This Broccolini Recipe Is A Twist to Your Typical Veggie Dish

Broccolini is a lovely twist on traditional broccoli, and I share how I love to prepare it for a healthy, delicious side dish.

This easy, healthy, and flavorful broccolini recipe is the perfect weeknight side for chicken, salmon, or any other fish.

What is the difference between broccoli and broccolini?

Broccolini is similar to broccoli in taste and color, but tends to be slightly sweeter. It has slender stalks with small leafy florets and is more compact than a head of broccoli. It looks prettier and can easily create a more elegant plate.

 

What does broccolini taste like?

Broccolini offers a distinctive and delightful flavor that sets it apart from traditional broccoli. It combines the best of both worlds with a milder, sweeter taste compared to its bitter counterpart. Its flavor profile is often described as earthy, subtly sweet, and slightly peppery. Its tender stalks and delicate florets provide a pleasing texture that pairs well with various cooking methods and a wide range of culinary creations. Whether sautéed, steamed, roasted, or grilled, Broccolini surely adds a unique and delicious twist to any dish!

How do I steam it?

You’ll first want to place your broccolini in a pan with olive oil and your favorite spices – I personally love garlic and ginger. You’ll then want to add water or broth to the pan until all broccolini is covered. Steaming the broccolini will help ensure it is cooked through and prevent any hard bite of hard stalk.

Why do I add lemon juice to broccolini?

Since I want my broccolini to have a bit of a kick, I usually add lemon juice to the mix. Not only can it enhance the flavor of the dish, but it also tenderizes the vegetables. You can also choose other acids, such as vinegar, if you’re not a fan of lemon. 

Is broccolini healthier than broccoli?

Absolutely! When it comes to health benefits, Broccolini takes the spotlight alongside its sibling, broccoli. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it offers a powerhouse of nutrients in every delectable bite. Its slender stalks and tender florets are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Not only does it provide a boost to your immune system and support healthy digestion, but broccolini also promotes bone health and may even have anti-inflammatory properties.

What spices should I add to the recipe?

For this recipe, I add garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and one cube of ginger. The ginger flavor helps elevate this dish!

I usually have fresh ginger on hand, as it keeps quite well in the fridge. I also keep Trader Joe’s frozen crushed ginger cubes on hand for a backup if I am out of fresh.

What should I serve with it?

There are a lot of dishes that go well with broccolini! I like to serve this side dish with a meat entree, but it also pairs well with pasta dishes. One dish I recommend serving broccolini with is my crispy salmon recipe. Some other entrees that pair beautifully with broccolini are Blackened Mahi-mahi, Chicken Tenders, Crispy Salmon Patties, and Buttermilk Brined Chicken.

Any singular entree like chicken or fish is perfectly complemented with broccolini, Add rice or potatoes, and you have a perfect meal.

Let me know how you enjoy this fabulous side dish in the comments below. As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Be blessed and stay savvy!