Be the first to rate it
This quick, easy broccolini recipe combines sautéing and steaming for perfectly tender-crisp broccolini every single time. Seasoned with garlic, lemon zest, and chili crisp, it’s ready in minutes and pairs with almost any meal. Vegan and GF.
Have I ever told you how much I love broccolini? It’s one of those veggies we always have on our weekly rotation. It’s so quick and easy to prepare and goes with everything, and I mean everything. I always make the full batch, even though it’s just two of us; any leftovers get repurposed the next day, but most often, there are no leftovers.
If you've ever wondered how to cook broccolini, this simple stovetop method is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to bring out its tender texture and vibrant color. Ready in about 15 minutes, it combines quick sautéing and gentle steaming for perfectly tender-crisp broccolini with bright color - a healthy side dish that couldn't be any easier.
But first, what is Broccolini?
Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable - a cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan) - known for its long, tender stems, delicate florets, and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It cooks up quickly, making it an ideal vegetable for weeknight meals. Sometimes called baby broccoli, it may look similar to broccoli rabe, but the two are quite different - broccoli rabe is more bitter and closely related to turnips in the cabbage family.
Why you’ll love this Broccolini recipe!
Incredibly quick and easy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick broccolini recipe is an easy way to add more green veggies to your everyday meals. I prefer this method over roasting in the oven because it is faster, and it just looks better, and is way more tender.
Bursting with flavor! More than simply roasting, sautéing, or steaming, this two-step method brings out the best flavor and texture, and the garlic and lemon zest add an extra boost to elevate it.
Great to pair with so many things! Topped with chili crisp, I love this broccolini as a side with many of our Asian-inspired recipes, added to Buddha bowls or a tasty side dish to tofu, chicken or fish!
BROCCOLINI RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- Broccolini - The star of the dish, tender and slightly sweet with delicate stalks that cook quickly while keeping a pleasant bite.
- Olive oil - Helps the broccolini sauté and develop rich flavor while keeping the texture silky and tender.
- Garlic - Adds savory depth and punchy flavor, complementing the natural sweetness of the broccolini. Roughly chopping the cloves creates little bursts of flavor throughout the dish.
- Lemon zest - Brings bright, fresh citrus notes that lift the flavors and make the broccolini taste lively and balanced.
- Water or broth - Helps gently steam the broccolini so it becomes tender without drying out, creating that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Salt and pepper - Add to taste. Enhances the natural flavor of the vegetables.
- Chili Crisp (optional) - Adds a touch of heat and crunchy texture for those who like a little extra kick and complexity.
How to COOK Broccolini
1. Prep. If you have any thick stems, cut them in half, lengthwise. This will help them cook quickly and more evenly.
2. Sauté. Bring a large skillet to medium heat and warm the olive oil. Add garlic and stir until golden. Add lemon zest and stir for one minute. Add the broccolini and toss to coat with oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Steam. Add a splash of water or broth, bring to a simmer, and cover with a tight lid. Steam the broccolini, covered, until crisp-tender. This will take roughly 4 minutes: the broccolini will be vibrant green with slightly bendy stems. Remove the lid and cook off most of the moisture. Toss well.
4. Serve. Taste and adjust for salt. Then transfer to a serving dish and tipping the garlic and lemon zest on top. Spoon the optional chili crisp over the broccolini and serve. No chili crisp? Sprinkle with Aleppo (or red pepper flakes) and toasted sesame seeds if you like.
Chef’s Tips
- Slice the stems for even cooking. If the stems are thick, slice them lengthwise so everything cooks at the same rate. This prevents crunchy stems or overdone florets.
- Use a large pan. This gives the broccolini space. Overcrowding traps steam too early, preventing that light, sautéed flavor from developing.
- Careful not to burn the garlic. Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so keep an eye on the pan! Let it turn just lightly golden, then add everything else.
- Steam just until vibrant. Bright green color and slightly bendy stems are your cue. It should still have a little snap.
- Remove the lid at the end to cook off excess moisture. This prevents soggy broccolini and helps concentrate the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a protein for a simple, healthy meal. Serve alongside grilled chicken, broiled salmon, shrimp, or baked tofu.
- Add to grain bowls or Buddha bowls. Toss into rice, quinoa, or noodle bowls with a drizzle of Chili Crisp or Sesame Ginger Dressing for a nourishing bowl.
- Serve with pasta. Chop and fold into pasta with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan. Or add to a creamy pasta for contrast.
- Top with a poached egg. A jammy egg over broccolini makes a simple, satisfying breakfast or light lunch!
- Add to Asian-inspired meals. Pair with stir-fries or teriyaki dishes.
- Serve on toast with ricotta or hummus for a quick, savory snack.
Storage
Store leftover broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, or eat chilled!
More Broccolini Recipes You Might Like
⭐️After you try this Broccolini recipe, let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Your review will help other readers, too! Sign up here to join our community and receive our latest recipes and weekly newsletter! xoxo Sylvia
Easy Broccolini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: "How To", easy recipe, Side Dish, Vegetable, vegetable side
- Method: sautéed, steamed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Diabetic, fiber, Gluten Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Paleo, Vegan
Description
This easy broccolini recipe combines sautéing and steaming for perfectly tender-crisp broccolini every single time. Seasoned with garlic, lemon zest, and chili crisp, it’s ready in minutes and pairs with almost any meal. Vegan and GF.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces broccolini, cut thicker stems in half legnthwise (for fastest cooking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- Zest of one lemon
- 3 tablespoons water or broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional- Chili Crisp
Instructions
Prep the broccolini. Cut any thick stems in half lengthwise ( for faster, even cooking).
Saute. Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant and golden. Add the lemon zest, and stir for one minute. Add the broccolini, tossing to coat in the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the water, bring to a simmer, and cover tightly.
Steam covered, until tender-crisp, roughly 4 minutes. The broccolini should be vibrant green, and the stems a little bendy. Uncover and cook off any excess moisture. A little is OK. Taste for salt and adjust.
Serve. Tip broccolini onto a platter, arranging the garlic and lemon zest over top. Spoon a little chili crisp over the broccolini and serve.
Notes
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces, without chili crisp
- Calories: 86
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 186.6 mg
- Fat: 7.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.3 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Protein: 1.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
