This Chili Sesame Sautéed Broccolini is a flavorful and low maintenance vegetable side dish that’s on the table in 15 minutes. Learn how to cook broccolini in a pan with simple, delicious ingredients.
It’s been a while since I posted a no fuss veggie side dish. Like the kind you can just whip together with some pantry staples and call it a day. Those are my favorite type of recipes, if we’re being honest.
So I’m even more excited than usual about this recipe, which features the one and only, tall and lanky, beautiful broccolini!
I cooked this vibrant vegetable in sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then finished it off with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. The final result is a crunchy, slightly charred, and flavorful dish with a spicy kick!
But before we unpack how to make Chili Sesame Sautéed Broccolini, I want to discuss the star vegetable of the dish first, in case you don’t know about it. Let’s break down the basics, shall we?
What’s the difference between broccoli and broccolini?
Broccolini is sometimes referred to as baby broccoli, but it’s not actually an immature broccoli plant. It’s a hybrid between broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
Broccolini has taller stalks and smaller florets than regular broccoli, and a mellower and sweeter taste. In terms of nutrition, broccolini and broccoli are pretty similar, at least in vitamin C content (1).
So, really, the main difference is that broccolini is cuter than broccoli, in my opinion!
How to Make Sautéed Broccolini
Cooking broccolini in a pan (aka sautéing it) is so simple. Just heat some sesame oil and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and then cook the broccolini in there until it’s tender.
Some people like to blanch their broccolini before sautéing it, or steam it with a little bit of liquid for a few minutes at the end to make it more tender. Honestly, I think it turns out just fine without either of those steps.
If you’re looking for another way to use broccolini, check out my Grilled Broccolini with Lemon and Parmesan or the Sheet Pan Orange Glazed Salmon and Broccolini (um, YUM). And for other simple side dishes, see:
- Apple Cider Brussels Sprouts
- Braised Radishes and Leeks
- Quick Braised Collard Greens
- Dill and Maple Roasted Carrots
- Sautéed Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
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Chili Sesame Sauteed Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil - toasted
- 3 cloves garlic - minced or pressed
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 small bunches broccolini - washed and trimmed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive and sesame oils, garlic, and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add the broccolini. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccolini is tender and slightly charred, about 8-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Happy almost weekend! – Lizzie
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