5 from 1 vote

Crunchy Garlic Lemon Broccolini

 April 12, 2024

Light and tender broccolini is the perfect side dish for your favorite protein, and this may just be my favorite way to prepare broccolini yet. My Crunchy Garlic Lemon Broccolini comes together with just 5 easy ingredients, for a simple and delicious side dish that comes together in minutes!

A pan of the crunchy garlic lemon broccolini, sitting on a countertop with lemon wedges and garlic

Friends, as the weather warms up, do you know what I’m looking forward to? Grilling season! From a delicious juicy burger to the best-ever chicken, I cannot wait to get into the backyard with my boys and grill up the most delicious dishes.

But while proteins are obviously the star of the grill, you know what is just as important? The sides. In fact, there are times where I enjoy the sides even more than main dish itself! And when it comes to sides, this may just be one of my favorite side dishes yet.

This recipe is admittedly simple, but don’t let that fool you: it is packed with flavor. With just 5 ingredients, this dish could not be any easier to make. All you’ll need is olive oil, broccolini, garlic, kosher salt, and lemon juice in order to make it. And the end result? A crunchy, lemony, salty broccolini that is truly crave-worthy. I never thought I would find myself craving broccolini, but this dish truly does the impossible!

What You Need to Make This Simple & Easy Side Dish

  • Olive Oil: The olive oil adds a rich flavor to this broccolini that is truly unbeatable!
  • Broccolini: Broccolini is one of my favorite veggies to serve as a side dish. It is like broccoli’s bigger, cooler, more tender older sister, and it is truly the best!
  • Garlic: I always recommend using fresh garlic, whenever possible. The flavor is truly unbeatable!
  • Kosher Salt: A pinch of kosher salt is all that you need to add the best flavor to this broccolini.
  • Lemon Juice: The juice of one lemon adds the perfect lemony touch to this broccolini!
A pan of the crunchy lemon garlic broccolini, with the broccoli actively being cooked together
Next, add the washed and chopped broccolini to a the pan, and coat it well in the garlic and olive oil. Then, place the cover on the pan and allow the broccolini to steam for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can continue to toss the broccolini until it softens and begins to crisp on the edges.

How to Make This Crunchy, Lemony Broccolini


To make this broccolini, start by heating a skillet, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the olive oil. While the pan is heating, slice the garlic. Then, once the oil is hot, add in the garlic and stir quickly, making sure that the garlic doesn’t burn.

Add the washed and chopped broccolini to a the pan, and coat it well in the garlic and olive oil. Then, place the cover on the pan and allow the broccolini to steam for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can continue to toss the broccolini until it softens and begins to crisp on the edges.

Once it’s done cooking, sprinkle it with sea salt and squeeze the lemon juice on top. Give it one final toss, then serve immediately and enjoy!

A pan of the crunchy lemon garlic broccolini, with the olive oil actively being poured over the top of it
Once it’s done cooking, pour the sea salt and lemon juice on top. Toss to coat the broccolini well, then serve and enjoy!

A Few Tips for Making This Broccolini

Want to know how long to store this broccolini in the fridge? Or how to substitute broccoli for the broccolini? Keep reading for a few tips and tricks for bringing this recipe to life!

  • Broccolini vs. Broccoli: While this recipe calls for broccolini, you can absolutely make it with broccoli. Just be sure to use fresh, not frozen broccoli, for the best results.
  • Store it in the Fridge: This is one recipe that gets better with time! To store any leftovers (or prep this broccolini ahead of time), simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days.
  • Serving Suggestions: This recipe pairs beautifully with any protein, like my Citrus Broiled Salmon or my Pan-Seared Steak. I also recommend pairing it with my Potatoes Au Gratin for the ultimate dinner!

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on InstagramTikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
A pan of the crunchy garlic lemon broccolini, sitting on a countertop with lemon wedges and garlic
Dairy Free/gluten-free/Grain Free/Nut Free/Paleo/Refined Sugar Free/Vegan

Crunchy Garlic Lemon Broccolini

5 from 1 vote
Nicole Modic
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
SERVES 4 Servings
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Light and tender broccolini is the perfect side dish for your favorite protein, and this may just be my favorite way to prepare broccolini yet. My Crunchy Garlic Lemon Broccolini comes together with just 5 easy ingredients, for a simple and delicious side dish that comes together in minutes!

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Bunches Broccolini cleaned well with the stems trimmed
  • 4-5 Cloves Garlic thinly sliced
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ Lemon juiced

Instructions

  • To make this broccolini, start by heating a skillet, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the olive oil.
  • While the pan is heating, slice the garlic.
  • Then, once the oil is hot, add in the garlic and stir quickly, making sure that the garlic doesn't burn.
  • Add the washed and chopped broccolini to a the pan, and coat it well in the garlic and olive oil
  • Then, place the cover on the pan and allow the broccolini to steam for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can continue to toss the broccolini until it softens and begins to crisp on the edges.
  • Once it's done cooking, sprinkle it with sea salt and squeeze the lemon juice on top.
  • Give it one final toss, then serve immediately and enjoy!

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in your posts and I’ll re-share!

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5 from 1 vote

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  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! Even when I messed up my timing and they were done before the rest of dinner they stayed crisp and the flavor was perfect. They were a hit. Craving some more

    • I’m so thrilled to hear that, Saeah! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving a review!