Buttered broccoli with lemon
Buttered broccoli with lemon is a simple, classic side dish featuring tender-crisp broccoli florets tossed in melted butter and brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest. It typically includes just a handful of ingredients: broccoli, butter, lemon, salt, and sometimes garlic or pepper. This preparation is widely popular in Western home cooking, particularly in American and European cuisines.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is low in carbohydrates and protein, with most of its calories coming from the fat in the butter. It's an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber from the broccoli, with a typical serving containing roughly 100-150 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin C | 135 mg |
| Vitamin K | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 700 IU |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Potassium | 290 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.15 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
Per 1 cup (156 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The combination is nutritionally clever, as the vitamin C in the lemon helps the body absorb the iron found in broccoli. Culturally, it represents a quick, elegant way to elevate a simple vegetable, making it a staple for both everyday meals and holiday feasts.
