Honey Mustard Broccoli Recipe – Easy Steamed Vegetable Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Honey Mustard Broccoli Recipe – Easy Steamed Vegetable Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for quick, healthy, and delicious side dishes. And honestly, this Honey Mustard Broccoli is a total lifesaver. It’s become a regular on our dinner table – even my picky eaters gobble it up! It’s bright, flavorful, and comes together in under 15 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy. Steaming broccoli is a breeze, and the honey mustard sauce is just a simple mix-and-go situation. Plus, the sweet and tangy flavor combination is seriously addictive. It’s a fantastic way to make broccoli exciting, even for those who usually turn their noses up at it. And did I mention it’s a healthy side that feels like a treat?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Honey Mustard Broccoli:

• 10-12 broccoli florets
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1.5 tablespoons honey
• 0.5 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
• Pinch of sweet paprika (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can really elevate this dish.

• Honey: I love using a good quality wildflower honey for a lovely floral note. But feel free to experiment! Acacia honey is milder, while darker honeys like buckwheat will give a more robust flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: There are so many Dijon mustards out there! I usually go for a smooth, classic Dijon, but a grainy Dijon adds a nice texture.
• Sweet Paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works just fine, or you can skip it altogether.
• Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the richest flavor, but light mayo works well if you’re watching calories.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic happen!

1. First, give those broccoli florets a good wash. Then, steam them for about 5 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bite! Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while they’re steaming.
2. While the broccoli is steaming, let’s whip up the honey mustard sauce. In a bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and creamy.
3. Now, for a little extra zing, add the white vinegar (if using) and a pinch of sweet paprika (also optional!). Taste and adjust the consistency if needed – add a tiny bit of water if it’s too thick, or a touch more honey if you like it sweeter.
4. Arrange the steamed broccoli on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the chilled honey mustard sauce. The contrast between the warm broccoli and cool sauce is chef’s kiss!
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t oversteam the broccoli! You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Chilling the sauce slightly helps it cling to the broccoli better.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the honey and vinegar to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. My husband loves this!
• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the mayonnaise for a good quality vegan mayonnaise. It’s that easy!
• Air Fryer Option: Toss the broccoli with a little oil and roast in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Then, drizzle with the sauce.
• Festival/Holiday Side Dish Adaptation: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a festive touch. This is perfect for Diwali or Christmas!

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Mustard Broccoli is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Roasted potatoes
• A hearty lentil soup
• As part of a colorful veggie platter

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it separately for a day or two.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this broccoli best served warm or cold? I prefer it warm with the chilled sauce, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.
• Can I use a different type of mustard? Sure! Stone-ground mustard or even a honey mustard will work, but the flavor will be different.
• How can I make the sauce less sweet? Reduce the amount of honey or add a squeeze of lemon juice.
• What’s the best way to steam broccoli? I like using a steamer basket over boiling water, but you can also microwave it with a little water.
• Can I prepare the sauce and broccoli ahead of time? Yes! You can make the sauce up to a week in advance and steam the broccoli a few hours ahead. Just reheat gently before serving.

Enjoy this recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!