Asian Broccolini

This one-skillet method infuses tender broccolini with soy, sesame, and ginger to make a super flavorful, quick and easy side dish.

Broccolini isn’t what some would call a make-on-the-regular veggie side dish. But it should be. With its elegant stalks, leggy broccolini is just as delicious and nutritious as its more commonly-shopped cousin broccoli and is a superfood in its own right.

In searching for more ways to dress up one of my favorite cruciferous veggies to serve in buddha bowls or alongside slurpable soba noodles, this broccolini recipe leans into the Asian flavors of soy and sesame with the fragrant zing of fresh ginger and toasted sesame seeds for texture. It’s a side dish that’s quick to make and like your favorite leather jacket, dresses up or dresses down depending on whatever it’s paired with.

What’s In This Asian Broccolini

• Broccolini (or broccoli)
• Soy sauce (try low-sodium soy sauce or ponzu for a lighter flavor)
• Butter
• Sesame oil
• Fresh grated ginger
• Toasted sesame seeds (or Everything Bagel Seasoning)
• Red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt if needed

What’s the Difference Between Broccolini and Broccoli

More tender, slightly sweeter, and with longer stalks, broccolini is the long-legged cousin to broccoli. Broccolini is a Japanese hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, and a superfood that can easily be interchanged with regular broccoli. Both are also related to the more bitter and leafy Italian broccoli rabe.

One Skillet Cooking

This is a two-stage steaming process in one skillet. One of the worst things you can do to broccolini or broccoli is to overcook it where it turns to mush. Instead, steam the broccolini until just this side of tender. Add the savory flavors to steep and infuse into the broccolini as it continues cooking.

First, steam the broccolini in the skillet. In this recipe, there’s no need for a steaming basket or a steaming stop in the microwave. Add ¼ inch of water to the skillet and add the broccolini. Bring to a medium boil, cover, and steam for about 8 minutes until tender but still firm. Keep an eye on the skillet as the water evaporates or your broccolini will burn.

Infuse With the Umami Seasonings

Add the flavorings to the broccolini. Drain off any extra water from the skillet and add the butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Continue cooking the broccolini for 2 minutes. This is where the flavors will absorb into the stalks as they continue to cook.

Add toasted sesame seeds and adjust the salt. Toasted sesame seeds have a richer flavor and add a subtle texture. On its own, soy sauce is quite salty. Taste and adjust with more salt to your liking.

What to Serve With Asian Broccolini

• Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
• Marinated Flank Steak with Asian Chimichurri Sauce
• Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks with Asian Gremolata
• Sesame Soba Noodles
• How to Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time
• Asian Glazed Orange Chicken
• Baked Thai Turkey Meatballs

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.

5 from 13 votes

Asian Broccolini With Sesame and Ginger

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Asian

Keyword broccolini

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 110kcal

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• 1 pound broccolini , ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• pinch red pepper flakes

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Instructions

• Bring ¼ inch water to a boil in a large skillet. Add the broccolini, cover with a lid, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Drain any remaining water then add the butter, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the pan and toss with the broccolini. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Toss with the sesame seeds and season with kosher salt if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 586mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2176IU | Vitamin C: 104mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg

More Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

• Broccoli and Shiitake Mushrooms With or Without Soba Noodles
• Easy Broccoli with Feta Cheese
• Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
• Garlicky Swiss Chard and Chickpeas

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