If baked broccolini is new to you, you’re in for a treat! Read on below to learn about what broccolini is (sometimes called baby broccoli), what it tastes like, and how to cook broccolini in the oven. I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated by cooking broccolini before I first tried making it. It’s one of those side dishes you get at restaurants and get impressed because it looks all fancy. It turns out, it’s actually the simplest thing ever. And I found that it’s really not much different from any other types of roasted vegetables. I’ll show you my simple method for how to cook broccolini in the oven – the hardest part will be the waiting. 😉 With just 5 minutes prep, I promise you, this easy roasted broccolini recipe is so easy that you’ll never be intimidated by it again.
What Is Broccolini?
Fresh broccolini is a vegetable closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Even though it resembles broccoli rabe, they are not closely related. Sometimes it’s called baby broccoli, but technically it’s a separate vegetable altogether – it’s not just young broccoli! Broccolini is actually a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It was developed through cross-pollination and is not genetically modified [*]. Broccolini looks similar to broccoli, but has thinner, more tender stalks, and smaller florets. It’s also more sweet, mild and mellow in flavor.
Can You Roast Broccolini?
Absolutely, you can roast broccolini in the oven! (Just like regular roasted broccoli!) And I think it’s one of the best ways to cook broccolini, as it’s mostly hands-off. After a drizzle of olive oil, roasting broccolini in the oven gets it nice and tender, with the most amazing crispy florets. A delicious side dish to your favorite protein!
How To Cook Broccolini In The Oven
It’s time to get to the important stuff – how to cook broccolini! You can cook it in many of the same ways that you’d cook broccoli, but roasting it is hands-down my favorite. Just 3 easy steps: TIP: If pieces are large or uneven in size, slice lengthwise down the stalk. Uniform pieces ensure that they will cook at a similar rate.
TIP: Roasting time will vary depending on the size of your stalks and florets. Start checking on them every couple of minutes after 10 minutes in the oven.
How To Eat Broccolini
Both the stalk and florets of broccolini are edible. Unlike broccoli, the stalks are a lot more tender and mild. You’d eat broccolini with a fork and knife, similar to how you eat roasted asparagus.
Where To Buy Broccolini
You’ll find broccolini in the produce section at the grocery store. I usually see it packaged in small trays and wrapped in plastic wrap, but sometimes they are sold as bunches tied with a rubber band. Look got broccolini that has firm, bright green stalks and tight florets. Avoid it if it looks yellow, brown, or limp.
When Is Broccolini In Season?
Broccolini is available year-round, but its peak season is October to April.
Calories In Broccolini
One serving of this healthy broccolini recipe has 127 calories. Some of that comes from the olive oil, which is a must!
Can You Make Oven Roasted Broccolini Ahead?
Recipes using broccolini can be made ahead, but right before serving is better. With only 20 minutes total, you aren’t saving much time by doing it ahead of time. TIP: If you want to prep ahead, you can trim the broccolini ahead of time, so that all you have to do before serving is toss with olive oil and roast, to make this side dish come together quickly.
Can You Freeze Broccolini?
Yes, you can. Freezing broccolini would be similar to freezing other vegetables. You’ll want to briefly blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes, to reduce enzyme activity that can degrade the taste and texture in the freezer. Afterward, plunge into cold water, dry, and freeze in ziploc bags. If you freeze broccolini using this method, you can roast it right from frozen by tossing in olive oil and roasting as usual. It will take a few extra minutes.
What Goes With Broccolini?
Baked broccolini makes a perfect side for any protein! Here are a few ideas:
Crispy Chicken Legs – These are just as quick as the broccolini, so you can easily make both. If you want, you can even make them side-by-side in the oven. The chicken legs would work at 400 degrees alongside the roasted broccolini. (If chicken legs aren’t your thing, other chicken recipes would go just as well.) Filet Mignon – The perfect fancy meal, with minimal effort. This combo also goes with mashed potatoes for regular diets, or mashed cauliflower for low carb. It also pairs well with sirloin steak in the oven. Smothered Pork Chops – Pure comfort food! Start on the pork chops first if you want them done at the same time. Pan Seared Halibut – This works out well, because it takes about the same amount of time to cook the fish on the stovetop while the broccolini roasts in the oven. Plus, the broccolini is delicious with a drizzle of the lemon butter sauce that goes with the fish. Eye Of Round Roast – Beef pairs perfectly with broccolini. Pesto Salmon – Just 4 simple ingredients and super quick to make.
More Healthy Vegetable Recipes
If you like this easy roasted broccolini recipe, you might also like some of these other keto vegetable side dish recipes:
Sautéed Radishes – When you’re missing potatoes, you’ve got to try sautéed radishes! Southern Fried Cabbage – Hearty enough for a main dish, this sautéed cabbage dish is packed with flavor. Oven Roasted Green Beans – This easy dinner side is finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, making them utterly delicious! Mixed Roasted Veggies – Roasted veggies are easy, healthy, and can be used in so many ways! Here’s another roasted veggie recipe. Whole Roasted Cauliflower – Looking for a vegetable recipe that can be a main dish? This is it! So much flavor and easy-to-make, too.
Sheet Pan – One trick to the best broccolini recipe? Not crowding your pans! Use an XL sheet pan or split up the broccolini into two pans. Paring Knife – This garlic broccolini needs a quick trim before roasting and this paring knife makes it easy. Glass Meal Prep Containers – Cooking broccolini in oven is a great way to meal prep. Store in a glass meal prep container with a protein for a healthy lunch.
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