Quick Steamed Broccoletti with Garlic (Broccolini or Baby Broccoli) 

This quick, nutritious, and perfectly tender Steamed Broccoletti pairs beautifully with any main course, offering freshness on your plate. Enhance the natural flavors with a garlic and butter sauce and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Season to perfection with salt and pepper, and enjoy this quick and healthy addition to any meal. 

Mastering the cooking method is crucial to avoid a mushy texture when dealing with broccoli. So far, the most effective technique for me has been steaming.

Keep reading to learn why steaming is a perfect cooking method for broccoli and broccoletti in this recipe. Learn how to enhance the taste by adding a simple garlic and butter sauce to your steamed broccoletti. 

What is Broccoletti (Broccolini or Baby Broccoli)? 

I have experience cooking broccoli for many years, but I've never ventured into preparing broccoletti. Although I've noticed it on the shelves at Trader Joe's for quite some time, it never sparked my interest to try it.

This changed recently, and I wondered why I didn't try it sooner 🫤😏. In all honesty, its flavor surpasses that of broccoli. But what is broccoletti anyways? 

Broccoletti, broccolini, and baby broccoli are different names of a plant that differs from broccoli and is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, a leafy vegetable commonly referred to as gai lan. 

Broccolini features slender, firm stalks that are more delicate and tender than traditional broccoli. Additionally, it includes small leaves and smaller florets. The entire plant is edible, so you don't have to remove anything; wash it in cold running water. 

Nutritionally, broccoletti is a good source of vitamins A and D, fiber, calcium, and magnesium.

But these slender stalks are the main difference, in my opinion, that gives this perfect crisp of the steamed broccoletti. 

Why Steam Broccoletti? 

Here are several reasons why steaming broccoletti is a preferred cooking method that gives the best results: 

• Steaming is a superior cooking method, preserving more nutrients than other common cooking methods, thanks to its shorter cooking time that minimizes nutrient loss. 
• This technique maintains the vibrant green color and ensures a crisp texture, preventing the risk of overcooking and mushiness. For broccolini, a recommended step is to dip the steamed vegetables in icy water to halt the cooking process.
• Moreover, steaming safeguards the natural enzymes, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption. 
• This quick and efficient cooking method, taking only a few minutes, is convenient if you are on a busy schedule. 

Ingredients You'll Need to Prepare Broccoletti and Preparation Tips 

• 12 oz (340 g) of broccoletti - I usually buy it at Trader Joe's, and they are sold there as baby broccoli. You might find them at other stores in the produce section under the name broccolini as well. This was a perfect quantity for two people.
• 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil - I like mixing butter and olive oil because butter adds a rich and creamy flavor. However, if butter isn't your preferred option, using 3 tablespoons of olive oil instead is a simple alternative. 
• 2 garlic cloves and about ½ teaspoon salt. You can use black pepper as well, as per your taste. 
• You'll steam the broccoletti first for about 5 minutes and set it aside, and then you'll cook the garlic over medium heat in the mixture of butter and olive oil for about 1 minute, avoiding the garlic burns. 
• You'll toss everything together, sprinkle with some fresh lemon juice, and your delicious side dish will be ready.
• Feel free to add a touch of Parmesan cheese to your steamed broccoletti, or if you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Please take a look at the recipe card below for the full recipe and nutrient information. 

Conclusion

To summarize, this broccolini recipe is about keeping things simple and fresh. Whether you have it on its own or with a tasty main dish, this steamed broccolini is perfectly cooked - not too soft or hard. 

It's made even better with a garlic sauce, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a little bit of lemon, making it a delicious, healthy treat. So, whether it's a solo easy side dish or part of a bigger meal, get ready for a delightful flavor experience with this easy broccolini recipe! 

As a suggestion, it pairs well with grilled salmon, air fryer salmon bites, or pasta dishes. Store your steamed broccoletti with garlic sauce in an airtight container to preserve best flavor and freshness in the refrigerator.

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📖 Recipe