If you are on the hunt for a simple yet impressive vegetable side that bursts with flavor and texture, this Grilled Broccolini Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Perfectly tender with a slight char that adds smokiness, the broccolini’s natural sweetness shines through while a hint of lemon juice lifts the whole dish into something truly memorable. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant summer barbecue, this recipe turns humble broccolini into a star everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Grilled Broccolini Recipe means gathering just a few straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the bright, fresh broccolini itself to the richness of avocado oil that helps create that perfect char, all rounded off by seasoning and a splash of lemon juice to brighten every bite.
- 1 pound broccolini (about 2-3 bunches): Look for firm stems and vibrant green color for the freshest flavor.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: A high smoke point oil that helps the broccolini grill evenly and develop a gorgeous sear.
- ¾ teaspoon salt (plus more for serving): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the slight bitterness of the greens.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts the broccolini’s taste.
How to Make Grilled Broccolini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat, which is essential for giving the broccolini those beautiful, smoky grill marks without burning the delicate stems. A properly heated grill ensures quick cooking that locks in flavor and yields tender-crisp texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccolini
After washing the broccolini, remove any leaves from the stems for a cleaner eating experience. Toss the broccolini in a bowl with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt evenly. This simple coating helps the broccolini brown nicely while seasoning it perfectly from the start.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Place the broccolini in a single layer on the grill, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally so each side develops a light char. This grilling step transforms the broccolini’s flavor, bringing out subtle smokiness and caramelized hints.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the broccolini are beautifully grilled, remove them from heat. Sprinkle with black pepper for warmth, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh tastes.
How to Serve Grilled Broccolini Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish and add a lovely texture contrast. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil also provide a burst of color and freshness that complements the grilled broccolini wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This grilled broccolini pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a vibrant, healthy green to your plate. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to hearty grain bowls or creamy risotto, balancing the richness with its light, smoky flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the grilled broccolini on a rustic wooden board alongside crusty bread and a selection of dips for a casual sharing platter. Another fun idea is to chop the cooled broccolini and toss it into warm pasta with lemon zest and chili flakes for a quick, flavorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen after resting, making it a fantastic component for next-day salads or sandwiches.
Freezing
While freezing grilled broccolini is possible, it’s best to do so with caution as the texture may be compromised upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, spread the broccolini on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag to preserve as much texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the broccolini in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the broccolini soggy and lose its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Yes, regular broccoli can work as a substitute, but keep in mind it may take a bit longer to cook and won’t have quite the same tender stems or delicate flavor that broccolini offers.
What if I don’t have avocado oil? Is another oil okay?
Absolutely! You can swap avocado oil for olive oil or grapeseed oil, both of which have good smoke points and will help the broccolini grill nicely while adding their own subtle flavor.
How do I know when the broccolini is perfectly grilled?
Look for a slight char on several sides with the stems cooked through but still firm to the bite. The color should be vibrant green, not dull or overly blackened.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Definitely. You can use a grill pan or a broiler set to high heat. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning and turn frequently to achieve even char marks.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Grilled broccolini keeps well and can be prepped ahead for inclusion in meals throughout the week, adding a fresh, flavorful vegetable side with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Grilled Broccolini Recipe inspires you to bring a little extra green magic to your table. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly versatile — a true crowd-pleaser that turns a simple vegetable into a crave-worthy dish. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your meal with that perfect balance of smoky char and bright lemony freshness.
Print
Grilled Broccolini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Broccolini recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender broccolini with a subtle smoky char, enhanced by a light coating of avocado oil, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a splash of bright lemon juice. Perfect as a healthy side dish for any meal, it only takes a few minutes to prep and grill, making it ideal for busy weeknights or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
Broccolini
- 1 pound broccolini (about 2–3 bunches)
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt (plus more for serving)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to char the broccolini nicely without burning.
- Prepare the broccolini: Remove any leaves from the broccolini stems. Place the broccolini in a medium bowl or on a large plate, drizzle with avocado oil, and sprinkle evenly with salt. Toss until all stems are well coated with oil and seasoning.
- Grill the broccolini: Arrange the broccolini in a single layer directly on the grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking and a light charred finish.
- Season and serve: Remove the broccolini from the grill. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving warm.
Notes
- Make sure to preheat the grill properly to get a good sear and lightly charred flavor.
- Tossing the broccolini in oil and salt before grilling helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil if preferred.
- Adjust grilling time slightly depending on your grill’s heat and broccolini thickness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan before serving.
