Name: Sauteed Broccolini with Garlic and Lemon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs. broccolini; 2 tbsp. unsalted butter; 1 clove garlic (minced (or more if desired)); 1/4 tsp. salt ((add more to taste if desired)); 1/2 tsp. pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 lemon ((for juice))

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Light, fresh, tender Sauteed Broccolini with a touch of lemon juice and garlic is the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus it's easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes!

This recipe was originally published in January 2017. It has been updated with better content and photos. Scroll down below the recipe card to get a glimpse of the old photo - it's pretty funny!

If you've never had broccolini before, now is the time to try it. While similar to broccoli, it has a sweeter flavor and is more tender and buttery.

It's incredible simple to cook, sauteed in an easy combination of butter, garlic and chicken stock until perfectly tender.

Drizzled with a touch of lemon juice to bring out the fresh flavor, this is one of those simple side dishes that you'll want to serve at all the meals! It's a great delicious way to get all those leafy green nutrients too.

What is Broccolini ?

Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. It has a sweeter flavor than regular broccoli, perhaps closer to asparagus than broccoli. The entire vegetable is edible, to include the leaves, stalks, and any flowers so feel free to throw it all in the pot. Read more about broccolini.

Why This Recipe Works

It is slowly sauteed in chicken stock, which adds both flavor and tenderness to the broccolini;
Just a touch of butter adds the perfect richness to the dish;
Garlic is an excellent complement to the flavor of the broccolini;
A fresh squeeze of lemon juice at the end brings out the fresh flavor of the broccolini.

Step By Step Instructions

Trim the broccolini, taking about 1 inch off the bottom of the stalks. Slice any thick stalks lengthwise so they cook evenly.

Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it softens and starts to brown.

Add the broccolini and mix to coat with the butter. Cook for about 2 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until broccolini is tender.

Check on the broccolini every 5 minutes or so to ensure the liquid has not evaporated. If it has, add an additional ⅛ cup of broth and continue cooking (covered).

Squeeze ½ a lemon over the top and serve.

Expert Tips

If the broth cooks off before broccolini is tender, add an additional ⅛ cup and continue cooking until tender.
Slice the stalks in half lengthwise if they are thick so they cook more evenly and become tender;
Add additional salt to taste, but note the lemon juice adds a salty flavor so be careful with the salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between broccoli and broccolini? Broccolini has a much more delicate texture than broccoli. It also is smaller and has a slight sweeter flavor. I find, however, it can be used interchangeably with broccoli in many recipes.
How do you cut broccolini? I typically trim the bottom 1" off the stalks. Also, if some of the stems are thick, I slice them in half (lengthwise) so they cook up nice and tender.
Can you eat broccolini raw? It can be eaten raw, but tastes best when cooked. I find it has a slightly bitter taste when eaten raw.
Can you eat broccolini leaves? Yes, the entire stalk of broccolini is edible.
How long does broccolini last? It will last about 3 days in the fridge in a covered container.
Can you freeze broccolini? Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain thoroughly and place on a baking sheet directly in the freezer for 3 hours. Place in a freezer bag and store up to 6 months. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving Options

Instant Pot Chicken Paprika;
Honey Baked Ham;
Sweet Chili Shrimp (if you want to keep things light & healthy);
Kakuni (Japanese Pork Belly);
Linguine with Clam Sauce.

More Amazing Vegetable Side Dishes

Did you make this Sauteed Broccolini recipe? Rate the recipe and leave me a comment below to let me know how it turned out!

sauteed broccolini on a plate with a lemon

Sauteed Broccolini with Garlic and Lemon

Light, fresh, tender Sauteed Broccolini with a touch of lemon juice and garlic is the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus it's easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes!

5 from 13 votes

Print Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 116kcal

Author: Danielle Wolter

Ingredients

Instructions

Trim the broccolini, taking about 1 inch off the bottom of the stalks. Slice any thick stalks lengthwise so they cook evenly.
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it softens and starts to brown.
Add the broccolini and mix to coat with the butter. Cook for about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until broccolini is tender.
Check on the broccolini every 5 minutes or so to ensure the liquid has not evaporated. If it has, add an additional ⅛ cup of broth and continue cooking (covered).
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon on top and serve.

Expert Tips:

If the broth cooks off before broccolini is tender, add an additional ⅛ cup and continue cooking until tender.
Slice the stalks in half lengthwise if they are thick so they cook more evenly and become tender;
Add additional salt to taste, but note the lemon juice adds a salty flavor so be careful with the salt.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container.
How to freeze: Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain thoroughly and place on a baking sheet directly in the freezer for 3 hours. Place in a freezer bag and store up to 6 months. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

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Take a look at this oldie but goodie!

Squeeze some fresh lemon over the top and serve.