Garlic Grilled Broccolini

If you are looking for a new summer side dish, this grilled broccolini is it! Ready in just 10 minutes, it is a tasty and flavorful side dish that works for barbecues and fancy dinners alike. 

During the warmer months, you will always find me throwing my vegetables on the grill. This Garlic Grilled Broccoli and Easy Grilled Asparagus are staples for summer. However, when I saw some beautiful broccolini at the market last week, I knew it was time to toss it on the grill. 

Broccolini doesn't need much to get super tasty on the grill. With a few simple ingredients and those deliciously charred edges, this will quickly become one of your favorite veggies. Not only does it require less prep than broccoli, but it is also really beautiful for a special dinner or event. We also pan-frying broccolini, like this Pan Fried Broccoli.

Serve it with some Grilled Salmon or Pork Chops for a delicious, healthy meal.

All About Broccolini

• What is broccolini? Broccolini may look like broccoli, but it actually a hybrid between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It was invented in 1993 and has become increasingly popular. It has a taste that is similar to broccoli, but it is slightly sweeter. It cooks quickly and makes for a beautiful presentation with its long stems. Many people also love broccolini since it is easier to prep than traditional broccoli and the stems aren't wasted.
• How to choose it at the store? Look for bright green broccolini that has a firm texture and doesn't have any soft spots. The stems should be firm and fresh without any dried-out spots. Finally, the leaves shouldn't have any flowers. 
• How to prep it for cooking? Broccolini is super easy to prepare. Wash it well and dry it with a kitchen towel. Then trim about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the stem. It can be left whole or chopped into smaller pieces. 
• How to eat it? The entire broccolini is edible. You can eat the stem, leaves, and florets.  Traditionally it is cooked with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a skillet or roasted in the oven. However, think about broccolini in the same way you would think about broccoli or baby broccoli. It works with all different preparations, spices, and dishes. 
• Nutrition: Broccolini is high in fiber, vitamin C, and calcium. 

What You'll Need

Here are all the ingredients you need to make broccolini on the grill.

• Broccolini: A good rule of thumb is that one head of broccolini feeds two people. It should be bright green and firm. If you can't find broccolini, this recipe also works with baby broccoli and Chinese broccoli. 
• Olive oil: Any oil will work in this recipe but olive oil adds a nice flavor. Drizzle some on top after taking it off the grill for more flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: To bring out some natural sweetness and tanginess, balsamic vinegar is a tasty addition. You could also drizzle some balsamic glaze on the broccolini before serving. 
• Garlic: This recipe uses fresh minced garlic since it has the most flavor. If you find fresh garlic tends to burn on the grill, swap in garlic powder. Another option is sauteing garlic in some olive oil and drizzling it on top before serving.
• Lemon: Broccolini and lemon just works. The bright flavor in the lemon makes the whole dish pop. Add lemon zest for more lemon flavor.

Tips for Grilling Broccolini

Here are some expert tips for making this dish really tasty.

• Don't be afraid to let the broccolini char and brown. The little browned and charred bits are the best part.
• If the broccolini is sticking to the grill grates, let it cook a little longer. Usually, things stick to the grill when they aren't quite ready to be flipped. 
• Make sure not to overcook the broccolini. It should still have some texture and be cooked until tender crisp. 
• This recipe will also work in a grill basket, which works really well if you are adding other vegetables to the mix. Cherry tomatoes are really good with broccolini when cooked in a grill basket.

More Seasoning Ideas

Once you start cooking veggies on the grill, it's hard to stop. Broccolini is no different and once you make it once, you will want to experiment with more flavor combinations. Here are some to try.

• Add Parmesan cheese: No one would complain if you finished this dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. So good!
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle the broccolini with red pepper flakes before grilling to add a touch of heat.
• Asian flavors: Toss the broccolini in sesame oil and soy sauce before grilling. Then finish with a splash of rice vinegar and sesame seeds.
• Garnishes: Finish the dish with sliced almonds, pine nuts, goat cheese, feta cheese, sliced olives, or fresh herbs. 
• Add a sauce: Serve this tasty grilled broccolini with some garlic aioli, tangy honey mustard, homemade herby ranch dressing, or a Spanish Romesco sauce.

What to Serve with Grilled Broccolini

If you are making your side dish on the grill, then you might as well cook a yummy main dish on the grill as well. Here are some favorites.

• Grilled Fish: Try this with some light Grilled Red Snapper or Grilled Swordfish. 
• Grilled Chicken: Serve this alongside some tasty Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken or Lemon Dijon Chicken Thighs.
• Grilled Pork: People often forget that pork comes out delicious on the grill. Try these Southwestern Pork Chops or Barbecue Rubbed Pork Tenderloin.
• Grilled Beef: Nothing beats a delicious steak on the grill. Try this Grilled Sirloin Steak or Marinated Flank Steak.
• Vegetarian Ideas: Make this Grilled Tofu or some Grilled Polenta for an easy vegetarian dinner.