How to Cook Broccolini- 3 Ways

This post shows you how to cook broccolini using three different methods- sautéing, grilling and roasting. Simple, healthy, and flavorful, they are perfect served as a side dish.

Mastering the basics in the kitchen can make you a more confident and efficient cook. I've shared tutorials for how to cook asparagus, and how to cook sweet potatoes in the past, but this post shows you how to cook an extremely underrated veggie- broccolini!

Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli (1). With thin, elongated stems, broccolini tastes similarly to broccoli, but is more tender in texture, and slightly sweeter in flavor.

Broccolini is a great addition to your diet, and is rich in fibre, Vitamins A and C, as well as several minerals (2).

When cooked the right way, broccolini can be an elegant side dish with delicious flavor. Pair it with herb crusted broiled salmon, or perfect backed chicken thighs for a simple, healthy meal.

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Recipe video

Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped these three broccolini recipes. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

Preparing broccolini

Wash- Before you get started with cooking, remove the broccolini from the package, and wash under cool tap water. Arrange the broccolini on a clean tea towel and pat it gently to dry.

Remove leaves- If there are leaves attached to the stems of your broccolini, pull them off and discard.

Trim ends- Slice off the very bottom tip of the broccolini stem (¼ inch or so). We will be cooking the entire broccolini (including stems) so don't trim too much off!

How to cook broccolini

Like broccoli, broccolini can be cooked many different ways: sauteed, steamed, roasted, grilled, and (probably, though I haven't tried) air fried.

Broccolini doesn't take long to cook through (5-10 minutes cook time), and you don't want to overcook it. The stems will still have some crunch when the florets are cooked through.

Scroll to the recipe card for three recipes to roast, grill or sauté broccolini

Flavors that work well

Not only are there a variety of ways to cook broccolini, but there are also so many different flavors that go well with it!

• feta or parmesan cheese
• lemon juice, lemon zest and lime juice
• balsamic vinegar or reduction
• garlic or ginger
• almonds or sesame seeds
• olive oil or butter
• soy sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes
• cheddar and green onions

Recipe ideas

The broccolini recipes that I’m sharing in the recipe card below are 1) Roasted with balsamic vinegar and parmesan, 2) grilled with chili and lime, and 3) sauteed with brown butter and almonds.

There are so many other delicious ways you can enjoy your broccolini, too!

• stir fry– try this teriyaki sauce
• sheet pan- Honey Lemon Salmon with Broccolini
• curry– try adding to this Thai curry
• salad– add raw or blanche them quickly. Try this broccoli salad
• breakfast scramble– sautee with some bacon, onions and mushrooms and top with a poached egg.

More easy side dishes

• Weeknight Coconut Rice
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Easy Sesame Asian Slaw
• Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Maple Butter Roasted Acorn Squash