Garlic Broccolini

What You Need for Garlic Broccolini

1. Broccolini (16 ounces):
   • Broccolini, which is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale, boasts tender stems and a mild, sweet flavor. It is seriously yummy, and so easy to cook. But it takes an ordinary meal and makes it feel fancy. I got this broccolini at Costco, but it is a seasonal item, so just know, if you can’t find it, you can use broccoli for this recipe as well.  However, the broccolini is the perfect canvas for the bold and aromatic seasonings used in this recipe.
2. Olive Oil (1/3 cup):
   • Use a high-quality olive oil, as it serves as the base for this dish, infusing the broccolini with richness and enhancing the overall flavor profile. You can sub avocado oil if desired.
3. Minced Garlic (2 Tbs):
   • Garlic is going to add major flavor to this recipe, so use fresh garlic if possible, or the minced kind that comes in a jar! It provides a pungent and aromatic kick that elevates the broccolini and compliments the chili.
4. Chili Flakes (1 tsp):
   • For a subtle heat, chili flakes add a touch of spice that complements the garlic and olive oil, of course, feel free to adjust the amount to your heat preference. While this is not spicy for most, if you have a low heat tolerance, adjust downward.
5. Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp):
   • Kosher salt enhances the natural sweetness of the broccolini while seasoning the dish to perfection.

How to Make Broccolini

1. Blanch the Broccolini:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
   • Add the broccolini and blanch for about 5 minutes, until broccolini is bright green and slightly tender
   • Drain broccolini, and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
   • Run cold water over broccolini to stop the cooking process.
2. Stir Fry with Flavored Oil:
   • In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add minced garlic, chili flakes, and kosher salt.
   • Stir briefly to infuse the oil with flavor.
   • Add the blanched broccolini and stir-fry for about 1 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Steam to Finish:
   • Pour 1 cup of the blanching water into the pan to create steam, cover pot.
   • Finish cooking the broccolini by letting it steam for an additional minute until the broccolini reaches the desired tenderness.
   • Remove from heat, and serve your garlic broccolini with your favorite protein!

Tips and Tricks for Great Results

1. Blanching Time: Keep a close eye on the broccolini during blanching to ensure it remains vibrant green and retains a slight crunch. Broccolini is not always uniform in size, so if you have thicker or thinner stems, the time will need to be adjusted. So watch it so you do not overcook it, as you do not want mushy results.
2. High-Quality Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich and robust flavor. This is the flavor base of this recipe, so the better the oil, the better the results.
3. Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat to your liking by adjusting the quantity of chili flakes. I found 1 teaspoon gave it just enough flavor without making it unpalatable to my children.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Garlicky Broccolini as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or fish. Our favorites to serve it with include:
  • Oven Fried Fish
  • Oven Fried Chicken
  • Crispy Oven Baked Shrimp
  • Oven Barbecued Beef Brisket
  • Baked Breaded Chicken
  • Oven Poached Salmon
  • Roast Beef Tenderloin
  • Grilled Skirt Steak
• Toss it with pasta for a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal.
• Garnish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve it with the protein of your choice and any of the following:
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Herbed Rice Pilaf
  • Wild Rice Pilaf
  • Salt Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Baked Potato
    

The broccolini is pictured here served with Asian Marinated Salmon!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips for Garlic Broccolini

• Blanch the broccolini in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to stir fry. Will be good for up to 2 days.
• While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• This is not a recipe you want to freeze, and because it is so quick to throw together, it is best made fresh.
• If you have leftovers, you can chop them up and serve them in a casserole like this Broccoli Chicken Casserole

FAQs

1. Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
   • Yes, you can substitute regular broccoli, adjusting the blanching time as needed, as regular broccoli will cook faster, so adjust down to about 2 minutes.
2. Is there a substitute for chili flakes?
   • Crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used as alternatives.

Other Great Recipes

• Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice
• Ham Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
• Pork Medallions with Broccoli (One Pan Meal)
• Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Best Ever Roasted Broccoli

This 5-Ingredient Garlicky Broccolini is a testament to the magic that can be created with just a handful of simple and fresh ingredients. You get vibrant flavors and crisp textures. Simple elegance, and tons of  garlicky goodness. A must make, this is my go to side dish.