This 4-ingredient Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli recipe is based on the world-famous Ottolenghi Chargrilled Broccoli with Chilli and Garlic. Quick, easy to make and with minimal ingredients, it makes a great side dish to serve at a BBQ, or with pretty much any poultry, fish or vegetarian main!
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Ottolenghi-Style Grilled Tenderstem Broccoli
If you ever visited one of the Ottolenghi delis in London, you most likely saw their signature salad - Chargrilled Broccoli with Chilli and Garlic. While I worked at Ottolenghi, I indulged in this deliciously simple dish often! And I can say, that even after eating it hundreds of times, I find it truly iconic!
Whilst Ottolenghi uses regular broccoli, and blanches the florets before chargrilling them, when we make it at home, we use Tenderstem Broccoli.
Thinner stems of this hybrid of Chinese kale and broccoli mean that you won't need to precook the broccoli. It can simply go straight to the hot griddle pan or directly to an outdoor grill!
Whilst we love chargrilled tenderstem broccoli with Ottolenhi's chilli and garlic oil, we have plenty of topping suggestions for you below. But the method of grilling tenderstem broccoli is always the same!
But What is Tenderstem Broccoli?
A cross between Chinese kale and standard broccoli goes by different names worldwide. In the UK, it's commonly known as Tenderstem Broccoli, while in the US and elsewhere it's called Baby Broccoli (although technically incorrect) or Broccolini.
This long-stemmed vegetable boasts edible leaves, flower shoots, and tender stems, making it a zero-waste option.
Its flavour resembles regular broccoli but with a touch of sweetness, a softer texture, and a fresher taste. With low calories and high Vitamin C content, it's a nutritious addition to any dish. Learn more about how to cook tenderstem broccoli in various different ways.
Step-By-Step Method
Grilling tenderstem broccoli is the easiest way to make a lovely vegetable side dish with very little prep. Here's what to do:
How To Griddle/ Grill Tenderstem Broccoli?
Dab your tenderstem with a kitchen towel to ensure the florets are completely dry. Place them in a large bowl and mix with a little olive oil (or avocado or rapeseed oil) and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Heat a large griddle pan over high heat until it is piping hot. Add the broccoli in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and cook the broccoli, turning the florets often for 8-10 minutes until they have char marks and soften slightly.
Place the griddled tenderstem broccoli in an ovenproof dish (like a baking tray) and keep warm in an oven preheated to a minimum setting.
Garlic & Chilli Oil
In the meantime, place the rest of the oil in a small pan, with sliced chillies and garlic, and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until the garlic is starting to brown.
Pour the chilli and garlic oil over the griddled tenderstem broccoli and toss to coat. Enjoy warm or at room temperature! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Variations: In the recipe card below, we share a recipe for tenderstem broccoli with chilli and garlic, but you can simply serve griddle tenderstem broccoli with a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest scattered on top. Alternatively, grate some parmesan cheese on top or serve it drizzled with balsamic glaze!
Recipe Video
Watch this quick video guide on how to grill tenderstem broccoli to see it all in action!
What To Serve Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli With?
This Grilled Tenderstem Broccoli is one of the best broccoli recipes to serve at a BBQ party. Broccoli can be grilled straight on the outdoor grill, or you can prepare this simple recipe ahead of time in your kitchen and serve it at room temperature. It pairs well with Grilled Chicken Thigh Skewers, Lamb Shashlik or Sweet Chilli Halloumi Burgers. Head to our article for more BBQ Food Ideas!
What is more, it is a perfect side dish to serve with fish. We love it with Panko Crusted Fish, Miso Butter Salmon and even Prawn and Chorizo Risotto!
Below you can see this tenderstem broccoli recipe served with our tasty Dijon Mustard Dill Chicken Thighs (4 Ingredients).
Love Broccoli?
Broccoli is one of our favourite vegetables to turn to when we're looking for versatile side dishes. From Stir-Fried Tenderstem Broccoli to Asian Broccoli Salad With Sesame Seeds, below you can find some of our favourite ways to turn various types of broccoli into a delectable easy side dish:
Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli
Equipment
- Griddle Pan or outdoor grill
Ingredients
- 200 g (0.44 lb) tenderstem broccoli
- 40 ml (3 tablespoon) olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 red chilli pepper
- salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Dab your tenderstem broccoli with kitchen towel to ensure the florets are completely dry. Place them in a large mixing bowl and mix with ⅓ of olive oil and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large griddle pan over high heat until it is piping hot. Add the broccoli (you may need to work in batches) and cook the broccoli, turning the florets often for 8-10 minutes until they have char marks and soften slightly. Place the griddled tenderstem broccoli in an ovenproof dish and keep warm in an oven preheated to a minimum setting.
- In the meantime, place the rest of the oil in a small pan, with sliced chillies and garlic, and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until the garlic is starting to brown.
- Pour the chilli and garlic oil over the griddled tenderstem broccoli and toss to coat. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Video
Nutrition
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