This quick and easy sautéed broccolini side dish is loaded with flavor! Al dente broccolini tossed into sizzling garlic oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of salt will become your go-to veggie side dish.
Broccolini simply does not get the news that it should! This vegetable is a diamond in the rough and can be served as an appetizer or side dish. While broccolini has many similarities to broccoli, it differs in that it has longer stems and a sweeter flavor. Make way, there’s a new favorite veggie in town!
Sizzling garlic oil can practically make any vegetable dish delicious, but it’s the subtle heat from the red pepper flakes that really pull it together. This sautéed broccolini should absolutely be added to your vegetable rotation for meals along with this Roasted Zucchini with Lemon & Garlic or Roasted Green Beans (With Pickled Shallots & Parmesan).
What is Broccolini?
Broccolini is a hybrid between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has longer stems and smaller florets, and is sweeter and earthier than regular broccoli! It’s absolutely underrated and delish! Sautéed simply with olive oil and garlic, veggies will be the first thing gone on your plate.
Sautéed Broccolini Ingredients
- Broccolini – broccolini flavor is similar to broccoli, however, it is slightly more mild and sweet. The long, thin stalks and florets at the end are all edible and absolutely delectable sautéed in the garlic oil.
- Garlic – garlic…because garlic!
- Extra virgin olive oil – olive oil helps sauté the broccolini while also adding flavor and moisture.
- Salt – salt helps enhance the natural flavors of the broccolini.
- Red pepper flakes – if you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes!
How to make Broccolini?
Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline!
- Steam.
Add water to the bottom of a pot. Then, add broccolini, cover, and let steam until it turns bright green, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove.
Remove broccolini with tongs and place in a separate bowl.
- Sauté.
Drain water from the pot and add olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes.
- Toss.
Toss broccolini in garlic oil. Serve.
Sautéed Broccolini Serving Suggestions
Sautéed broccolini can be served in a variety of ways, such as an appetizer, side dish, or even part of a larger meal. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions!
- Roasted or grilled meat: Serve the sautéed broccolini alongside roasted or grilled meat or fish like Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Blackened Salmon, or Baked Chicken Meatballs.
- Sautéed or roasted vegetables: They also go really well with other sautéed or roasted vegetables such as Herb Roasted Root Vegetables.
- Potatoes: Sautéed broccolini pairs perfectly with potatoes like these Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes.
- Creamy pasta: The creaminess of certain pasta dishes like Chicken Alfredo, Lemon Pasta, or even this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta would complement the sweetness of the sautéed broccolini.
More Veggie Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love!
- Roasted Green Beans (With Pickled Shallots & Parmesan)
- Roasted Zucchini with Lemon & Garlic
- Roasted Maple Glazed Carrots
- Spicy Harissa Roasted Carrots
- Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Candied Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 bunches broccolini about an inch of the stems cut off
- 2 large garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/6 teaspoon salt
- Hot pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Add about a cup of water to the bottom of a medium pot. Add broccolini, cover, and let steam for 4-5 minutes until the broccolini turns bright green, al dente and has a bit of “give” when poked with a fork.
- Remove broccolini from the pot with tongs, shaking off excess water (a little leftover water is okay!). Place broccolini in a separate bowl.
- Dump out water from your pot and add olive oil, garlic, salt, and hot pepper flakes to taste. Heat garlic for 2 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Add broccolini, using tongs to toss in garlic oil. Serve.
