This sautéed broccolini is a simple, flavorful side dish made with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon. Cooked just until tender-crisp, it highlights the natural sweetness of broccolini while keeping the texture fresh and vibrant.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Sautéed Broccolini
🕒 Ready In: ~15 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~120 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Broccolini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes
📖 Dietary Info: Vegan; gluten-free; dairy-free
👌 Difficulty: Easy - quick stovetop side dish
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Quick to prepare and made with just a handful of ingredients, this dish works well as an everyday vegetable side or as part of a more polished meal. Finished with red pepper flakes for subtle heat, it pairs easily with chicken, fish, pasta, or grain bowls.
If you're looking for more easy vegetable sides, you may also enjoy our Maple Glazed Carrots, Turnip Greens, or Balsamic Green Beans to round out your meals.
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Why You'll Love this Sautéed Broccolini:
Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Fresh and vibrant: Lemon and garlic bring out the natural flavor of the broccolini.
Perfect texture: Tender-crisp with just the right amount of bite.
Versatile side dish: Pairs well with chicken, steak, pasta, or fish.
Naturally healthy: A simple way to add greens to any meal.
Key Ingredients:
- garlic cloves. Adds a bold, aromatic punch, sauté just until fragrant so it doesn't burn.
- broccolini. A sweeter, more tender cousin of broccoli; trim the ends if they're tough.
- lemon juice. Brightens the dish and balances the garlic and oil.
- red pepper flakes. Add a touch of heat, use more or less depending on your spice preference.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Use a different oil: Swap olive oil for avocado oil or butter for a slightly different flavor.
- Add citrus zest: Lemon zest can be added along with the juice for extra brightness.
- Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Add cheese: Finish with grated Parmesan or pecorino just before serving.
- Change the greens: This method also works well with broccoli florets, asparagus, or green beans.
How to Make Sautéed Broccolini:
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant (don't let it brown).
- Step 2: Add the broccolini to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Trim the stems: Cut off any dry or tough ends so the broccolini cooks evenly.
- Don't overcook: Broccolini is best when tender-crisp, soft but still vibrant green.
- Use a large skillet: This helps the broccolini sear instead of steam.
- Add the garlic first: Let it bloom in the oil for maximum flavor, but watch closely so it doesn't burn.
- Customize the seasoning: Add lemon zest, parmesan, or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- Finish with salt: A final sprinkle of salt after cooking brings all the flavors together.
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How to Store:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The broccolini will soften slightly but still tastes great.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavor.
Freeze: Not recommended, broccolini becomes mushy after thawing.
Sautéed Broccolini FAQs:
Sautéed broccolini stays tender-crisp when it's cooked over medium heat for 6-8 minutes and stirred occasionally. Cooking just until bright green prevents it from becoming soft or mushy.
No, sautéed broccolini does not need to be blanched first. Cooking it directly in a skillet with olive oil allows it to soften while developing flavor at the same time.
For sautéed broccolini, both the stems and florets are used. The stems are tender enough to cook evenly with the florets and do not need to be trimmed heavily.
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Sautéed Broccolini
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds broccolini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant (don't let it brown).
- Add the broccolini to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccolini is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Nutrition
Notes
- Trim the stems: Cut off any dry or tough ends so the broccolini cooks evenly.
- Don't overcook: Broccolini is best when tender-crisp, soft but still vibrant green.
- Use a large skillet: This helps the broccolini sear instead of steam.
- Add the garlic first: Let it bloom in the oil for maximum flavor, but watch closely so it doesn't burn.
- Customize the seasoning: Add lemon zest, parmesan, or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- Finish with salt: A final sprinkle of salt after cooking brings all the flavors together.
Kae says
this was really good, quick and easy too