A healthy and easy garlic 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!
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Tenderstem Broccoli is a very versatile ingredient and therefore, one of our favourite vegetables to eat. It makes a simple side dish that you can serve with a bunch of different dishes, including roast dinner for your Sunday lunch, Dill Mustard Chicken, Baked Salmon, Panko Chicken or (our favourite) Duck Leg Confit.
Whilst we love boiling and then sauteeing our long stem broccoli, you can switch it up and make delicious Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli or Chargrilled Tenderstem Broccoli instead to add some crispy texture to your dinner plate.
What is Tenderstem Broccoli?
A hybrid of Chinese kale and standard broccoli is referred to by various names in different parts of the world. In the UK, it is most widely known as Tenderstem Broccoli (which is a trademarked name), 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 tender stems, and is a perfect no-waste vegetable. Flavour-wise, it is similar to regular broccoli itself, with slightly sweeter notes, softer texture and extra fresh flavour. Low in calories and high in Vitamin C, it is certainly a healthy and nutritious vegetable to use in your cooking.
How 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 a simmering saucepan of water and covered with a lid ( a steam pan). Simply sprinkle some sea salt on top and serve.
- Fry. The best way to stir 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 red chilli flakes, and serve! Or Try our Tenderstem Broccoli Stir Fry With Oyster Sauce!
- Roast. Drizzle the tenderstem broccoli with some extra virgin olive oil (and add any seasoning or spices) and arrange on a large baking tray in a single layer. Roast at 180° C Fan for approx 12-14 minutes. See the full Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli recipe.
Note that broccoli with thinner stems will cook a lot quicker.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- tenderstem broccoli: also known as broccolini. Long-stem broccoli or purple-sprouting broccoli may also be used. This recipe works with normal broccoli too, but you will need to cut it into small florets and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- fresh garlic cloves: garlic powder will not have the same effect.
- lemon: we use lemon juice only, but you can also scatter some lemon zest on top.
- olive oil: or avocado oil.
- a pinch of chilli flakes.
Find the quantities, detailed instructions and nutritional information in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-By-Step Method
STEP 1: Par-Boil
Cut leggy tenderstem spears into 4-5 cm pieces and place them in a large pan. Pour boiling water into the pan over the 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.
STEP 2: Pan-Fry
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 a little bit of salt and black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze half a lemon juice over the garlic tenderstem broccoli and serve alongside your favourite main course.
Variations
We absolutely love the combination of lemon, garlic and chilli to go with long broccoli (all ingredients and full method in the recipe card below), but there are other flavours that go very well.
- Drizzle the cooked broccolini with balsamic reduction (or shop-bought balsamic glaze).
- Mix with crispy pancetta and sauteed onions and scatter the top with crumbly blue cheese.
- Mix with olive oil and Egyptian Dukkah and roast in the oven (the option we took in our Dukkah Roasted Vegetables with Spicy Couscous).
- Drizzle the top with Basil Pistou and some toasted pine nuts.
- Serve tenderstem broccoli with a drizzle of our Gluten-Free Bearnaise Sauce.
Recipe FAQs
How Long To Cook Tenderstem Broccoli For?
The cooking time of tenderstem broccoli depends on the cooking method, 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.
Is Tenderstem Broccoli the same as Broccolini?
Yes. It is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale 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.
Are You Meant To Eat The Stem of Tenderstem Broccoli?
Yes! The beauty of this type of broccoli is that the stem cooks before the broccoli floret is overcooked. It's perfectly edible and delicious! You may want to trim the bottoms of the woodier thick stems though.
How To Store Leftovers?
For the best experience, serve this easy side dish immediately after cooking, but if you have leftovers cool them down to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave, or in a pan for a couple of minutes over medium heat.
What To Serve With Tenderstem Broccoli?
Serve this great side dish with meat, poultry and fish. We absolutely love it with a range of fish and poultry recipes, as well as a variety of risotto and pasta dishes. This simple recipe will not go amis with your Sunday dinner table either.
- Smoked Cheese & Chicken Risotto with Dukkah
- Baked Salmon With Mayo
- BBQ Pork Fillet
- Easter Lamb Stuffed with Apricots
- Slow-Cooker Duck Confit
Other Side Dishes To Try
If you like adding healthy and nutritious side dishes to your meals have a look at some of our favourite recipes below:
- Garlicky Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
- Italian Cold Bean & Cherry Tomato Salad
- Asian-Style Broccoli Salad
- Spring Greens with Lemon & Thyme
Garlic Tenderstem Broccoli Recipe (Broccolini)
Ingredients
- 220 g (½ lb) tenderstem broccoli
- 2 fresh garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ½ lemon juice only
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- a pinch of chilli flakes
Instructions
- Cut tenderstem spears 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 a little bit of salt and black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze half a lemon juice over the broccoli and serve alongside your favourite main course.
Notes
Nutrition
Dionne says
Broccoli and garlic - is there a better combo than this? Absolutely loving it!
Ieva says
Dionne, Yes! Definitely the best combination! Thanks! 🙂
Anita says
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. 🙂
Ieva says
Thanks, Anita! I need to try your oyster sauce method soon! 🙂
MJ says
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!
Ieva says
Thanks! Never had broccoli with eggs before, but seems like a good pairing to me... Thanks for the idea!
Sharon says
This broccoli recipe is the perfect side dish! I love to serve it alongside my favorite chicken and rice recipe.
Ieva says
Thanks, Sharon! It's one of our favourites to serve with chicken too 🙂
Stephanie says
This was my first time trying broccolini. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be making it again!
Ieva says
That's brilliant! So glad you found something new to enjoy! 🙂
Kim says
I loved this recipe! The garlic gives it the perfect flavor kick. We actually had it alongside a pork roast. So good!
Ieva says
Thanks!
Jovita says
This fried broccoli looks really appetizing and easy to make. It will be a tasty side dish for crispy chicken.
Ieva says
Oh yes! It'll go beautifully with crispy chicken 🙂
Claire says
This looks amazing and I love the tips to add in different flavours too
Shirley says
Great info.
Ieva says
Thanks!
Farah says
THis looks wonderful! Perfect side dish to so many meals. Can't wait to try this out!!
Ieva says
Yes! So versatile - we are yet to find a dish that it doesn't complement well 🙂
Dana Sandonato says
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!
Kate says
It came out so well. We loved the spice and lemon!
Ieva says
Glad you liked it!
Patricia says
So simple but soo delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ieva says
Thanks, Patricia! It's one of those recipes that lets the ingredients speak for themselves 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Nat says
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!
Ieva says
Thanks, Nat! We love it when healthy food tastes great! 🙂 Glad you and your husband liked the recipe!
Kate says
Such a simple yet flavorful side dish. Love it!
Dannii says
This is my favourite way to cook tenderstem. So much flavour.
Vanessa says
I love broccolini! This was a delicious and simple way to prepare it. Such a great side dish.
Ieva says
Thank you, Vanessa! 🙂
Anjali says
This was a great side dish for our dinner tonight! The broccolini was perfectly cooked and super flavorful!
Tavo says
Your Tenderstem Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon was a total hit at my dinner table! The balance of flavors was spot-on, making the broccoli not just a side dish, but a star on its own. I loved how the lemon and garlic really elevated the whole thing. You've got a knack for making veggies exciting—thanks for another awesome recipe!
Ieva Greber says
Tavo, you are always so kind! Thanks fr trying another one of my recipes, and taking the time to leave feedback!
Dina and Bruce says
This was so good! We love brocollinni! The pinch of chili flake was tasty!
Farah Abumaizar says
Yum, the perfect side dish! Love how simple it is too- can't go wrong with garlic and lemon!
Bobby says
I loved this broccolini. It is the perfect side dish and I'll definitely be making it again!
Ieva Greber says
Oh, thank you so much. So lovely to receive great feedback on my recipe 🙂