Broccolini is one of my favorite veggies this time of year, and this is a simple and delicious way to make it! You’ll love the flavors in this sesame garlic broccolini recipe!
What is Broccolini?
This yummy veggie often gets the nickname “baby broccoli,” however, it is anything but! Often mistaken for young, tender broccoli stalks, broccolini is actually a new hybrid vegetable. It was created in the 1990s as a mix of broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
Have any broccoli stem lovers in your house? They will love broccolini. My dad has always preferred the stems of the broccoli and broccolini have long, tender stems that can be eaten without peeling. In fact, the entire plant is edible and I find that it has a much more mild and slightly sweeter flavor than broccoli.
How to Cook Broccolini
This cousin of broccoli is one of the easiest veggies to cook! It can be steamed, roasted, grilled, sautéed, or used in casseroles or soups. The recipe below is my favorite way to make broccolini, but the options are really endless.
Make a whole meal out of it by using broccolini in place of broccoli in any recipe. We love this this cheesy chicken broccoli casserole with broccolini and it is one of my go-to meals on busy nights.
How Long do you Cook Broccolini?
Until it’s done. 🙂
Cook time depends on the method, but it can be steamed for about 5 minutes, roasted in the oven for about 20, and grilled until just tender.
Can you Roast Broccolini?
Yes, and this is my second-favorite way to make it. To prepare it this way, just toss it on a baking sheet (no need to cut up first). Drizzle with olive oil or other oil of choice and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and browned on the edges. Serve alone or sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
And now on to the recipe…
Sesame Garlic Broccolini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 bunches broccolini
- 2 TBSP toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add broccolini and cook for 5 minutes, until tender.
- Pour water off and return broccolini to pan.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the broccolini.
- Toss to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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I don’t think I’ve ever cooked broccolini so perfectly. This was a very helpful article. I served it with some instant pot made beef and white rice.
Ya know what? I was trying to think of a quick, yummy side for Christmas dinner that is different from what I normally serve & I think I’m going to make this! Thanks Katie!
Thanks for sharing this. My husband decided we shouldn’t eat broccolini “because it’s hybrid.” I said all veggies are hybrid to some extent, but he still won’t eat it. I don’t mind, as it’s expensive where we live, but what are your thoughts?
Hybrid is much different than GMO. This article explains it well: https://www.foodrenegade.com/hybrid-seeds-vs-gmos/