5 from 6 reviews

If you’re wondering if you can grill broccoli, then I am here to tell you that you most certainly can. I have all the details about how to make it as easy, foolproof and mess-free as possible. This foil packet method yields perfectly tender yet lightly seared florets, without burning or losing any pieces between the grill grates. Plus, I have seasoned the grilled broccoli with a simple combination of pantry staples: sesame seeds, garlic powder and seasoned rice vinegar.

Grilled broccoli in tin foil with sesame seeds sprinkled on top and a fork laying on top

Table of Contents

Why We Love Grilled Broccoli

I think we can all agree that grilling in the summer is the way to go. Grilling is about the atmosphere, the smell, the fresh air…but most importantly, it’s about the food! When the weather is nice enough, you can bet I’ll be grilling just about anything from my kitchen. Remember that time I realized how incredible Grilled Carrots and Grilled Zucchini were? I haven’t looked back since!

My kids were the inspiration for this grilled broccoli recipe because, thankfully, they are huge broccoli fans. One of my regular go-to side dishes is Easy Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon because they regularly request it. I know, I’m a lucky woman! I thought I should take my family’s love of broccoli up a notch and see how well it turns out on the grill. (Spoiler alert: it turned out phenomenally.)

Through testing this recipe I discovered it grills best when wrapped in foil, and what a blessing that is, because it makes clean up even easier! Between my love of grilling veggies, my kids’ love of broccoli, and the ease of this recipe, this is a perfect dish for my household. It’s a great side for weeknight dinners and it’s low in calories and carbohydrates. Throw this broccoli in foil on your grill right beside your burgers or tenderloin, and it’s as easy as that!

Ingredient Notes

grilled broccoli ingredients including avocado oil, garlic powder, broccoli crowns, sesame seeds, kosher salt, and seasoned rice vinegar

Broccoli

You’ll need two large crowns of broccoli for this recipe! Cut the stems and florets into bite-sized pieces.

Seasonings

To season your grilled broccoli, you’ll need avocado or canola oil, coarse kosher salt, garlic powder, and sesame seeds (optional).

Seasoned Rice Vinegar

This ingredient is just rice vinegar with the addition of salt, sugar, and sometimes additional flavors. I used it in this recipe because it helps balance out any bitterness from the broccoli without being too acidic.

Find it with the vinegars in large supermarkets or with Asian ingredients. If you can’t find it in the store, you can use regular rice vinegar stirred with a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. The amount of sugar it adds to each serving is less than 1 gram.

Read more about the various kinds of vinegar here.

How to Grill Broccoli in Foil

tossing broccoli in a bowl with oil, salt, and garlic powder, and on the bottom two hands are preparing the foil

Step 1: Preheat and Season Broccoli

Preheat your grill to medium. While that’s heating, combine chopped broccoli, oil, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl and toss to evenly coat. 

Step 2: Wrap Broccoli In Foil Packet

Lay a 2-foot-long sheet of heavy-duty foil on a work surface. If you’re using regular foil, use two layers. Pile the broccoli in the center and then fold to wrap the foil into a packet. Crimp closed to create a packet. If you need a guide for this check out these step-by-step photos for how to make a foil packet.

grilling a packet of broccoli wrapped in foil and turning it with tongs, an then carefully opening the foil to allow the steam to release

Step 3: Grill Foil Packet

Place the foil packet on the grill. Cook for 15 minutes, turning over with tongs every 4 to 5 minutes or so.

Step 4: Open Packet

Remove the foil packet from the grill using a sheet pan and tongs. Use caution when opening your foil packet, steam will escape.

Tossing grilled broccoli with sesame seeds and seasoned rice vinegar

Step 5: Season The Grilled Broccoli

Transfer the broccoli back into the bowl and drizzle with seasoned rice vinegar. Toss to coat, and serve immediately sprinkled with sesame seeds.

grilled broccoli in a bowl on a cutting board beside a small bowl of sesame seeds

FAQs and Expert Tips

Can I make grilled broccoli ahead of time?

To prepare your grilled broccoli ahead of time, you can cut the broccoli beforehand, but do not toss it with seasoning until it’s ready to be folded in the foil. Once it’s grilled, it’s best served fresh. Any leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days if stored in an air-tight container, and then reheated in the microwave.

Do I need to steam the broccoli beforehand?

We tried grilling broccoli without the foil packet and it was dry and got burnt easily. One way to get around that is to steam it first to soften it so that grilling is faster. However, we found that it was much easier to skip the steaming step and to use a foil packet instead! Since the broccoli is cooked in foil it will create its own steam, softening the broccoli and allowing it to sear and brown! So, you don’t need to steam your broccoli before grilling in a foil packet.

How to Fold Foil Packet for Grilling Broccoli

the four steps to folding the foil around the broccoli before grilling
  1. Lay your sheet of double-thick foil in front of you. If you do not have heavy-duty foil, use two sheets on top of each other. They should be about 2 feet long. Pile the seasoned broccoli in the center of the foil.
  2. Grasp the ends of the foil and fold them completely over the broccoli, overlapping so that it is ⅓ its original length
  3. Fold and crimp the short edge to close the side.
  4. Turn the packet and crimp the other side. Make sure to fold crimped edges well so that the packet doesn’t break apart when you flip it on the grill.

Variations to Try

If you’d like to make some additions or variations to your grilled broccoli, go for it! Here are some ideas to try:

  • Add toasted sesame oil to the vinegar mixture to deepen the flavor.
  • Use balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar, and sprinkle with Parmesan instead of sesame seeds. I can’t say no to cheese!
  • Use a blend of cauliflower and broccoli together for some variety.
  • Omit the vinegar and sesame seeds altogether. Instead, toss the grilled broccoli with Basil Pesto and sprinkle with pine nuts.
  • Use lemon juice instead of rice vinegar and sprinkle with chopped herbs instead of sesame seeds.

Additional Grilled Vegetable Recipes to Try

Additional Easy Broccoli Side Dish Recipes to Try

At Healthy Seasonal Recipes, we specialize in cooking with fresh veggies and creating weeknight meals. Sign up HERE to get more produce-forward dinner ideas for FREE! If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought! Happy Cooking! ~Katie

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grilled broccoli in foil fresh off the grill with a fork on top

Easy Grilled Broccoli in Foil

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5 from 6 reviews

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re wondering if you can grill broccoli, then I am here to tell you that you most certainly can.  I have all the details about how to make it as easy, foolproof and mess-free as possible. This foil packet method yields perfectly tender yet lightly seared florets, without burning or losing any pieces between the grill grates. Plus, I have seasoned the grilled broccoli with a simple combination of pantry staples: sesame seeds, garlic powder and seasoned rice vinegar.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large crowns broccoli, stems and florets cut into bite-sized florets and pieces

1 tablespoon avocado oil or canola oil

3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Meanwhile, combine broccoli, oil, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl and toss to coat.
  2. Lay a 2-foot long sheet of heavy-duty foil on work surface. If using regular foil, use two layers. Pile the broccoli in the center and fold to wrap the foil into a packet. Crimp closed.
  3. Add the foil packet to the grill. Grill for 15 minutes, turning the packet over with tongs every 4 minutes. 
  4. Remove the foil packet from the grill using a sheet pan and tongs. Use caution when opening packet, steam will escape. 
  5. Transfer the broccoli to the bowl and drizzle with the vinegar. Toss to coat. Serve immediately sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Notes

Ingredient Note:

Seasoned rice vinegar is rice vinegar with the addition of salt, sugar, and sometimes additional flavors. It helps to balance any bitterness in the broccoli while not being too acidic. While it is not a sugar-free ingredient, the amount of sugar it adds to each serving is less than 1 gram. If you cannot find it, you can substitute rice vinegar stirred with a pinch each of salt and sugar. 

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Active Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dishes
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3/4 cup
  • Calories: 46
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g

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