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GRILLING 15 MINS + 12 MINS TOTAL EASY

Charred Garlic Lemon Grilled Broccoli

Transform simple broccoli into a smoky, caramelized masterpiece with garlic, lemon, red pepper flakes, and freshly grated Parmesan cooked hot over live fire.

Prep
15 mins
Cook
12 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Grilled broccoli is an absolute game-changer on the pit. Direct flame transforms humble brassicas, creating deep, smoky caramelized edges while preserving a vibrant, tender-crisp center.

By slicing whole heads into large steak-like planks, you maximize surface area contact with the hot grates and ensure no florets fall into the coals. Finished with fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and grated Parmesan, this side dish steals the show at any cookout.

Home Icon Essential Tools

Home Icon Ingredients

Vegetables
Marinade & Seasoning
Finishing & Garnish

Home Icon Directions

Preparation

1
Trim the fibrous bottom tip of the broccoli stems. Cut whole heads vertically through the center into 3/4-inch thick planks, keeping the stem attached to hold florets together.
⏱ 10 mins 🔥 N/A 🌡 N/A
2
Whisk olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Brush evenly over both sides of the broccoli planks.
⏱ 5 mins 🔥 N/A 🌡 N/A

Grilling

3
Preheat your grill for two-zone cooking with high direct heat. Place broccoli planks directly over the fire grates.
⏱ 5 mins 🔥 400°F - 450°F 🌡 N/A
4
Flip planks once char marks develop. Grill until charred on both sides and stems are easily pierced with a probe or fork. Move to indirect heat if charring too fast.
⏱ 5 mins 🔥 400°F - 450°F 🌡 195°F - 200°F

Finishing

5
Transfer charred broccoli to a platter. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot planks, then top with lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and flaky sea salt.
⏱ 2 mins 🔥 N/A 🌡 N/A

Home Icon Pit Notes

Stem Preservation Cut Strategy

Keep the stem attached and cut vertically into thick 'steaks' or planks. This prevents florets from separating and dropping through the grates. If using loose florets, use a perforated grill basket.

Two-Zone Heat Control

Broccoli's high surface area and oil marinade mean char happens fast. Always maintain an indirect cool zone on your grill so you can shift pieces over if the exterior chars before the stem reaches tender texture.

Wood Smoke Selection

Mild, fruity hardwoods like apple or cherry wood provide a clean smoke accent that complements greens without overwhelming them. Avoid heavy mesquite which can accentuate bitterness.

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