This Grilled Broccolini is perfect for a quick, nutritious side dish for grilling. Have it alongside burgers and potatoes at summer BBQs or Father’s Day. Plus, you get to customize this recipe with your favorite oil and seasonings.
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love it
This dish is perfect for barbecues or outdoor dinners. This is one of my dad’s all-time favorite sides so we tend to make it every Father’s Day!
You’ll love it because it’s:
- Quick and easy: Takes just a few minutes to grill!
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
- Customizable: You can season it however you like.
Is broccolini healthy?
Broccolini is a mix between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has a bit of a milder, sweeter taste. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Recent research is showing the potential of eating cruciferous vegetables (like broccolini!) and helping improve things like heart health, blood sugar control, and cholesterol levels.
Plus, grilling this broccolini with oils like avocado or olive oil provides healthy fats that are good for your heart too.
Broccolini vs. broccoli nutrition
Broccolini and broccoli have similar nutrients, both offering vitamin C, vitamin K, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. However, broccolini tends to have a milder, sweeter taste compared to the more robust flavor of broccoli. Its tender stems and delicate florets make it perfect for grilling and roasting.
Can I substitute broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli for broccolini in this recipe. To do so, cut the broccoli into smaller, bite-sized florets and slice the stems into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help mimic the tender texture of broccolini. Keep in mind that broccoli might take slightly longer to grill, so adjust the cooking time accordingly until the broccoli is tender and charred in spots.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Broccolini: Look for bundles that are fresh and bright green. You bundle or bag should be about 10 ounces. It’s sometimes called “baby broccoli” in stores as well.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic cloves add a punch of flavor. You’ll need about three cloves.
- Lemon: Both the zest and juice of half a lemon will brighten up the dish.
- Seasonings: Choose your favorite – red pepper flakes for a bit of heat; Italian seasoning for a classic touch; or your go-to all purpose seasoning. Really any seasoning goes here!
How to make grilled broccolini
- Preheat your grill: Set it to medium-high heat.
- Toss ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccolini, oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and seasonings. Mix until the broccolini is well-coated.
- Grill the broccolini: Place the broccolini on the grill in a single layer. Use tongs to turn occasionally, until tender and charred in spots.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and squeeze more fresh lemon juice over the top if desired.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving tips: Pair your grilled broccolini with a grilled steak, salmon, or juicy burger. For a plant-based option, we love using Beyond Burgers which taste just like a classic burger. They are nourishing with only 2 grams of saturated fat too.
- Troubleshooting tips: If your broccolini is starting to char too much, reduce the grill heat slightly. If it’s not charring, turn up the heat or grill for a bit longer.
- Scaling tips: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Just ensure your grill has enough space for a single layer of broccolini for even cooking.
Customize it your way
Like all of my other recipes, this Grilled Broccolini is completely customizable. You get to choose what seasonings you want to use:
- Oil of your choice: Use an oil that has a smoke point that can withstand at least 400°F. Here are a few options: avocado oil (520°F, buttery flavor), grapeseed oil (420°F, neutral taste), olive oil (375-465°F, fruity flavor), and sunflower oil (450°F, light flavor).
- Seasoning of your choice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Opt for an all-purpose seasoning blend for a versatile and flavorful option.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broccolini ahead of time by tossing it with the oil and seasonings and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Grill it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the broccolini on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds. You can also enjoy it cold in salads.
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Grilled Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 – 10-ounce bundle broccolini, ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons high heat oil of your choice (avocado oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon spices of your choice (red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, all purpose seasoning, everything bagel, za’atar seasoning, garlic powder, lemon pepper, etc.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccolini with the oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and seasoning until evenly coated.
- Place the broccolini on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots.
- Remove the broccolini from the grill and, if desired, squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the top for extra zest before serving.
Nutrition
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