Recipe

20 Broccolini Recipes To Cook For Your Family

Source : recipes

Broccolini, also known as baby broccoli or broccolette, is a unique and delicious vegetable that is a hybrid created by crossing broccoli with Chinese kale. This results in a slender, long-stemmed vegetable with small florets. This has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is less bitter than regular broccoli.

Its tender stems and delicate florets make it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes. Whether steamed, sautéed, roasted, or grilled, broccolini maintains its vibrant green color and crisp texture, adding a pop of freshness to any meal. In addition to being delicious, it is also packed with nutritional benefits. So here are 20 best broccolini recipes for you to introduce this nutrient-dense vegetable to your family:

1. Lemon Garlic Broccolini

Source : bigdeliciouslife

This broccolini dish is made with the fresh flavors of lemon and garlic with the vibrant green goodness of broccolini. Often served alongside grilled chicken or fish, it can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing vegetarian option.

Broccolini is first blanched in boiling water until it becomes tender. It is then flavored with a sauce made by combining freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The sauce coats the vegetable so as to infuse it with the flavors of lemon and garlic.

2. Broccolini Stir-Fry

Source : goodchefbadchef

Most stir-fry dishes are supposedly healthy and full of flavor, and this dish is no exception. Common vegetables that go with this vegetable are sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. For seasoning, you can add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. In addition to flavor, these ingredients also provide a savory and slightly nutty taste to the dish.

You can customize it as per your liking by adding protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp. To keep it vegetarian, toss in some cashews or peanuts for added texture and protein.

3. Parmesan Roasted Broccolini

Source : veggiesmadeeasy

This is great for making your kids eat broccolini. The combination of rich and nutty taste of Parmesan with the earthy and smoky flavors of roasted broccolini makes it palatable to kids and adults alike. It is a healthy side dish with a subtle sweet flavor from the roasting process.

To prepare Parmesan Roasted Broccolini, start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim the ends of the broccolini and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the broccolini, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the broccolini, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the broccolini gently to ensure that all the pieces are well-coated.

4. Broccolini Pesto Pasta

Source : slurrp

Broccolini pasta is one of the most common dishes with this vegetable. Made with pesto sauce, it is a flavorful and vibrant green color. As you add the pesto sauce, it coats every strand of pasta, providing a burst of herbaceous and cheesy goodness in every bite. If you're looking to increase fiber in your diet, this is a perfect dinner option for you.

It is important that the pesto sauce coats each and every pasta piece so that it is mixed properly throughout the dish. You can then add toppings like mint and Parmesan cheese to further enhance the flavor.

5. Thair-stir fry with Broccolini

Source : feastingathome

Thair-stir fry is distinguished by the particular set of vegetables and, more importantly, the Thai sauce. Broccolini is not traditionally a Thai ingredient, but this fusion dish is now quite popular among the people.

The Thai sauce used in this recipe is prepared by whisking together coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Once it's ready, it is poured into the skillet with broccolini and other vegetables. You can also add a protein of your choice to balance out the nutrients in the dish.

6. Grilled Broccolini

Source : leitesculinaria

When grilled, broccolini takes on a smoky and slightly charred flavor that enhances its natural sweetness. It is a quick and easy process to obtain a delicious and nutrient-rich dish. This is the perfect side dish when you're on a diet and watching the calories you consume. This dish will keep you full for a long time with almost no added calories.

It is important to marinate the vegetables in a marinade of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance its flavor. Do not grill it for more than 5-7 minutes so as to not decrease the nutrient content.

7. Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccolini

Source : howsweeteats

Honey Mustard chicken is a popular dish in itself, but the addition of broccolini helps to add more nutrients to it. Like in previous recipes, the sauce plays an important role in this one, too. This sauce is prepared with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce.

This is also extremely easy to prepare and a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. As they cook together, juices from the chicken mix with the glaze and spice up the broccolini pieces. Have this with a side of white rice or some pasta.

8. Broccolini Quiche

Source : lacuisinedegeraldine

A quice is considered a healthy food on its own. To add broccolini to this is to further increase its nutrition quotient. Like all quiches, it consists of a crust consisting of a filling made by whisking together eggs, milk, cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Broccolini is added to the filling before adding the filling to the pre-baked pie crust. Once the quiche is assembled, it is baked in the oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The result is a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner.

9. Broccolini and Sausage Skillet

Source : foodbymars

It is similar to a stir fry except that the broccolini is cooked along with sausages in a large skillet. This one-pan meal contains both sweet and savory notes. The sausage adds the savory element, while the broccolini is mildly sweet. The secret in the process is the use of the same skillet for both sausage and broccolini. The sausage releases oils and juices, which then flavors the broccolini.

As you are cooking, ensure that the broccolini retains its vibrant green color and subtle crunch. You can also add garlic and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.

10. Asian Broccolini

Source : alpsandamici

Asian cuisine has a particular set of ingredients like garlic, ginger, sesame, and soy, which brings a distinct flavor to a dish. In this Asian-inspired dish, the vegetable is cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. The concentration and method of preparation might differ depending on which country in Asia it is cooked.

Either way, broccolini with large florets and small slender stalks are better suited to soak up the sauce. To garnish, use classic Asian ingredients like sesame seeds and cilantro, along with some kale and spinach.

11. Steamed Broccolini

Source : streetsmartkitchcom

Steamed broccolini is the easiest recipe on this list. Since baby broccolis are already mildly sweet with a hint of earthy flavor, a simple blanching process can easily enhance the flavor. The steaming process also helps to preserve the nutritional value of the vegetable, as it requires minimal cooking time and reduces the loss of nutrients.

You can season the dish with salt and pepper but can also use a flavorful Asian glaze if you like. This dish is often enjoyed as a side dish, added to stir-fries, pasta dishes, or salads, or even used as a topping for pizzas.

12. Honey Lemon Salmon & Broccolini

Source : joyfulhealthyeats

Salmon is a healthy dinner option; however, there is a way to make this dish even more healthy. How, you ask?

Begin by marinating fresh salmon fillets in a mixture of honey, lemon juice, garlic, and soy sauce. After marinating for at least 30 minutes, the fillets can be cooked by grilling, baking, or pan-searing. The cooking method will depend on personal preference and the available equipment. To this, there is often a vegetable side dish which is made with fresh vegetables like potatoes, broccolini and carrots.

13. Broccolini Salad

Source : foodland

Broccolini salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The salad is prepared with broccolini, cherry tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, toasted almonds, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness, while the red onions provide a mild sharpness. The feta cheese adds a creamy and slightly salty element, complementing the broccolini's natural sweetness.

Finally, you can top this with some toasted almonds that contribute a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

14. Brown Butter Broccolini with Breadcrumbs

Source : donnahay

Brown butter has a distinct nutty and caramelized flavor that is often added to vegetables to cut down the earthy undertones. In this case, it also complements the sweetness of the vegetables. To prepare the brown butter, you will have to heat butter in a pan over medium heat until it melts and begins to foam.

Continue to cook the butter until it turns a deep golden brown color and releases a delicious nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter, as it can quickly go from browned to burnt. Once it is ready, all you have to do is sautee the broccolini in the butter. Once its cooked, season the dish and enjoy!

15. Broccolini White Bean Frittata

Source : quisinequeenb

Frittata is a common breakfast dish often served with a side of black coffee. It is prepared in a skillet similar to omelets and quiches. Firstly, start by sautéing broccolini in olive oil until it becomes tender. Meanwhile, mash white beans with garlic, lemon juice, and salt to create a creamy and flavorful spread.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Combine the cooked broccolini with the egg mixture, and then pour it into a greased skillet. The white bean mixture is added to the eggs and gently swirled to mix them together. As it cooks, it rises up and makes for a soft and smooth egg dish.

16. Broccolini Onion and Potato Soup

Source : recipetineats

A warm soup is a comfort food to many. It is extremely customizable depending on our diet and preferences. In this broccolini soup recipe, the flavors of broccolini, onion, and potato mix together to create a nutritious and healthy meal.

To make this soup, sauté the finely chopped onions in a large pot until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, add diced potatoes and cook them until they start to soften. Next, add broccolini and cook until it becomes tender. As the veggies cook in the broth, you can either blend them it or leave chunky bits to enjoy with the soup.

17. Pesto Broccolini

Source : justinesnacks

Like in pesto pasta, the bright green sauce complements the flavors of broccolini. The sauce is made with basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This results in a fragrant and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender broccolini.

To prepare the broccolini, you'll have to first blanch the veggies in boiling water to bring out the green color. It is then tossed with the pesto sauce, coating each stalk and floret with the sauce. Serve this either as a side dish or as a main course paired with pasta or grilled chicken.

18. Rigatoni with Broccolini and Sausage

Source : maryswholelife

Rigatoni is a type of Italian pasta that is cooked with sauces that fill up the space in the pasta. This form of pasta works great with broccolini because of its similar shape and size. The pasta is cooked separately until it is tender but still has a bite. As the pasta is cooking, prepare your sausage separately in a skillet with some broccolini.

As the two components of the dishes cook, Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. You can also add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Finally, serve the rigatoni with broccolini and sausage in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

19. Nutty Beef with Broccolini

Source : epicurious

As the only beef recipe on our list, this dish stands out due to the medley of flavors and textures. The beef is thinly sliced and seared with some olive oil. You can cook the beef as per your liking, depending on whether you like it browned or juicy. In the same skillet, broccolini are added and cooked until they give off a bright green color.

The star of the dish, however, is the nutty sauce. This is prepared by combining soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, honey, garlic, and ginger. Finally, it is poured over everything and let it simmer to thicken up to sauce. Serve this as the main course with a side of veggies and you have yourself a filling dinner.

20. Garlic Seafood Stir Fry

Source : butteryourbiscuit

Like fish, broccolini also works great with other seafood options like shrimp, scallops, and squid. In this dish, we combine all of them. The seafood is stir-fried in a hot pan with a generous amount of minced garlic. The garlic infuses the seafood with its distinctive taste.

Then, a medley of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas is added to the stir fry. Broccolini is also added to this veggie mix and stands out on its own. Finally, it is flavored with a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. As the components cook together, the sauce coats the seafood and vegetables, making every bite bursting with flavor.