Quick Garlic Lemon Broccolini: 15-Minute Tender and Vibrant Side Dish

Garlic Lemon Broccolini: The Perfect 15-Minute Side Dish

If you’ve never tried broccolini before, you’re in for a delightful culinary treat! This tender, slightly sweet vegetable with long stems and small florets is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Unlike its cousin broccoli, broccolini offers a more delicate flavor and requires minimal preparation to shine.

What Makes This Broccolini Recipe Special

This quick-blanched and sautéed broccolini recipe brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness while adding complementary flavors of garlic and bright lemon. The blanching technique ensures the stalks remain tender-crisp with vibrant green color – perfect for a nutritious side dish that pairs with practically any protein.

Broccolini vs. Broccoli: Understanding the Difference

Despite their similar appearance, broccolini isn’t just baby broccoli. It’s actually a hybrid between broccoli and Chinese gai lan (Chinese broccoli), giving it a more delicate texture and slightly sweeter flavor profile. The entire vegetable is edible – from the slender stems to the small florets – making it a convenient and versatile option.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Broccolini

• 1 bunch fresh broccolini (about 8 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Kitchen Tools Required

• Large skillet with lid
• Colander or strainer
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

How to Cook Broccolini to Perfection

1. Rinse the broccolini thoroughly under cold water and trim about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the stems. If any stems seem particularly thick, slice them lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
2. Place the broccolini in a large skillet and add about 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, cover and blanch the broccolini until it turns bright green and becomes slightly tender, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Drain the broccolini in a colander and quickly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with paper towels.
5. Return the now-empty skillet to medium heat and add the olive oil.
6. When the oil is shimmering, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
7. Add the blanched broccolini to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the broccolini is tender but still maintains a slight crunch.
8. Remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Expert Tips for the Best Broccolini

• Don’t Skip the Blanching: This crucial step helps maintain the broccolini’s vibrant color and creates the perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.
• Make It Ahead: You can blanch the broccolini up to a day ahead, then finish the sauté just before serving.
• Add Variety: For different flavor profiles, try adding toasted pine nuts, shaved Parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccolini

Beyond its delicious taste, broccolini offers impressive nutritional benefits. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. With only about 35 calories per serving, it’s a nutrient-dense addition to any meal that supports immune health and provides antioxidant properties.

Perfect Pairings for Your Broccolini Side Dish

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled salmon or chicken
• Pan-seared steak
• Roasted pork tenderloin
• Creamy risotto
• Garlic mashed potatoes

Storing Leftover Broccolini

If you have leftover broccolini (though it’s unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or enjoy cold in salads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Broccolini

Can I roast broccolini instead of sautéing it?

Absolutely! Toss blanched broccolini with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are crispy.

Do I need to peel broccolini stems?

No, unlike regular broccoli, broccolini stems are tender enough that peeling isn’t necessary. Just trim the very bottom ends.

Is broccolini the same as baby broccoli?

No, though they’re often confused. Broccolini is actually a hybrid vegetable created by crossing broccoli with Chinese gai lan, giving it its distinctive sweet flavor and tender stems.

Can I use frozen broccolini for this recipe?

Fresh is best for this preparation, but if using frozen, skip the blanching step and go straight to sautéing after thawing completely.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccolini Recipe

This simple yet elegant broccolini preparation is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious side dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, lemon, and the natural sweetness of broccolini creates a flavor profile that even vegetable skeptics will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it alongside a protein-packed main course or incorporating it into pasta or grain bowls, this versatile broccolini recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal planning rotation.

This recipe was inspired by Simple Broccolini on Allrecipes.