This Chili Sesame Sautéed Broccolini is a flavorful and low maintenance vegetable side dish that’s on the table in 15 minutes.
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 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
Want something totally different? Check out my recipe library. And if you make this recipe, remember to report back and rate and review it in the comments below!
Chili Sesame Sauteed Broccolini
A simple and flavorful broccolini recipe with a spicy kick! On the table in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp 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!
Recipe Notes
If you want a more tender broccolini, you can add a few tablespoons of water at the end and cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes.
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Happy almost weekend!
Lizzie
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