunch and flavour.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is another excellent choice for enhancing the taste of broccoli.

To make this sweet and tangy sauce, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sake (or a substitute like white wine), and minced garlic in a saucepan.

Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly. Coat your broccoli with this sauce, and serve it alongside rice or noodles for a delectable side dish.

If you want to use a readymade version, check out how to improve store bought teriyaki. 

Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce adds a rich, creamy, and nutty flavour to your broccoli dish.

This 5-ingredient peanut sauce is quick and easy to make, and it’s just as good as anything you’ll be served in a restaurant! 

Creative Sauce Ideas

When it comes to pairing your broccoli with delicious sauces, you might be looking for a way to elevate your dish with some unique flavours.

In this section, we’ll explore three creative sauce ideas: Pesto Sauce, Garlic Parmesan Sauce, and Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.

These recipes can take your steamed or roasted broccoli to the next level.

Pesto Sauce

An Italian classic, pesto sauce is a combination of basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.

To make this light and fresh sauce, simply blend the ingredients together in a food processor.

You can even experiment with different herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for a unique twist.

Once your pesto sauce is prepared, toss your broccoli in the sauce to ensure an even coating, and enjoy the burst of flavour that comes with every bite.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For a creamy and savoury option, consider making a garlic Parmesan sauce for your broccoli.

To start, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic.

Combine that with a couple of tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly, and slowly pour in milk.

Add Parmesan cheese to the mix, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens.

Season with salt and pepper, and pour over your cooked broccoli. This rich, velvety sauce is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Why not add a little heat to your broccoli dish with a spicy roasted red pepper sauce?

This mouth-watering sauce is made from roasted red peppers, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

To prepare it, blend the ingredients together in a food processor and cook the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat.

Once this flavourful sauce has simmered and thickened, drizzle it over your broccoli for an irresistible side dish with a bit of a kick.

Remember to have fun experimenting with these sauce ideas, and don’t be afraid to add your personal touch.

These recipes are great starting points for you to become a creative and confident chef when it comes to making your broccoli dishes stand out.

Enjoy the process and bon appétit!

If you love cooking with veggies and hate waste, check out what to do with leftover broccoli.