An elegant alternative to broccoli, Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic is fresh, flavorful, and cooked to tender perfection. It's great for any occasion and easy to make!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You’ll Love this Broccolini Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic
• 🔪 How to Make Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic
• ☑️ How to Store Leftover Sautéed Broccolini
• 💡 Tips for Buying Fresh Broccolini
• 🍴 What Do You Eat Broccolini With?
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• How to Prepare and Cook Broccolini
• How is Broccolini Different from Broccoli?
• Do You Cut the Stems Off Broccolini?
• Is Broccolini Good for Keto?
• Can You Eat Raw Broccolini?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

❤️ Why You’ll Love this Broccolini Recipe

• Tender broccolini tossed in a garlic butter sauce
• It makes an elegant alternative to broccoli
• Easy to make in under 15 minutes
• Great for special occasion dinners

This vibrant vegetable, with its slender stalks and delicate florets, is a close cousin of broccoli but has a slightly milder and unique flavor. For this recipe, freshly blanched broccolini is sautéed in a velvety-rich garlic-herb mixture until deliciously fork-tender.

You'll love the way fresh garlic and lemon enhance the flavors of the broccolini without covering up it's natural sweetness. Whether it's for a busy weeknight side or an addition to a special occasion meal, this recipe is easy and always makes a beautiful presentation.

If you love this sautéed broccolini, you should also try it grilled! This recipe for Grilled Broccolini is bright and fresh and super easy to prepare.

🛒 Ingredients for Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic

• Broccolini
• Garlic
• Butter
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon zest
• Parsley
• Lemon thyme (or thyme)
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Large bowl

🔪 How to Make Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic

Wash and trim the ends of your broccolini, then boil in salted water for 3–4 minutes or until just tender.

Drain and plunge into a of cold water and ice. 

This stops the broccolini from cooking any further and also sets its beautiful green color.

Heat a large skillet to medium and add in the garlic, butter, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. 

Sauté it for 15 seconds, making sure not to brown it.

Add in the broccolini and cook just until the broccolini is heated through, then serve.

☑️ How to Store Leftover Sautéed Broccolini

Allow the sautéed broccolini to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you don't plan to serve the leftovers within a few days, you can also freeze them. Just be aware that freezing can affect the texture, making them softer when thawed and reheated. To freeze them, place the broccolini in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months.

To reheat, add the thawed broccolini to a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

💡 Tips for Buying Fresh Broccolini

Color: Choose broccolini with a vibrant, deep green color. Avoid any bunches with yellowing or wilted stems.

Stalks: Opt for broccolini with crisp, firm stalks. If they appear rubbery or soft, that’s a sign they’re not as fresh as you want them to be.

Size: Look for bunches with florets that are small and tightly packed. This indicates they are more tender and are harvested when they are younger.

Avoiding blooming: You will want to avoid broccolini with open or blooming florets because that is a sign of over-ripeness, which can result in it having a bitter taste.

Examine the package: If buying bunches that are pre-packaged, take a good look for any signs of discoloration or moisture in the packaging. Moisture will lead to deterioration, which will cause it to be mushy with an unpleasant smell.

🍴 What Do You Eat Broccolini With?

When considering what to serve with broccolini, think about the main courses that you would typically serve with cabbage or fresh broccoli. Here are some popular main courses that I like to serve with it:

• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Prime Rib for Two -great for date night
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Air-Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Crockpot Meatloaf

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a broccolini dish that suits your preferences:

• Olive oil: Substitute olive oil for butter if you're looking for a dairy-free option.

• Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or basil.

• Citrus options: Instead of lemon zest, try using lime or orange zest to add a different twist.

• Nuts or seeds: Toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and nutty topping to the finished dish.

• Cheese: For a cheesy topping, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese over the top before serving.

• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle some of this homemade balsamic glaze over the sautéed broccolini just before serving for a sweet and tangy flavor.

• Asparagus: If you can't find broccolini, you can use regular broccoli or asparagus as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Soy sauce and sesame oil: Give this dish an Asian flair by adding a few drops of soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil to the butter mixture.

• Crispy bacon: Add crispy bacon, pancetta or prosciutto for a savory and smoky topping.

How to Prepare and Cook Broccolini

• Rinse and trim: Always begin by rinsing the broccolini under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off any discolored or tough ends of the stems using a sharp knife. Remove any of the leaves that may still be attached.

• Blanching (optional): While blanching is not required, it can help preserve the vibrant green color and give it a slightly softer texture.  

• Drying: Whether blanching or rinsing, make sure to pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help ensure a better sauté and prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

How is Broccolini Different from Broccoli?

Broccolini, sometimes called baby broccoli, is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Broccolini has longer, firmer stems with smaller leaves and florets as compared to regular broccoli.

When it comes to flavor, broccolini would most closely fit in the cabbage family. It’s a little milder, and even when raw, it has a milder flavor than regular broccoli.

Do You Cut the Stems Off Broccolini?

While you can, it is not required. When cooked, they become tender and are very flavorful.

Is Broccolini Good for Keto?

Broccolini is low-carb, plus it's loaded with nutrients. It is a great source of fiber and vitamins C and A. There're only 6 grams of carbs in a 4 stalk serving, and with only 35 calories, it makes the perfect veggie side dish for Keto or any other diet.

Can You Eat Raw Broccolini?

Sure! It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, making it a crunchy and nutritious addition to salads or vegetable trays.

🍽️ More Delicious Side Dish Recipes

• Air Fryer Baby Carrots
• Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Creamed Corn
• Garlic Potatoes with Green Beans