Looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish to complement your meal? Look no further than sautéed broccolini with garlic. This easy-to-make dish is not only quick to prepare but also packs a punch in terms of health benefits. With tender-crisp broccolini perfectly seasoned and enhanced with the zesty freshness of lemon, it's sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
In this article, we'll walk you through the process of sautéing baby broccoli with garlic to perfection.
We'll start by listing the simple ingredients you'll need, followed by a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish. Plus, we'll share some expert tips to ensure your broccolini turns out just right every time.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair these sautéed broccolini with lemon pepper chicken thighs or pan fried trout, or smoked paprika chicken thighs for a delicious meal.
Let's get cooking!
Jump to:
What is Broccolini?
Broccolini or baby broccoli is a yummy veggie that looks like broccoli but with longer, slimmer stalks and smaller florets. It's a mix of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, so it's got a slightly sweeter taste than regular broccoli.
You can cook it up just like broccoli and enjoy its tender-crisp texture and delicious flavor. It's a healthy choice packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any meal!
Ingredients:
To whip up a batch of sautéed broccolini, gather these simple ingredients:
- Broccolini: This is the star of the dish, providing a flavorful and nutritious base. Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable, combining the taste of broccoli with a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Lemon (both juice and zest): Lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish, while lemon zest contributes aromatic citrus notes that enhance the overall freshness.
- Garlic: Garlic is used to infuse the broccolini with a savory depth of flavor. When sautéed, garlic releases its aromatic oils, adding richness to the dish.
- Red pepper chili flakes: These flakes provide a subtle kick of heat, balancing the dish's flavors and adding a touch of spice.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: These seasonings enhance the taste of the broccolini, bringing out its natural flavors and adding depth to the dish. They also help to balance the acidity from the lemon juice.
Here's How to Sauté Broccolini in Easy Steps:
Here's how to sauté broccolini in easy steps:
Step 1: Get Broccolini Ready
- Boil some water in a pot with a pinch of salt. Cook the broccolini in the boiling water for about 2 minutes until they're a bit soft but still have a nice crunch.
- Take them out and put them in a bowl of ice water to cool down. Drain them well.
Step 2: Make It Tasty
In a pan, heat up some oil along with lemon zest, red pepper chili flakes, and garlic over medium heat until they smell really good and the garlic turns golden brown.
Step 3: Sautée Time
- Throw the baby broccoli into the pan and give it a good stir for a couple of minutes until everything's mixed well.
- Sprinkle some kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Squeeze in some lemon juice and give it another stir. Turn off the heat and enjoy your delicious sautéed broccolini!
Tips:
Here are some handy tips to make your sautéed broccolini even better:
- Trim the Stems: Before cooking, trim the tough ends of the broccolini stems for a more tender texture.
- Don't Overcook: When parboiling the broccolini, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You want it to be just tender but still crisp.
- Ice Bath: Plunging the broccolini into ice water after boiling helps retain its vibrant green color and stops the cooking process quickly.
- Preheat the Pan: Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the broccolini. This helps to quickly sear the veggies and lock in their flavors.
- Garlic Watch: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. It can turn bitter if it gets too dark, so keep an eye on it and remove from heat when it's golden brown.
- Customize Seasonings: Adjust the amount of red pepper chili flakes to suit your spice preference. You can also try adding other seasonings like Parmesan cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor.
- Finish with Lemon: Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing citrus kick. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
By following these tips, you'll be sure to create a flavorful and perfectly cooked batch of sautéed broccolini every time!
Storage:
To store any leftover sautéed broccolini, follow these simple steps:
- Cool Down: Allow the broccolini to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the broccolini soggy.
- Transfer to an Airtight Container: Place the cooled broccolini in an airtight container. Make sure the container is not too large, as extra space can cause the broccolini to dry out more quickly.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container of broccolini in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Avoid Stacking: If possible, arrange the broccolini in a single layer in the container to prevent them from getting squished or damaged.
For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.
Reheating:
Reheating sautéed broccolini is easy! Here's how:
- Microwave: Place the leftover broccolini in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or olive oil. Once hot, add the leftover broccolini and stir occasionally until heated through. This method allows you to control the heat and prevent overcooking.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover broccolini in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the broccolini to prevent overheating. Enjoy your reheated sautéed broccolini as a tasty and convenient side dish!
Check Out More Easy Side Dish Recipes:
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📖 Recipe
Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic
Equipment
- a pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccolini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves (sliced)
- ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- zest from one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or about ¼ teaspoon of regular salt (more or less according to your liking)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)
Method
- Trim broccolini by cutting off tough ends and rinsing under cold water. If some stems are very thick, cut them in half lengthwise to ensure uniformity in length and thickness.
- Boil 6 cups water with ½ tablespoon kosher salt. Blanch broccolini for 2 mins until tender-crisp and bright green. Cool in ice water, then drain.
- In a pan, heat oil with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and garlic until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add broccolini to the pan and mix for about 2 minutes. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and black pepper, then stir in lemon juice. Turn off the heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, black pepper, red chili pepper, or lemon juice, as desired.
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