Pan-fried broccolini are a simple and wholesome side dish, perfect for bringing a healthy yet tasty plate to the table.
I make them with just a few ingredients, like garlic and extra virgin olive oil, to best enhance their natural flavor without weighing them down. For a richer Mediterranean touch, you can enrich them with Taggiasca olives and pine nuts, which add flavor and a pleasant crunchy note.
They pair well with many dishes and are ready in a short time: an easy, quick recipe that is always appreciated.
If you like broccolini, you can discover other tasty variations: try the bean, chard and broccoletti soup for a light comfort food, the chicken, sausage, broccoletti and borlotti beans for a hearty one-pot meal, or Roman broccoli and beans for a simple, nutritious pairing.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Cooking time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 3People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter and Spring, All seasons
Ingredients
Pan-fried broccolini are best enjoyed in autumn and spring with fresh produce, but thanks to frozen options this recipe is perfect and quick to prepare in every season.
- 1 1/3 lb broccolini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp water (if needed during cooking)
- 2 tbsp Taggiasca olives
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
These simple ingredients make pan-fried broccolini a healthy, quick and flavorful side dish.
Tools
To make the broccolini I used:
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- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Serving spoon
Steps
Clean the broccolini (if fresh), removing the toughest stems and separating the florets.
In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil with the garlic cloves chopped into pieces.
Add the broccolini and sauté over high heat for a few minutes, stirring, without letting them brown too much.
Add a pinch of salt and, if you like, a little chili pepper.
Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you prefer them softer, continue cooking for a few more minutes until you reach the desired texture.
If needed, add one or two tablespoons of water to help cooking and prevent them from drying out.
At the end of cooking, you can add Taggiasca olives and pine nuts for an extra touch of flavor.
Remove from the heat and serve the pan-fried broccolini hot, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil raw.
Tips:
For a more intense flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Perfect as a side for meat, fish or legumes.
The pan-fried broccolini are ready to be served: simple, fragrant and full of flavor, ideal as a quick and healthy side for any occasion.
Pan-fried broccolini: an easy and quick recipe
Discover how to prepare pan-fried broccolini that are crispy and flavorful in less than 10 minutes, with few ingredients and lots of taste.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I use frozen broccolini to prepare pan-fried broccolini?
Yes! Frozen broccolini retain flavor and nutrients, and allow you to prepare this side dish all year round without waiting for the season.
To achieve the right crispness, sauté them directly in the pan without thawing them too much.
Can I prepare the broccolini in advance?
Yes, you can cook them up to 1–2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them quickly in a pan with a drizzle of oil to retain flavor and texture.
