Red Robin Steamed Broccoli: Price, Calories, Taste, and Full Review (2026)
Not every trip to Red Robin has to end with a plate of fries. If you want something light, fresh, and still filling, the Red Robin Steamed Broccoli is one of the easiest swaps on the whole menu. It is simple, it is healthy, and best of all, it is bottomless. In this guide, I will walk you through the taste, the price, the calories, and whether it is actually worth ordering. I will also share a copycat recipe so you can make it at home.
Red Robin's Steamed Broccoli, served fresh and bottomless
What Is Red Robin Steamed Broccoli?
Red Robin Steamed Broccoli is exactly what it sounds like. Fresh broccoli florets are steamed until they are tender but still bright green and a little crisp. There is no butter, no cheese sauce, and no heavy seasoning. It is a plain, clean side dish built for guests who want a lighter option next to a big burger or a hearty entrée.
This side sits inside Red Robin's Bottomless Sides lineup, which means your server will refill it as many times as you want, at no extra charge. If you like a little more flavor, Red Robin also sells a Garlic Parmesan Broccoli version, which is the same steamed broccoli tossed in garlic butter and topped with grated parmesan.
Red Robin Steamed Broccoli Price
As of September 2026, a standalone side order of Steamed Broccoli costs about $1.99. That price can shift a little by location, so always check your local menu or app before ordering. If you are eating a burger, wrap, or entrée that already comes with a side choice, you can usually swap in Steamed Broccoli at no added cost, since it counts as one of the standard side options.
On the kids menu, Steamed Broccoli is one of the free bottomless side choices included with every kids' entrée, which makes it an easy pick for parents trying to sneak in some veggies.
Steamed Broccoli Nutrition and Calories
This is one of the lowest-calorie sides on the entire Red Robin menu. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a standard serving.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
At only 30 calories per serving, Steamed Broccoli is one of the smartest trades on the menu. Swap it in for Steak Fries, which can run several hundred calories per side, and you free up room to enjoy your burger or add a milkshake without going too far over your daily count. Keep in mind that going back for bottomless refills adds up the calories each time, so plan your seconds around the rest of your meal.
Taste Review
I ordered this side plain, with no sauce, to test it the way most guests will first try it. The broccoli florets come out hot, bright green, and evenly steamed. They are tender enough to cut with a fork but still have a slight snap, which means the kitchen is not overcooking them into mush. That is not always a given at a casual chain, so it is a good sign.
On its own, the flavor is mild and a little earthy, close to what you would steam at home with no seasoning. It is not going to wow anyone by itself, but that is actually the point. It is meant to be a clean, neutral side that lets your burger or entrée stay the star of the plate. If you want more flavor, dip it in one of Red Robin's house sauces.
Best Dipping Sauces to Try
- Ranch Dressing – classic, cool, and pairs with almost anything
- Bleu Cheese Dressing – bold and tangy, great if you like sharp flavor
- Honey Mustard Poppyseed – sweet and a little tangy, a fan favorite
- Island Heat Sauce – for guests who want a spicy kick with their veggies
Dipping it in one of these sauces turns a plain side into something you will actually look forward to. My personal pick is Honey Mustard Poppyseed, since the sweetness balances the mild broccoli flavor really well.
Best Burger and Entrée Pairings
Steamed Broccoli works as a side with nearly anything on the menu, but it shines brightest next to rich, heavier dishes where you want a lighter bite in between. Try pairing it with a classic Gourmet Burger to cut the richness of the beef and cheese. It also works well next to a Tavern Burger, since those smaller burgers leave more room on the plate for a hearty veggie side.
If you are in the mood for something other than a burger, Steamed Broccoli pairs nicely with the wraps and chicken sandwiches lineup, and it is a natural match with almost anything from the entrées menu, especially grilled chicken or salmon dishes where a light, clean side keeps the meal feeling balanced. Guests who prefer a plant-based option often order it alongside the veggie patties for a fully vegetarian plate.
Is Red Robin Steamed Broccoli Worth Ordering?
👍 Why It Works
Low in calories, bottomless refills, simple and fresh, easy on the wallet, great for kids and anyone watching their diet.
👎 Where It Falls Short
Plain on its own, not very exciting without a dipping sauce, some guests may find it too simple next to bolder sides like fries.
Our Rating
★★★★☆
4 out of 5. It will not replace fries for everyone, but as a lighter, healthier bottomless side, it earns its spot on the menu. Pair it with a good dipping sauce and it becomes an easy favorite.
Copycat Red Robin Steamed Broccoli Recipe
Want to make this side at home? It only takes a few minutes and a handful of ingredients. Here is a simple, detailed copycat recipe that gets you close to the real thing.
Copycat Steamed Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 large head of fresh broccoli, cut into medium florets
- 1 cup water (for steaming)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 small garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli. Rinse the broccoli under cold water, then cut it into even, bite-sized florets so they cook at the same rate.
- Set up your steamer. Pour 1 cup of water into a pot and place a steamer basket inside. Make sure the water sits below the basket, not touching the broccoli.
- Bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot and heat over medium-high until the water is boiling steadily and steam is building.
- Steam the broccoli. Add the florets to the basket, cover, and steam for 5 to 7 minutes. Check at the 5-minute mark. You want the broccoli bright green and fork-tender, not soft or mushy.
- Season it. Remove the broccoli from the steamer and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently to coat.
- Make it a Garlic Parmesan version (optional). Melt the butter with the minced garlic in a small pan for about 1 minute, then drizzle it over the broccoli and toss with parmesan cheese for the Red Robin-style upgrade.
- Serve hot. Plate it right next to your favorite homemade burger or sandwich, and serve with ranch, honey mustard, or bleu cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Do not overcrowd the steamer basket, or the broccoli will cook unevenly. If you like a little more bite, steam it closer to 5 minutes. For a softer texture like some restaurant versions, go closer to 7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard serving has about 30 calories, making it one of the lightest sides on the menu.
A standalone side is around $1.99, though prices can vary slightly by location. It is often included free as a side swap with burgers, wraps, and entrées.
Yes. It is part of Red Robin's Bottomless Sides program, so you can get free refills as many times as you like.
Yes, plain steamed broccoli is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free. If you add dipping sauces, check the allergen menu since some sauces may contain gluten or dairy.
Steamed Broccoli is plain with no added seasoning. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is the same steamed broccoli tossed in garlic butter and topped with grated parmesan for extra flavor.