Grilled Broccoli, Brown Butter with Sumac & Almonds
By Dominic Lamirande
Perfectly roasted broccoli, drizzled with a brown butter infused with honey, rice vinegar, and sumac: a bold mix of sweetness, acidity, and crunch. An elegant side dish that transforms a humble vegetable into the star of the plate.
A Delicious Broccoli Side Dish
I don’t know if it’s because the broccoli is smothered in a rich brown butter sauce or because it’s roasted to absolute perfection, but this is hands down the best way to enjoy this vegetable according to me…
The honey and sumac brown butter wonderfully complements the tender-yet-crisp broccoli. The addition of almonds is a little extra touch that brings great texture and a really fun flavor!
Note: You could also grill the broccoli directly on the barbecue, it will just take a little extra time to get the desired result.
Go make it!
Tips for a perfect recipe:
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Don’t stir the broccoli too soon while roasting — letting it sit helps develop beautiful caramelization and a light smoky flavor.
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Watch your brown butter closely — it should be golden and smell nutty, not burned.
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Add the almonds to the brown butter only once it’s ready, so they don’t toast too quickly or burn.
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Taste and adjust the sauce — a bit more rice vinegar or honey can strike the perfect balance between tang and sweetness.
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Try grilling the broccoli on the barbecue for an extra-deep, smoky flavor.
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Finish with a sprinkle of Maldon salt for that irresistible final crunch and salty pop.
Why make this recipe?
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An explosion of unique flavors: the marriage of rich, velvety brown butter, sweet honey, and the tangy brightness of sumac turns a simple vegetable into a truly gourmet dish.
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The perfect contrast of textures: you get broccoli that is tender on the inside, beautifully caramelized and roasted on the edges, all elevated by the irresistible crunch of almonds.
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Quick and hassle-free: simple and accessible recipe that comes together fast, ideal for elevating a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Cooking versatility: while it is delicious oven-roasted to achieve that perfect crispy edge, it also lends itself wonderfully to being cooked right on the barbecue for nice summer days.
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The best way to rediscover broccoli: if you are looking for an original alternative to traditional steamed veggies, this gourmet version will instantly convert even the biggest skeptics!
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Cook the broccoli pieces cut-side down for at least 5 minutes to obtain a deep caramelization. Flip, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook another 3 to 5 minutes, until tender. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat when small brown bits appear at the bottom. Return to low heat and add the almonds. Stir and cook until the almonds are golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add the rice vinegar and honey, and stir vigorously. Add the sumac, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
To serve: arrange the broccoli pieces on a large plate and generously spoon the sauce overtop. The broccoli should be bathed in it. Sprinkle with chopped flat-leaf parsley and a pinch of Maldon salt. SO good.
Bon appetit and enjoy!
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