Garlic Grilled Broccolini

Sometimes the simplest side dishes are the ones we end up making again and again, and grilled broccolini is one of those recipes for me. It’s quick to prep, cooks in just a few minutes, and always feels a little bit special thanks to those long, pretty stems and charred edges.

If you’re tired of the same old broccoli, this is such a fun way to change things up without making your life harder in the kitchen. 

I also love this recipe because it works with just about anything you’re already cooking on the grill—chicken, fish, pork, steak, or even tofu. It’s the kind of side dish that looks restaurant-worthy, but takes almost no effort. Just toss it with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, pop it on the grill, and finish with a squeeze of lemon. You’ll end up with tender, crispy, garlicky broccolini that will disappear fast. 

What is broccolini?

Broccolini may look like broccoli, but it is 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.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few tips to make sure your grilled broccolini turns out perfect every time:

• Trim the stems: Just ½ inch off the bottom is all you need. The rest of the stalk is tender and delicious.
• Keep it whole or split: For thinner broccolini, grill it whole. For thicker stalks, slice lengthwise so they cook evenly.
• Choosing broccolini 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.
• Prepping broccolini to cook: 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 Make Garlic Grilled Broccolini

Here’s how to grill broccolini perfectly every time:

1. Prep the Broccolini

Wash, dry, and trim about ½ inch from the stems. Slice thicker stalks lengthwise so they grill evenly.

2. Season

Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. A light coat is all you need. Too much oil can cause flare-ups.

3. Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place broccolini directly on the grates until you get tender-crisp with charred edges.

4. Finish and Serve

Remove from the grill, squeeze over fresh lemon juice, and serve warm.

Pro tip: If garlic tends to burn on your grill, sauté it in olive oil separately and drizzle it on right before serving.

Tips for Grilling Broccolini

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

• Let it char: Don't be afraid to let the broccolini char and brown. The little browned and charred bits are the best part.
• Cook longer: 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.
• Don't overcook: Make sure not to overcook the broccolini. It should still have some texture and be cooked until tender crisp.
• Use a grill basket: 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.
• Vegetarian Ideas: Make this Grilled Tofu or some creamy Parmesan polenta for an easy vegetarian dinner.