How to Saute Broccolini
on Apr 14, 2021, Updated Aug 21, 2024
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Sauteed broccolini is the world's simplest vegetable dish, and pairs perfectly with all kind of dishes. A go-to weeknight side.
What is Broccolini?
You might think from the name alone that broccolini is baby broccoli. It is in fact related to broccoli with a very similar though milder and ever so slightly sweeter flavor, but the stalks are longer and slimmer and the heads are much smaller. It’s a cross between regular old broccoli that we see in markets, and a type of Chinese broccoli called gai lan or jai lan. Sometimes you will see broccolini called broccolette.
How to Saute Broccolini: Sauteed broccolini is the world’s simplest vegetable dish, and pairs perfectly with all kind of dishes. A go-to weeknight side.
Can You Substitute Regular Broccoli for Broccolini?
If you can’t find broccolini, you can definitely use regular broccoli in most recipes calling for broccolini. Just make sure to trim the bottom of the stem, and peel the outer thick skin from the stem, then chop it into pieces of the size called for in the recipe and proceed.
How to Saute Broccolini
It’s super simple. Trim the bottom of the broccolini and then chop the broccolini into the desired size pieces. About 1/2 to 1-inch will work great here, but you can also leave it in bigger pieces if you like.
Heat some olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the broccolini, along with garlic and red pepper flakes if desired, season with salt, and stir occasionally for 5 to 8 minutes, until it is as tender as you like it. If you want to add a bit of liquid to the pan it will help the broccolini cook a bit more; a couple of tablespoons of water or broth is fine.
If you like a more pronounced bitter flavor, try this preparation with broccoli rabe.
This is a great match for all kinds of dishes from Asian to Mediterranean to a good old burger. It was a nice match for this Sheetpan Roasted Marinated Chicken and Potatoes and it would be great with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes. Or try it with Miso Salmon.
Other Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipes:
- Sautéed Garlic Broccoli
- Roasted Baby Squash
- Sautéed Green Beans with Thyme Butter
- How to Roast Asparagus
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How to Saute Broccolini
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chopped broccolini
- Generous pinch red pepper flakes or to taste
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium high heat. Add the oil, then add the garlic, broccolini and red pepper flakes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 or 6 minutes or so until the broccolini is crisp tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, then either serve hot or transfer to a plate and allow to cool to room temperature.
