This delicious grilled broccolini recipe is made with just 5 ingredients in less than 15 minutes. Fresh broccolini is tossed with olive oil, lemon, red pepper flakes, and salt, then charred on the grill.
This post was originally published in May 2021 and has been updated for content.
Grilling is a great way to enjoy a Summer meal without heating up the house. I love grilling vegetables like zucchini. We have grilled peaches regularly during the summer and love cooking pizza on the grill too!
This grilled broccolini is the perfect side dish made from simple ingredients. Serve it at your next summer cookout with some shrimp kabobs or st louis ribs with lemon sorbet for dessert.
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💭 What is broccolini?
Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and chinese broccoli. Chinese broccoli is a leafy vegetable that contributes to broccolini's long stems, leafs and more delicate florets.
Contrary to popular believe, it is not the same as broccoli rabe, which is related to the turnip family and isn't immature broccoli or "baby broccoli".
🥦 Ingredient notes
- Broccolini - This hybrid vegetable is great for grilling because of it's crunchy texture and longer stalks. Broccolini is found at the grocery store by the regular broccoli and other green vegetables. It has a more mellow earthy flavor than traditional broccoli and the smokiness from the grill adds a wonderful flavor contrast.
- Lemon - You will need the juice and zest of one large lemon for this recipe. Slice up an additional lemon and then grill it with the broccolini for a beautiful garnish.
📋 Substitutions and variations
- Spice - Increase or omit the red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Cheese - Add shredded asiago or also parmesan cheese on top of the grilled broccolini.
🔪 Step by step instructions
Combine broccolini in medium bowl or on a sheet pan with the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes as well as kosher salt.
Toss the broccolini and then use your hands to rub the olive oil and seasonings all over the broccolini.
Preheat the grill to 375˚ or medium high heat and then place broccolini on the grill in a single layer.
Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it is bright green and lightly charred. Serve with grilled lemon slices, if desired.
If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in our Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.
⭐ Expert tips
- Rubbing the oil and seasonings all over the broccolini before grilling. This will ensure even coating and also no dry spots.
- Place the broccolini at an angle or sideways on the grill so it doesn't fall through the grill grates.
- Serve this grilled broccolini with lemon, warm or also at room temperature.
🥘 Alternative cooking methods
- Oven - Make roasted broccolini by cooking it in the oven 375˚ on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook till bright green and lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
⏲️ Make ahead instructions
The broccolini can be combined with the seasonings and then stored covered in the bowl for up to 2 days ahead of time. Follow directions for cooking as listed above.
🥡 Storage suggestions
Leftovers of this grilled broccolini recipe will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of olive oil or in the microwave.
🥗 More side dishes
If you loved this grilled broccolini recipe, check out these other tasty side dishes that I know you will love too!
📖 Recipe
Grilled Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds broccolini
- 6 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon juice and zest, plus extra for grilling (optional)
- ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium high heat, approximately 375˚.
- Toss gently to make sure all of the broccolini is completely covered in oil and seasonings.
- Place broccolini on preheated grill in a single layer and cook for for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly charred and bright green.
- Serve with extra grilled lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
-
- Place the broccolini at an angle or sideways on the grill so it doesn't fall through the grill grates.
-
- Serve broccolini with lemon, warm or also at room temperature.
Substitutions and Variations
-
- Spice - Increase or omit the red pepper flakes depending on preference.
-
- Cheese - Add shredded asiago or also parmesan cheese after grilling.
Anaiah
This was such a simple dish but still packed with so much flavor. I'll never make my broccolini any other way after this. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Grilling it gives it such a great flavor!