For a delicious side dish, Sautéed Broccolini is always a winner! Lightly seared until tender and finished with garlic, lemon, and parmesan, it’s a delicious side you will turn to again and again. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, seafood, or pasta, this easy dish comes together in minutes and adds a delicious touch to any meal.
When it is time to mix up my side dish game, broccolini is a favorite in my kitchen.
It has all the earthy goodness of broccoli but with a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor. When I tested different cooking methods, I found that sautéing broccolini brings out its natural crispness while adding a rich, caramelized depth of flavor.
My version of sautéed broccolini is simple yet packed with bright, fresh taste. A quick sear in avocado oil gives it a slight char, while garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan take it over the top.
It’s the kind of side dish that’s impressive enough for special guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Like most veggies, broccolini works well with your favorite protein or pasta. Serve it with Crockpot Chicken and Noodles, Chicken Potato Bake, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, Chicken Alfredo Bake, Blackstone Salmon, or Ninja Foodi Steak.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Avocado Oil – A neutral, high-heat oil that allows the broccolini to sear beautifully. Swap it with olive oil or grapeseed oil.
- Broccolini – If unavailable, try using baby broccoli.
- Garlic – Minced shallots or garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Sea Salt – Kosher salt or Himalayan salt are great substitutes.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – White pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be used instead.
- Lemon Juice – Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work as alternatives.
- Parmesan Cheese – Nutritional yeast (to keep it dairy-free) or pecorino romano are great swaps if needed.
Prepping Broccolini
To prep broccolini for cooking, start by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Next, trim about ½ inch off the woody ends of the stalks—unlike regular broccoli, broccolini stems are tender and mostly edible, so you don’t need to remove much.
Step by Step Instructions
Tips & Tricks to Sauté Broccolini Like a Pro!
- Trim the Stems – Remove about ½ inch from the ends to get rid of any tough, woody parts for a more tender bite.
- Use High Heat – Cooking over medium-high heat helps achieve a slight char while keeping the broccolini crisp-tender.
- Add Garlic Late – Stir in the garlic near the end to prevent burning and maintain its flavor.
- Cover to Steam – Adding lemon juice and covering the pan for a couple of minutes helps soften the stalks while locking in moisture.
- Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve Immediately – Sautéed broccolini is best enjoyed fresh while warm and crisp. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
20 Minute Sautéed Broccolini Recipe with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound broccolini
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese use rennet free for vegetarian
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, and cook for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Stir, and cook for 3 more minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and stir for another minute. Reduce heat to medium.
- Add the lemon juice, and cover. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Top with parmesan and serve warm.
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