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Sauteed Broccolini Recipe

Sauteed Broccolini Recipe

5 from 16 reviews

A simple and vibrant sautéed broccolini recipe featuring garlic, lemon, and capers, perfect as a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 8 ounces broccolini (trimmed & halved lengthwise if thick)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1/2 lemon)

Oils and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons capers (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a large nonstick skillet and set the heat to medium to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and chopped capers to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add broccolini: Place the broccolini into the skillet, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well to coat everything evenly.
  4. Sauté briefly: Cook the broccolini for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  5. Steam with water: Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the pan, stir all ingredients together, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the water has evaporated and the broccolini is tender-crisp.
  6. Finish with lemon juice: Turn off the heat and mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  7. Serve and garnish: Transfer the sautéed broccolini to a serving plate and optionally garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Trim and halve broccolini stalks if they are particularly thick to ensure even cooking.
  • Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing to avoid burning, which can lead to bitterness.
  • Using capers adds a salty, tangy punch; rinse them slightly if you prefer less saltiness.
  • For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan garnish or substitute with nutritional yeast.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: sautéed broccolini, garlic broccolini, lemon broccolini, capers, healthy side dish, Mediterranean vegetables