Easy Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli (Broccolini)

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An easy vegetable side dish to go with pretty much any main course, this Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli recipe requires only 5 ingredients (and that includes salt and oil) and about 5 minutes of hands-on time. Roasting broccolini is a great way to soften the thick stems and have crispy edges of the florets. Roast Tenderstem Broccoli is both delicious and nutritious addition to your weeknight dinner that will come together in a matter of minutes!

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What Is Tenderstem Broccoli (Broccolini)?

If you live in the UK, this green vegetable is most commonly known as Tenderstem Broccoli, whilst in the US and many other countries, it is called Broccolini or Baby Broccoli. Whilst this broccoli and Chinese kale hybrid is referred to by different names in different parts of the world, it is essentially a long-stem broccoli that has edible leaves, flower shoots and stems making it a perfect no-waste vegetable.

Flavour-wise, it is similar to broccoli itself, with slightly sweeter notes and a softer texture. Low in calories and high in Vitamin C, it is certainly a healthy and nutritious vegetable to use in your cooking.

Ingredients

One of our favourite ways to cook both regular broccoli and broccolini is to roast them. For this particular tenderstem broccoli recipe, you will need:

• tenderstem broccoli: also known as broccolini or baby broccoli.
• olive oil: don't use extra virgin olive oil, as it is not suitable for high heat. It can be substituted with other oil that can withstand high cooking temperatures, like cold-pressed rapeseed oil or avocado oil.
• salt: we love and recommend Maldon Sea Salt Flakes. Use kosher salt if that's what you have.
• garlic cloves: peeled and sliced. We recommend using fresh garlic, it will crisp up and brown in the oven, but if you don't have any handy, you can mix the broccolini with oil and a pinch of garlic powder instead.
• lemon: ideally, use a wedge of fresh lemon. We will squeeze the juice of a lemon over the roasted tenderstem broccoli once it's cooked.

Flavour Variations

There are so many different flavours you can introduce to this long broccoli dish. You may skip the garlic or the lemon to simplify the flavours in this easy side dish, or you may choose to do something completely different.

• Roast the broccolini with garlic and scatter grated parmesan cheese on top for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Add a heaped teaspoon of dukkah spice mix together with the oil and roast.
• Skip the garlic and lemon, and drizzle roasted broccoli with your favourite chilli sauce.
• Use chilli oil or garlic-infused oil to roast your broccolini with.
• Drizzle the top with a little bit of balsamic glaze (balsamic reduction).
• Roast your broccoli with oil, then crumble up blue cheese and scatter the top with crispy bacon for an ultimate comfort food side dish.
• Alternatively, try our Tenderstem Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce!

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C Fan. Line a large baking tray or baking sheet with parchment.

Place the tenderstem broccoli in a large bowl. Add the garlic slices, olive oil and salt, and mix everything well.

Spread the tenderstem broccoli in a single layer on a prepared baking tray, leaving some space in between the florets.

Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.

Squeeze the lemon juice all over the roasted tenderstem broccoli and enjoy!

Other Ways to Cook Tenderstem Broccoli

Tenderstem broccoli is one of our favourite vegetables to use for side dishes. And the ways you can cook it are endless. Here are my favourite ways to cook Broccolini:

• Steam. It only takes about 4 minutes to cook in a colander placed above simmering water and covered with a lid ( a steam pan). Simply sprinkle some sea salt on top and serve.
• Fry. The best way to fry it in a wok. You may want to cut the long stems in half to speed up the process. Add a drizzle of your favourite oil (use sesame oil for an Asian-style side dish) and stir fry for 4-5 minutes on high heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chilli flakes, and serve!
• You MUST try our Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli With Chilli and Garlic - it's awesome!
• Air-Fry. If you have an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture of the broccoli florets by cooking them in it!
• Or try our 10-minute Lemon and Garlic Tenderstem Broccoli recipe! The broccolini is first blanched to soften the broccoli stems, then pan-fried to infuse the florets with garlic and lemon oil! It's a perfect side dish to fish or Aromatic Roast Chicken!

Recipe FAQs

How Long To Cook Tenderstem Broccoli For?

The cooking time of tenderstem broccoli depends on the style of cooking, and of course on your own preference. We like our veggies to retain some crunch. A rough guide for cooking times for steaming, roasting and frying is in the text above. Head to our article on how to cook tenderstem broccoli to learn more!

Is Tenderstem Broccoli the same as Broccolini?

Yes. It is a broccoli and Chinese kale hybrid that is known by different names across the world, including Broccolini, Tenderstem Broccoli and Baby Broccoli.

What To Serve Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli With?

Tender stem broccoli is a great choice for your dinner table. The fresh flavour of the thin stems and crispy tops of broccoli florets go extremely well with:

• Roast Dinner: whether it's a lamb shoulder, topside of beef or simple roast chicken, broccolini is a great option.
• Rice dishes: like biryani, Korean-fried rice or risotto.
• Pasta: this healthy side dish goes extremely well with carb-heavy pasta.

Other Delicious Side Dish Recipes

Tenderstem broccoli is great, but if you are looking for a way to use standard broccoli, why not make our Asian Broccoli Salad with Sesame Seeds? It's a great side dish for Asian-style meals!

Whether you are looking for a healthy side dish, something that comes together in a couple of minutes or a real show-stopper accompaniment to your main meal, visit our Side Dish section. Some of our favourite recipes include:

• Courgette Ribbon Salad
• Spring Greens With Thyme and Lemon
• Griddled Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
• Griddled Tenderstem Broccoli with Chilli and Garlic

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