Quick Broccolini Side (Boiled, Steamed or Microwaved)
Servings: 4
Calories: 78kcal
This Quick Broccolini Side (Boiled, Steamed or Microwaved) recipe is fresh, bright and ready in minutes – choose from boiling, steaming or microwaving your broccolini (tenderstem broccoli), depending on how much chaos is happening in your kitchen. It instantly lifts any dinner, works with absolutely everything, and needs only olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper (plus parmesan if you want to feel fancy). Minimal effort, maximum payoff – the kind of side Future You will be very grateful for.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches broccolini (tenderstem broccoli), ends trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes, plus extra to taste
- ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, plus extra to taste
- 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
BOILED BROCCOLINI (HERO METHOD)
- Bring a medium pot of water to the boil and add ½ teaspoon of sea salt flakes.
- Add the broccolini and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Do not overcook.
- Drain well and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and season with sea salt flakes and pepper.
- Toss gently and finish with parmesan (if using). Serve immediately.
STEAMED BROCCOLINI
- Place the broccolini in a steamer basket set over a saucepan of simmering water.
- Cover and steam for 4–5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Do not overcook.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and season with sea salt flakes and pepper.
- Toss gently and finish with parmesan (if using). Serve immediately.
MICROWAVED BROCCOLINI
- Place the broccolini in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 tablespoons of water, then cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Microwave on High for 2½–3 minutes or until bright green and just tender. Do not overcook.
- Drain any excess water. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and season with sea salt flakes and pepper.
- Toss gently and finish with parmesan (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
Make Ahead
This broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) side is at its best freshly cooked, but it’s also one of those brilliant “prep now, breathe later” additions to a busy week. Prep ahead (up to 24 hours) – Trim the broccolini. Cut the ends and store the raw broccolini in an airtight container or reusable produce bag in the fridge. Cook ahead (same day or up to 24 hours before) – Cook the broccolini using any of the three methods (boiled, steamed or microwaved). Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently (see Leftovers section below). Freshen with an extra squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt right before serving – cooked greens always need a bit of help the next day. Tip: Leave it slightly undercooked if you know you’ll be reheating it later – it finishes cooking as it warms.Leftovers
Broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) keeps surprisingly well, which makes it a great little “add something green to dinner” backup for busy weeks. Fridge – Store cooked broccolini in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you haven’t dressed it yet, keep the olive oil and lemon separate – it stays fresher Reheating to keep it tasting fresh (not soggy and overcooked) –- Microwave: Reheat in 20–30 second bursts, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil. Only warm it through – avoid blasting it or it will go limp quickly.
- Stovetop: Toss gently in a pan over low heat with a teaspoon of water or olive oil until just heated through.
Nutrition Facts
Quick Broccolini Side (Boiled, Steamed or Microwaved)
Amount per Serving
Calories
78
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Sodium
173
mg
8
%
Potassium
6
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
6
g
2
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
1501
IU
30
%
Vitamin C
80
mg
97
%
Calcium
61
mg
6
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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