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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Garlicky Broccolini

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Mar 5, 2025 | Published: Mar 11, 2015
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Garlicky broccolini is a quick and easy veggie side dish -- ready in just 10 minutes -- and a great recipe for trying a simple but delicious way to enjoy broccolini.

Close up of sautéed broccolini with garlic and red pepper flakes on a white plate with lemon wedges.


 

Have you ever tried broccolini?

I think it's a pretty fun vegetable. It’s just fun to say even, don’t you think? My three-year-old does at least.

It’s also a yummy vegetable and an easy one to work into your repertoire.

It comes in a small bunch - only really enough for 2-3 people, assuming you do really like it - and it cooks up quickly.

It has smaller florets than broccoli and longer stems, which are delicious and should be eaten. (Don't worry, they aren't as fibrous and tough as broccoli stems.)

Technically, broccolini is a mix between broccoli and a Chinese leaf vegetable that looks a bit like kale. A bit of a mash-up.

Sautéed broccolini with garlic and red pepper flakes on a white plate with lemon wedges.

So, yeah, it’s delicious and nutritious and all the good things.

Plus, it's a nice step away from the standard broccoli, green beans and peas rotation I tend to find myself in for vegetable side dishes.

For broccolini, I like to steam it a bit, then sauté it (in the same pot, to keep clean-up easy) with some garlic and season with salt and pepper. Very simple but adds great flavor.

And I love that it's very basic ingredients - once you buy the broccolini, you'll probably have everything on hand that you need to make this recipe!

Gotta love recipes like that.

OK, let me share just a few quick tips on making this broccolini recipe.

(Feel free to scroll down to the recipe card if you'd rather.)

Raw broccolini trimmed and cut into long florets and displayed on a white plate.
Broccolini in a steamer basket set in a pot before being cooked.
Cooked broccolini mixed with garlic and red pepper flakes in a pot.
Close up of sautéed broccolini mixed with garlic and red pepper flakes in a pot.

Recipe Notes:

  • Broccolini: You'll want 1 medium bunch of broccolini and you'll need to trim off the very ends, leaving a good bit of stalk. If you have some stalks that are thick, make sure to slice them vertically so they are similarly sized and will cook through evenly.
  • Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is my go-to, but this recipe would work just fine with butter or canola oil or avocado oil if that's what you use.
  • Garlic: We're using 2 cloves, which gives good coverage to the broccolini. You could certainly add a third if you want very garlic-heavy flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes: These add a bit of oomph without being very spicy. You can substitute plain black pepper if you'd rather. (Or, alternatively, use more red pepper flakes to make this on the spicy side.)

Also, a note on texture: You still want a bit of bite - no overcooked or mushy broccolini here - but it should soften enough to make it tender and un-crunchy (yes, that’s a word here, go with it).

The whole process only takes about 10 minutes start to finish, including both the steaming and sautéing steps.

That makes this an easy go-to side dish for any night of the week.

And it's so versatile, you can serve it alongside chicken, steak, pork, whatever you're having!

Cooked broccolini served on a white plate with garlic and red pepper flakes on top and lemon wedges to the side.

And if you need other vegetable side dish inspiration, check out Parmesan roasted broccoli and green beans with mustard butter sauce. Or check out company carrots for an old classic recipe that's great at holidays and special occasions.

So many veggies, so little time.

If you haven’t already, you should definitely give broccolini a try. I think it'll make it into your regular veggie side dish rotation.

Happy cooking and enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

Broccolini spears that are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes and served with lemon wedges on a white round plate.
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5 from 2 votes

Garlicky Broccolini

Garlicky broccolini is a quick and easy veggie side dish -- ready in just 10 minutes -- and a great recipe for trying a simple but delicious way to enjoy broccolini.
Prep Time2 minutes mins
Cook Time8 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Yield: 2 -3 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch broccolini, ends trimmed (leave plenty of stalk)
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat

Instructions

  • Steam the broccolini for 4-6 minutes, until bright green and fork tender, but not overcooked.
  • Remove steamer basket, drain the water and in the same pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
  • Add garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add broccolini, salt and pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Cook and stir occasionally for a final 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 283mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!

This post was originally published in March 2015. It has been updated with new photos and additional text.

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Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

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