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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Chili Sesame Sautéed Broccolini

    Modified: Jun 12, 2020 · Published: May 9, 2019 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    image of finished recipe on a plate with a fork on top of a counter
    sauteed broccolini on a plate
    sauteed broccolini on a plate

    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.

    chili sesame broccolini on a white plate with a gold fork

    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!

    two bunches of broccolini spread out on a counter next to garlic and red pepper

    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.

    sauteed broccolini on a plate next to a gray napkin and small bowl of seasonings

    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

    I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.

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    image of finished recipe on a plate with a fork on top of a counter

    Chili Sesame Sauteed Broccolini

    A simple and flavorful broccolini recipe with a spicy kick! On the table in 15 minutes.
    No ratings yet
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    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 15 minutes mins
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 315kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil - toasted
    • 3 cloves garlic - minced or pressed
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 2 small bunches broccolini - washed and trimmed
    • 2 tablespoon 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

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3074IU | Vitamin C: 157mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @vegworld_recipes and follow me today!

    Happy almost weekend! – Lizzie

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    lizzie streit cutting carrots

    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

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