Broccoli Bites Recipe

Prep broccoli

Wash and trim broccoli into bite-size florets so they steam evenly (about 4 cups).

Steam

Place 1 cup water in a medium pot and fit with a steamer basket. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until bright green and just tender, 4–6 minutes depending on floret size.

Season

Remove broccoli from steamer and transfer to a serving dish. Immediately toss with coarse salt (1 tsp), black pepper (1/2 tsp), and butter (1 tsp) if using. Keep warm while preparing burger topping.

Cook aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Brown burger

Add 8 oz crumbled ground beef (or crumbled plant-based patty) to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.

Season burger

Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Toast slightly

If you prefer a slightly crisp/toasted texture, spread the cooked burger mixture into an even layer and cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes to brown the bottom, then stir once and let brown again briefly.

Spoon the hot seasoned burger mixture over the steamed broccoli evenly so each bite has some topping.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese (1/2 cup) over the hot topping; the residual heat will melt it. If you want fully melted cheese, place the assembled dish under a broiler for 1–2 minutes on high, watching closely, until the cheese bubbles.

Drizzle mustard or ketchup (optional, 2 tsp) across the top and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped chives (1 tsp). Serve immediately.