10-minute lemon garlic sautéed broccolini

This recipe for 10-minute sautéed broccolini flavored with garlic, lemon and chilli flakes is a delicious and easy side dish.

What is broccolini?

Broccolini or baby broccoli is a long stemmed hybrid of broccoli. It is much easier to cook and prepare than broccoli as it needs very little prep and cooks very quickly. It’s a delicious, healthy vegetable that is perfect as a quick side dish. It’s great both sautéed and roasted.

Ingredients needed

• Broccolini. 
• Extra-virgin olive oil. You can use butter or another neutral oil too.
• Garlic cloves. 
• Lemon juice. 
• Chilli flakes / Red pepper flakes.
• Salt and pepper. 

How to cook broccolini

1. Prepare the broccolini: Trim around 1-2cm off the ends of the broccolini stalks. This piece can often be a little woody so it’s best to trim and discard.
2. Sauté: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil then add the broccolini. Toss in the oil then add 1/4 cup of water and cover with a lid (or a large plate if your pan doesn’t have a lid). Allow to steam for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and allow any water to cook off then add the sliced garlic, chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve. For even more flavor, serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Do I need to boil broccolini before sautéing?

Broccolini stems and florets are much more tender than regular broccoli and cook much quicker so I don’t see the need to par-cook before sautéing. Simply wash the broccolini, trim and sauté until tender.

Can I make this ahead?

As this recipe cooks so quickly, I never make it ahead however it can be cooked a few days ahead and kept in the fridge.  Leftovers can also be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Allow the cooked broccolini to cool then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in a warm pan until hot throughout.

Serving suggestion

I love serving broccolini with chicken, steak or fish. It’s honestly the perfect quick, easy and healthy side dish recipe.

1. Rosemary lemon chicken thighs
2. Grilled salmon with lemon caper sauce
3. Grilled steak with Anchovy Compound Butter

Easy side dish recipes

1. Cucumber, tomato and red onion salad
2. Bacon garlic sauteed green beans
3. Quick and easy curry rice