Tenderstem Broccoli - one of our favourite vegetables - can be cooked in a variety of ways, adding new flavours and texture to your dinner table every time you cook it! The beauty of this versatile vegetable is that no matter how you cook it, it is ready in a matter of minutes! Discover the new ways to cook tenderstem broccoli below - we have 9 great methods for you to explore!
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But First, What Is Tenderstem Broccoli?
Tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini or long-stem broccoli, is a versatile ingredient popular in various cuisines. It's a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale, prized for its tender stems and florets.
Unlike traditional broccoli, the whole vegetable can be used, including stems, florets and leaves, making it perfect for no-waste side dishes. Packed with nutrients like folic acid and vitamin C, it adds both flavour and extra nutrition to any dish.
Cooking Tenderstem Broccoli: 9 Methods
Find the best way to cook tenderstem broccoli for any occasion. Here are 9 delicious methods to cook Tenderstem Broccoli!
Fan-Favourite Tenderstem Broccoli Recipe
Let us introduce you to our favourite tenderstem broccoli recipe! Parboiled for a couple of minutes, then pan-fried with fresh garlic and lemon juice to bring out the best flavour, this 10-minute side dish is as versatile as it is delicious! Garnish it with lemon zest and red chilli flakes and serve immediately! Find the full instructions in the recipe card via the link below.
GET THE RECIPE: Tenderstem Broccoli (Broccolini) With Garlic and Lemon
How To Boil Tenderstem Broccoli?
Bring a large pot of water with a pinch of salt to a boil, then add the tenderstem broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain and serve! It's as simple as that!
How To Steam Tenderstem Broccoli?
Cook your washed broccoli in an electric vegetable steamer for 4-5 minutes or until soft and tender. Alternatively, bring a couple of centimetres of water to a gentle boil in a large pan. Then cook tenderstem in a steamer pan (or a large colander) covered with a lid on top for 4-5 minutes.
Stir-Fried Tenderstem Broccoli
For best results, cut the tenderstem broccoli into smaller pieces and add them into a preheated large frying pan or a hot wok with a little oil. Stir-fry over high heat for 5-6 minutes. Make sure to add extra flavours as you cook for the best experience - season broccoli with salt and pepper, add sliced garlic or a pinch of garlic powder, or jazz it up with some cashew nuts and sliced red chilli peppers. What is more, you can stir in your favourite stir-fry sauce (we love Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce) towards the end of cooking!
Garnish your stir-fried tenderstem broccoli with sesame seeds for an easy side dish that's perfect to serve with Asian-Inspired dishes!
GET THE RECIPE: Easy Tenderstem Broccoli Stir Fry With Oyster Sauce
How To Roast Tenderstem Broccoli?
Our favourite way to cook tenderstem broccoli is to coat the broccoli florets and sliced cloves of garlic in oil, arrange them on a baking sheet (or a large baking tray) and roast broccoli for 12-15 minutes until we have crisp florets and slightly softened stems. It's a simple dish that adds great flavour and beautiful texture to your main course. Find the Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli recipe via the link below.
GET THE RECIPE: Easy Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli (Broccolini)
Air-Fried Tenderstem Broccoli
If you have an air fryer, make a great dish by coating washed and dried broccoli in a little cooking oil, then air-frying it at 180° C for 7-8 minutes. Scatter a little grated parmesan cheese and plenty of pepper for the last minute of cooking, if you wish!
Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli
There is something very appealing about the charred lines on your vegetables, right? Preheat a griddle pan on high heat, coat the broccoli with a little bit of oil and a little seasoning and cook for around 8-10 minutes until beautifully charred. It's a simple recipe with minimal prep that's great for a rainy day in summer when you cannot cook outdoors!
GET THE RECIPE: Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli with Chilli and Garlic
How To Cook Tenderstem Broccoli on a BBQ Grill?
Cooking outdoors? No need to run between your kitchen and the BBQ Grill. Simply coat washed tenderstem broccoli with a little olive oil and place them on a hot grill for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is charred slightly. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper! It makes a great side dish for chicken skewers or lamb shashlik!
Eat Tenderstem Broccoli Raw
This long broccoli variety is perfectly safe to eat raw! Yes, just wash it thoroughly under cold water, and serve it with hummus or beetroot dip! Alternatively, use tenderstem broccoli in salads for a great fresh flavour of this crunchy vegetable.
Add Tenderstem Broccoli To Pasta
We love adding thinly sliced tenderstem broccoli to spaghetti or linguine. The strips of this green vegetable sort of matches the noodle-shape and makes the dish more nutritious! Try our Vegetarian Pasta Puttanesca or Creamy Tahini Pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is a hybrid of Chinese kale and standard broccoli that is known by different names across the world, including Broccolini, Tenderstem Broccoli and Baby Broccoli.
It depends on the cooking method and the thickness of the stems of your broccoli, but approximate timings are given for each cooking method above.
Yes, given that the long broccoli stems are not too thick. Follow the instructions in the "Stir-Fried Tenderstem Broccoli" section.
Tenderstem broccoli has long firm stems that may be uneven in thickness. To ensure even cooking, it is a good idea to cut the thick stems lengthways to match the thinner stems using a sharp knife before cooking.
It depends on personal preferences, but typically cooked tenderstem broccoli florets are soft, and the long stems retain some crunch.
What To Serve Tenderstem Broccoli With?
Tenderstem broccoli makes a perfect side dish for almost any main course. Depending on the method of cooking and the extra flavours you add to your broccoli, this versatile vegetable can be served with both Western and Asian-style dishes. Just serve it with any dish you would serve regular broccoli with!
We love tenderstem broccoli with panko-crusted fish, lemon baked salmon, meat and poultry recipes and crispy tofu. Try serving it with some of our favourite recipes below:
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