Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon Recipe

This simple and vibrant dish of steamed broccoli and carrots with lemon is sure to please your taste buds. The crisp vegetables paired with a tangy lemon dressing make for a refreshing side dish or a light lunch. It's easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Photos of Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon Recipe

All the ingredients required for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, when choosing broccoli and carrots, opt for fresh, organic varieties to get the most nutrients and flavor. Look for broccoli that has firm, dark green florets and carrots that are firm and bright orange.

Ingredients for Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon

Broccoli florets: These are the flowering heads of the broccoli plant. They have a slightly bitter, yet sweet flavor and are rich in vitamins C and K.

Carrots: These are root vegetables known for their crunchy texture and sweet flavor. They are high in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants.

Lemon juice: This is the juice squeezed from a lemon. It adds a tangy flavor and is high in vitamin C.

Seasoned salt: This is a blend of table salt, herbs, spices, and other flavorings. It enhances the flavor of the vegetables.

One reader, Arliene Clarke says:

This steamed broccoli and carrots with lemon recipe is a game-changer! The veggies are perfectly tender and the lemon adds a refreshing zing. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy side dish. I highly recommend trying it out!

Arliene Clarke

Mastering the Art of Steaming Vegetables

How to steam vegetables: Steam the broccoli florets and carrots in a steamer insert over boiling water for about 5 minutes until tender.

How to season with lemon juice: Add the lemon juice to the steamed vegetables and toss to coat before serving.

How To Make Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon

Toss a quick healthy side with this steamed broccoli and carrots, coated in a tangy seasoning. This simple dish is ready in 15 minutes!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupbroccoli florets
½cupcarrots,julienne cut
2tbsplemon juice
1tspseasoned salt,or to taste

Instructions

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil.
Add the broccoli florets and carrots, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until tender.
Transfer the vegetables to a bowl. Add the lemon juice and seasoned salt, then toss to coat.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 25.80kcal
Fat: 0.23g
Saturated Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.10g
Carbohydrates: 5.83g
Fiber: 0.90g
Sugar: 1.83g
Protein: 1.39g
Sodium: 188.95mg
Calcium: 28.12mg
Potassium: 228.72mg
Iron: 0.42mg
Vitamin A: 307.92µg
Vitamin C: 40.79mg

Insider Tip for Perfecting Steamed Broccoli and Carrots

When steaming your broccoli and carrots, make sure not to overcook them. Overcooking can lead to a loss of nutrients and a mushy texture. Aim for a vibrant color and a tender, yet slightly crisp texture. This will ensure your vegetables retain their nutritional value and are pleasing to the palate. Also, adding the lemon juice while the vegetables are still warm will help them absorb the flavor better, resulting in a more tangy and refreshing taste.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Lemon Veggie Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and store the broccoli and carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before steaming. This will save time on the day of cooking.

Use a steamer basket: Invest in a steamer basket that fits into your saucepan to steam the vegetables efficiently and evenly.

Multi-task: While the vegetables are steaming, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to save time in the kitchen.

Lemon juice shortcut: Use pre-squeezed lemon juice from a bottle to save time on juicing fresh lemons.

Seasoning mix: Prepare a batch of seasoned salt in advance and store it in a shaker for easy and quick seasoning.

Substitute Ingredients For Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon Recipe

broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and flavor to broccoli and can be steamed in the same way.
carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can provide a similar sweetness and texture when steamed, adding a different flavor profile to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a similar citrusy tang and acidity to the dish, complementing the vegetables well.
seasoned salt - Substitute with garlic powder and a pinch of salt: This will provide a similar savory flavor with a hint of garlic, enhancing the taste of the vegetables.

Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Tips

Elevate the plating: Arrange the steamed broccoli and carrots in an artful manner, ensuring a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives to enhance the visual appeal.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the steamed vegetables in a sophisticated and stylish serving dish to elevate the overall dining experience.
Add a touch of sophistication: Drizzle a delicate swirl of balsamic glaze around the edge of the plate for a refined and upscale touch.
Garnish with edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by adorning the dish with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies for a visually stunning finish.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the steamed broccoli and carrots in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a balanced and harmonious composition on the plate.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Steaming Veggies

Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
Steamer insert: A perforated metal or bamboo basket that fits inside a saucepan, used for steaming vegetables, dumplings, and other foods.
Bowl: A round, deep dish used for holding and serving food.

Storing and Freezing Steamed Veggies: A Guide

To store leftover steamed broccoli and carrots, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If you plan to freeze the steamed vegetables, it's best to slightly undercook them to retain their texture and color. Steam the broccoli and carrots for about 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once cooled, drain the vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can cause freezer burn and affect the quality of the frozen produce.
Place the cooled and dried broccoli and carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are solid.
Transfer the frozen vegetables to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen steamed broccoli and carrots can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to use, simply reheat the vegetables in the microwave or on the stovetop, and season with lemon juice and seasoned salt as desired.

How To Reheat Leftover Steamed Broccoli and Carrots

Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover steamed broccoli and carrots in an oven-safe dish, and add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. Remove the foil, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with seasoned salt before serving.
Microwave reheating: place the leftover steamed vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of water to the dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. Stir the vegetables, add fresh lemon juice and seasoned salt, and serve.
Stovetop reheating: heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover steamed broccoli and carrots to the skillet and stir occasionally until they are heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with seasoned salt before serving.
Steamer reheating: if you have a steamer basket, you can reheat the leftover steamed vegetables by placing them in the basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. Transfer the reheated vegetables to a bowl, add fresh lemon juice and seasoned salt, and toss to coat.

Fascinating Trivia About Steamed Broccoli and Carrots

Broccoli and carrots are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin A. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting good vision.

Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Recipe Economical?

This steamed broccoli and carrots with lemon recipe is highly cost-effective for households. The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option. Broccoli and carrots are economical and nutritious choices, and the addition of lemon provides a refreshing twist. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it an excellent choice for those looking to prepare a healthy and affordable meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Steamed Veggie Recipe Healthy?

The steamed broccoli and carrots with lemon recipe is a healthy dish that provides essential nutrients and fiber. Here's why:

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins C and K, folate, and dietary fiber. It also contains potent antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. They also provide vitamin K, biotin, and potassium, among other nutrients.
Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutrients in vegetables, as it doesn't require the use of oil or other additives.
Lemon juice adds a burst of vitamin C and enhances the absorption of iron from the vegetables.

However, the seasoned salt may contain added sodium, which could be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a low-sodium seasoning blend or herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to add flavor without the extra salt.
Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the nutrient diversity. Try adding red bell peppers, zucchini, or yellow squash to the mix.
Drizzle the vegetables with a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil to enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and add a satisfying mouthfeel.
Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, over the finished dish for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein.

Our Editor's Take on This Steamed Veggie Dish

This recipe for steamed broccoli and carrots with lemon is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the natural flavors of these vegetables. The steaming method preserves the nutrients and vibrant colors, while the addition of lemon juice and seasoned salt brings a refreshing and zesty twist to the dish. The combination of tender broccoli and sweet carrots, enhanced by the tangy citrus and savory seasoning, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It's a quick and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Enhance Your Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and parmesan cheese, perfect for pairing with the steamed broccoli and carrots.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a tangy lemon and herb sauce, a delicious protein option to serve alongside the steamed vegetables.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a zesty lemon dressing, a light and fruity complement to the steamed broccoli and carrots.

Tomato Soup: A warm and comforting tomato soup with a touch of lemon, a comforting option to enjoy alongside the steamed vegetables.

Discover Similar Steamed Vegetable Recipes

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful sauce before skewering and grilling for a delicious and healthy dish.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavors in every bite.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Combine creamy cheeses, spinach, and artichokes for a rich and indulgent dip that's perfect for parties and gatherings.

Berry Chia Seed Pudding: Mix chia seeds with your favorite berries and milk for a nutritious and satisfying pudding that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash and blend it with aromatic spices and broth for a comforting and velvety soup that's perfect for chilly days.

Why trust this Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful dish with fresh broccoli and carrots that are steamed to perfection, preserving their natural flavors and nutrients. The addition of lemon juice enhances the dish with a refreshing citrusy zing, while the seasoned salt provides a balanced savory note. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural goodness of the vegetables to shine through, ensuring a wholesome and delicious outcome. Trust in the use of fresh ingredients and simple yet flavorful seasonings for a dish that's both nutritious and satisfying.

Want to share your experience making this Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon Recipe or discuss ways to customize it? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What is the best way to steam the vegetables?

The best way to steam the vegetables is to use a steamer insert in a saucepan filled with water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets and carrots, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until tender.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, or snap peas. Just adjust the steaming time accordingly based on the density of the vegetables.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Yes, fresh lemon juice can be used instead of bottled. It will provide a more vibrant and fresh flavor to the dish.

Is there a substitute for seasoned salt?

If you don't have seasoned salt, you can use a combination of regular salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika for added flavor.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This will add richness and depth to the dish.