Grilled broccolini is an easy and nutritious side dish to add to the menu this summer. Broccolini is lightly seasoned, grilled until caramelized and tender, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Recipe summary
Flavor/texture: Tender grilled broccolini with mild seasoning and a bright hint of lemon.
Easy addition to the grill: The long stalks can be tossed directly on the grill and cook in about 4-8 minutes, depending on thickness.
Serves: 4 people
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Broccolini - You may find broccolini labeled as broccoletti or baby broccoli (although it's not actually a baby version of broccoli) at your local grocer. Broccolini can also be substituted with asparagus, since they would be grilled in the same way.
- Oil - Use an oil with a high smoke point. Vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil are great choices.
- Seasoning - Salt, pepper, and garlic powder add mild flavor to your broccolini. Feel free to use your favorite spice blend to add a unique flavor. Everyday seasoning or cajun seasoning are great options!
- Lemon juice - Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your broccolini just before serving. This is optional, but adds a bright, fresh flavor that's perfect for summer.
How to grill broccolini
- Remove excess leaves from your broccolini while the grill preheats.
- Toss broccolini in oil and seasoning.
- Add to the grill perpendicular to the grill grates.
- Grill for 2-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your broccolini.
Tips and tricks
Don't have a grill? - If you don't own a grill, this recipe can also be prepared in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, place your prepared broccolini onto a baking sheet, and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your broccolini.
Variety of thick and thin stems? - Carefully slice very thick stems in half to help reduce the grilling time and ensure they cook through all the way.
Don't rely on cooking time alone - Cook your broccolini until it feels tender but not floppy or soggy. It will still look bright green and vibrant when it's perfectly cooked. The cooking times are suggestions and your grill temperature and broccolini thickness will vary slightly.
Frequently asked questions
Broccolini, also called broccoletti or baby broccoli, is a vegetable that looks similar to broccoli, but with longer stalks and smaller florets. It's actually a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan), which is a leafy vegetable with thick stems. Broccolini has a milder flavor, thinner and more tender stalks, and less tightly packed florets compared to broccoli.
Broccolini goes well with many main dishes because of the mild flavor in the recipe. I like serving it with Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwiches, Grilled Chicken Tenders, or Grilled Bison Burgers.
Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and will soften over time.
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📖 Recipe
Grilled Broccolini
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccolini
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ lemon
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If needed, clean grill grates.
- Remove excess leaves from your broccolini as desired. If your broccolini has a variety of thick and thin stems, you may want to slice the thickest stems in half for even cooking.
- Place broccolini in a bowl, drizzle with oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Wipe grill grates lightly with oil. Using tongs, place broccolini stalks perpendicular across the grill grate. For thin broccolini, cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thicker broccolini may need up to 6 to 8 minutes to cook through. Rely less on time and more on the look and feel of your vegetables to determine when they're done cooking. Grilling temperatures and conditions can vary greatly.
- Carefully remove broccolini from grill with tongs onto a serving plate. Squeeze lemon over broccolini and serve warm.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Use the right oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning on the grill. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil are great choices.
- Storage: Leftover broccolini will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
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