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    Home » SIDE DISHES

    Fried Tenderstem Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon (Garlic Broccolini)

    Published: March 25, 2022 · Updated: May 31, 2022 by Ieva · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    A healthy and easy tenderstem broccoli side dish is all you need to elevate your meal to another level! Gently boiled, and then pan-fried broccolini is the best quick way to cook this wonderful vegetable! A versatile recipe that goes with a range of meat, poultry and fish dishes, this is our go-to side dish when we’re looking for a flavoursome and nutritious sidekick that is ready in 10 minutes! Tenderstem Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon (and just a pinch of chilli flakes) may just become your favourite side this year!

    Take Me To:
    • What is Broccolini?
    • Best Way To Cook Tenderstem Broccoli:
    • What Other Flavours Can You Add?
    • Frequently Asked Questions:
    • What Goes Well With Tenderstem Broccoli?
    • Recipe Card

    What is Broccolini?

    A type of broccoli and Chinese kale hybrid is referred to by various names in different parts of the world. In the UK, it is most widely known as Tenderstem Broccoli, whilst in the US and other countries, it is called Baby Broccoli or Broccolini. It is long stem broccoli that has edible leaves, flower shoots and stem, and is 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.

    Tendersetm broccoli with garlic and chilli flakes frying in a pan.

    Best Way To Cook Tenderstem Broccoli:

    I will be honest, there is no right or wrong answer here. Seb sometimes picks them up and eats them raw, when he cannot wait for dinner. But I much prefer this green vegetable cooked. And the choice is 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 is 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!
    • Roast. Drizzle the tenderstem broccoli with some oil (and add any seasoning or spices) and arrange on a large baking tray. Roast at 180° C Fan for approx 12-14 minutes. See the full Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli recipe.

    What Other Flavours Can You Add?

    We absolutely love the combination of lemon, garlic and chilli to go with broccoli, but there are other flavours that go very well.

    • Drizzle cooked broccolini with balsamic reduction (or shop-bought balsamic glaze).
    • Mix with crispy panchetta and sauteed onions.
    • Mix with olive oil and Egyptial Dukkah and roast in the oven (the option we took in our Dukkah Roasted Vegetables with Spicy Couscous).
    Ingredients on a wooden chopping board.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    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 retaining some crunch. A rough guide for cooking times for steaming, roasting and frying are in the text above.

    Is Tenderstem Broccoli the same as Broccolini?

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

    Can I Make This Dish Without Chilli?

    Absolutely! You may skip the chilli flakes altogether and still have a wonderfully flavoursome dish. Or you can add some very finely chopped red pepper if you’re looking for vibrant colours in your dish.

    What Goes Well With Tenderstem Broccoli?

    Serve this side dish with meat, poultry and fish. We absolutely love it with:

    • Smoked Cheese & Chicken Risotto with Dukkah
    • Baked Salmon With Mayo
    • BBQ Pork Fillet
    • Easter Lamb Stuffed with Apricots
    • Slow-Cooker Duck Confit
    Broccolini is served with Duck Confit and Crushed potatoes in a black bowl.
    Tenderstem Broccoli is a perfect side dish with a confit duck leg

    If you like adding healthy and nutritious sides to your meals have a look at some of our favourite recipes below:

    • Garlicky Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
    • Spring Greens with Lemon & Thyme

    Recipe Card

    Tenderstem Broccoli with garlic in a frying pan garnished with slices of lemon.

    Fried Tenderstem Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon (Garlic Broccolini)

    A healthy and easy tenderstem broccoli side dish is all you need to elevate your meal to another level! Gently boiled, and then pan-fried broccolini is the best quick way to cook this wonderful vegetable! A versatile recipe that goes with a range of meat, poultry and fish dishes, this is our go-to side dish when we're looking for a flavoursome and nutritious sidekick that is ready in 10 minutes! Tenderstem Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon (and just a pinch of chilli flakes) may just become your favourite side this year!
    4.82 from 22 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, British, European
    Servings 2 as a side dish
    Calories 119 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 220 g tenderstem broccoli
    • 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
    • ½ lemon juice only
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • a pinch of chilli flakes

    Instructions
     

    • Cut tenderstem broccoli into 4-5 cm pieces and place them in a large pan. Pour boiling water into the pan over broccoli and bring to a rapid boil. Cook for 1 minute, then drain in a colander. Your broccoli should soften but still retain most of its crunch.
    • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of chilli flakes. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, season with salt, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze half a lemon over the broccoli and serve alongside your favourite main dishes.

    Notes

    For recipes that tenderstem broccoli is ideal to serve with, have a look at the section ‘What Goes Well With Tenderstem Broccoli’ above. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 34mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1947IUVitamin C: 116mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Broccoli with Garlic, Broccoli with Lemon, Broccolini Recipes, Broccolini Side Dish Recipes, Health ySide Dishes, Tenderstem Broccoli Recipes, Tenderstem Broccoli Side Dish Recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dionne

      March 26, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      Broccoli and garlic – is there a better combo than this? Absolutely loving it!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        March 26, 2022 at 8:24 pm

        Dionne, Yes! Definitely the best combination! Thanks! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Anita

      April 03, 2022 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a simple way to prepare broccolini. It’s on par with my usual oyster sauce method, but this pairs better with western dishes. 🙂

      Reply
      • Ieva

        April 03, 2022 at 6:50 pm

        Thanks, Anita! I need to try your oyster sauce method soon! 🙂

        Reply
    3. MJ

      April 07, 2022 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      This is such an easy and delicious side dish! I enjoyed it with pork chops the other night and think it would even be great with eggs for brunch!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        April 08, 2022 at 7:27 am

        Thanks! Never had broccoli with eggs before, but seems like a good pairing to me… Thanks for the idea!

        Reply
    4. Sharon

      April 11, 2022 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      This broccoli recipe is the perfect side dish! I love to serve it alongside my favorite chicken and rice recipe.

      Reply
      • Ieva

        April 11, 2022 at 2:33 pm

        Thanks, Sharon! It’s one of our favourites to serve with chicken too 🙂

        Reply
    5. Stephanie

      May 01, 2022 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time trying broccolini. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be making it again!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        May 01, 2022 at 8:20 pm

        That’s brilliant! So glad you found something new to enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kim

      June 13, 2022 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      I loved this recipe! The garlic gives it the perfect flavor kick. We actually had it alongside a pork roast. So good!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        June 13, 2022 at 7:55 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Jovita

      June 29, 2022 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      This fried broccoli looks really appetizing and easy to make. It will be a tasty side dish for crispy chicken.

      Reply
      • Ieva

        June 29, 2022 at 9:20 pm

        Oh yes! It’ll go beautifully with crispy chicken 🙂

        Reply
    8. Claire

      August 08, 2022 at 4:05 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing and I love the tips to add in different flavours too

      Reply
    9. Shirley

      October 04, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      Great info.

      Reply
      • Ieva

        October 05, 2022 at 6:39 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
    10. Farah

      October 13, 2022 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      THis looks wonderful! Perfect side dish to so many meals. Can’t wait to try this out!!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        October 13, 2022 at 3:00 pm

        Yes! So versatile – we are yet to find a dish that it doesn’t complement well 🙂

        Reply
    11. Dana Sandonato

      March 01, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      We love broccolini in this house and it’s always best when kept simple, like this recipe. So tasty with all of that garlicky goodness!

      Reply
    12. Kate

      March 05, 2023 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      It came out so well. We loved the spice and lemon!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        March 06, 2023 at 2:33 pm

        Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    13. Patricia

      March 11, 2023 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      So simple but soo delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Ieva

        March 13, 2023 at 8:33 am

        Thanks, Patricia! It’s one of those recipes that lets the ingredients speak for themselves 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    14. Nat

      April 06, 2023 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      My husband was grumbling at the healthy food I bought so I searched for something to make the broccoli more interesting rather than just boiling it like a usually would. Luckily I bought lemons anyway today. It was a winner with my husband and I! I’ll be making this again!

      Reply
      • Ieva

        April 07, 2023 at 8:04 am

        Thanks, Nat! We love it when healthy food tastes great! 🙂 Glad you and your husband liked the recipe!

        Reply
    15. Kate

      April 13, 2023 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      Such a simple yet flavorful side dish. Love it!

      Reply
    16. Dannii

      May 11, 2023 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      This is my favourite way to cook tenderstem. So much flavour.

      Reply

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    Hi, I am Ieva – the face behind this blog. I live in North Wales with my husband Seb and our golden retriever Sawyer. It’s safe to say that I live and breathe food: from researching and reading about food to creating new recipes and growing vegetables to use in my cooking.  The great thing is, Seb appreciates all the good meals that are also essential at his worst ‘hangry’ moments! Somebody HAS to feed Seb…

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