Sautéed Broccolini and Garlic (Under 15 Minutes)

Sautéed Broccolini and Garlic is crunchy, tasty, and dripping with flavor. This is a must-try. It’s the perfect side dish. The sesame oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges all combine to give this broccolini dish that sweet flavor. This recipe quickly became one of the tastiest side dishes I’ve ever tasted!

What is broccolini?

So, here is what I can personally tell you about broccolini. It’s often referred to as baby broccoli, broccoli rabe, or Chinese broccoli, which is a hybrid of regular broccoli and Chinese kale. It features smaller florets and thin stalks, offering a more delicate and tender texture than its counterpart. Broccolini has a slightly sweeter taste and can be quickly sautéed to bring out its flavors. A popular addition to this dish is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which adds a subtle tanginess to the broccolini. This versatile vegetable is enjoyed for its unique combination of flavors and its easy cooking process.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Broccolini- I found the small florets with the thinner stems. The thicker broccolini with the long stems are fine as well.

• Butter- I made somewhat of a garlic butter with adding in the minced garlic with butter in this sautéed broccolini recipe.

• Salt: I tried to make this healthy vegetable with less sodium as possible. So, I only used a small amount of salt, but you can adjust the serving to your liking.

• Black Pepper- This adds depth, flavor, and complexity to this sautéed broccolini and garlic recipe.

• Minced Garlic or Garlic Cloves- It’s a wonderful ingredient to use in cooking, and it can truly elevate the flavors of your dishes because it’s a flavor enhancer.

• Lemon Wedges- I love using wedges to add that citrus/lemon zest flavor!  The acidity of lemons can balance and enhance the flavors in savory recipes. In addition, the juice from lemon wedges can add a refreshing and zesty taste to your fresh broccolini. Making this one tasty side dish.

How To Make Sautéed Broccolini and Garlic 

To make sautéed broccolini and garlic with butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon wedges, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the broccolini by trimming the ends and rinsing it thoroughly.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the broccolini to the skillet.

4. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the broccolini to season it.

5. Sauté the broccolini for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes bright green and slightly tender.

6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

7. Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccolini. The amount of lemon juice will depend on your taste preference, but start with half a lemon and adjust accordingly.

8. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well-distributed.

9. Serve the sautéed broccolini and garlic with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

10. Enjoy your delicious sautéed broccolini and garlic as a side dish or a flavorful addition to a main course.

Substitutions

Broccoli- if you can’t find broccolini, you can use standard broccoli. This works just as well.

Leafy Vegetables- use spinach with this same recipe. It’s twice as good.

Green Beans- I actually have a beans recipe similar to this sautéed broccolini recipe. That shows you how versatile this bunch of broccolini is.

Sesame Oil- Adds a distinct taste and a ton of unexpected flavor!

Variations

Spicy- You can add in a bit of spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add as much or as little as you like.

Parmesan- You can sprinkle Parmesan over the entire vegetable if you like a lot of cheese on your broccolini.

Storage

To keep cooked broccolini fresh, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, removing any excess air before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Label the container or bag with the date for easy tracking. Store the cooked broccolini in the refrigerator, which can stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Tips

Trim the ends before cooking; trim about half an inch off the ends of the broccolini stalks.

Questions

What goes with broccolini?

Pork chops, buttermilk fried chicken, and salmon steaks. Ok

Do I need to cut broccolini?

Generally, you do not need to cut broccolini before cooking. Broccolini is a smaller, more slender variety of broccoli, and its stalks are already a suitable size for cooking. However, you may choose to trim off the ends of the broccolini stalks, removing about half an inch if desired.

Is broccolini better raw or cooked?

Broccolini can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, depending on your personal preference. Raw broccolini has a crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste, making it suitable for salads or as a healthy snack. When cooked, broccolini becomes tender with a milder, sweeter flavor.

In Conclusion

Sautéed broccolini and garlic is a versatile side that can be paired with just about any meal. This hybrid of broccoli has a bitter taste that is taken advantage of with the distinct taste of garlic butter and extra virgin olive oil in this recipe. When in peak season, these babies are perfect and can quickly be baked or sautéed up to your liking.