The best thing about it is that it only takes a couple minutes from start to finish, and you’ll have a delicious side dish for your lunch or dinner in no time. This dish is accidentally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free since there are so few ingredients. You may have thought broccolini was a bit too fancy to prepare, but think again. Pan-frying broccolini is actually pretty easy, and it makes for a fun alternative to regular broccoli.
What is Broccolini?
Despite its similar appearance, broccolini is different from broccoli in many ways. However, broccolini doesn’t come in a large head; it comes in little bunches with florets atop individual stems. This vegetable was developed as a hybrid to make it more flavorful.
It’s made from crossing Chinese kale with broccoli. Broccoliette is the same thing as tender stem broccoli, long stem broccoli, or broccolette, but you might hear it mentioned differently!
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Ingredients
There are only ingredients necessary to make this pan fried/pan seared broccolini recipe:
- Broccolini: The presence of this ingredient is obviously essential. There were two bunches of about 80g each that I used.
- Chilli flakes: Adding chilli flakes to broccolini adds a lovely element of spice. If you do not like spice, you are welcome to leave them out, but I personally enjoy them! Don’t go overboard at first, and then gradually build up.
- Olive oil: Get the best results by using a high-quality kind. Alternatives to olive oil include avocado and coconut oil, which will add different flavors.
This basic recipe can be customized in any way you want, based on what you serve it with. A few noteworthy additions are:
- Minced fresh garlic or garlic powder
- Soy sauce
- Lemon juice/ lemon zest
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salted or unsalted butter
How To Cook Broccolini In Pan
This is a super easy way to cook broccolini in the pan.
Adding oil to a pan, throwing in broccolini, and flipping it as necessary is all it takes.
You’ll know when the broccolini is ready when it’s charred slightly.
All you need to do is season it with your preferred spices – and that’s it!
Alternatives Broccolini
Alternatively, you can use any of the following vegetables instead of broccolini:
- A similar tender stalk is found in Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- Broccoli (add more cooking time if necessary)
- Baby broccoli
- Broccoli rabe
Can you fry Broccolini?
Yes, of course! Pan-frying broccolini is the best method for frying it, as described in the recipe below.
How long to fry Broccolini
It will take a lot of time for your broccolini to be perfectly fried, depending on the temperature setting on your stovetop. For it to reach a subtly charred, cooked-through texture, it generally takes about 15 minutes over medium heat.
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Leftovers And Storage
This vegetable side dish is a great accompaniment to your favorite dinner dish. Whether it’s accompanied by pork chops, chicken breasts, or a tofu steak, this broccolini tastes amazing.
The broccolini is best served the next day when cooled to room temperature, then stored airtight in the refrigerator. Easily reheated in a microwave or warmed in a large skillet or medium sauté pan, this easy side dish cooks quickly and easily.
Additionally, this is a great recipe for meal prep, and it can be stored in the fridge for a few days. When you prepare it ahead, you’ll have healthier meals with less prep later (just 2-3 minutes of reheating) – that’s a win/win situation.
Fried Broccolini In Pan
There are a few simple steps to making this fried broccolini in pan. The only ingredients are three, and the cooking time is 15 minutes, so it makes it an easy middle-of-the-week healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches broccolini
- 1 sprinkle chilli flakes
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
Instructions
A large frying pan needs to be heated over medium heat to heat the oil.
In the hot pan, add broccolini as soon as it becomes warm. Tongs can be used to flip the food occasionally while it is cooking. You know broccolini is cooked when its stems are soft and its leaves are beginning to char.
Depending on your tastes, season with salt and pepper.
Notes
In June 2021, this recipe originally appeared online, but has since been revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 11gSodium: 30.3mgCarbohydrates: 6.6gSugar: 1.6gProtein: 2.7g
