Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan
Get ready to impress with this show-stopping veggie side dish recipe for Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan! This simple and flavorful roasted broccolini recipe features the perfect blend of smoky charred broccolini, zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese.
Savory, Garlicky, Tangy Broccolini Goodness
I’ve been crushing on broccolini for a while now, and guess what? It’s strutting its stuff from June through September here in the Pacific Northwest. So, this summer, I was all about crafting the perfect broccolini dish, one that sings with savory, garlicky, and tangy goodness.
And here’s the magic: that sizzlin’ “charring” of the broccolini. It’s like a flavor makeover, caramelizing those tender greens, givin’ ’em a delightful smokiness, and turning up the volume on their natural fabulousness.
Now, let’s talk about that zesty lemon – it’s like a burst of sunshine in your mouth, balancing out the garlic’s fragrant charm and the broccolini’s earthy vibes. And oh, that umami-savory Parmesan cheese? It gets all crispy and cozy with those charred edges, like a match made in flavor heaven.
It’s just a really delightful mix of contrasting tastes and textures, all coming together in perfect balance. This easy veggie side dish is a true superstar, ready to shine at all your summer gatherings!
Looking for more easy veggie side dishes? Be sure to try our sweet and spicy maple Brussels sprouts, our grilled squash and zucchini, our hot honey roasted carrots, our zesty Italian roasted vegetables, and our rich, indulgent spring vegetable au gratin recipes.
What’s So Special About Broccolini?
Broccolini, also known as “baby broccoli” or tenderstem broccoli, is a hybrid vegetable that is a cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It features long, slender stems topped with small, tender florets, making it visually distinct from traditional broccoli.
What makes broccolini great is its unique taste and texture. It combines the familiar flavor of broccoli with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of asparagus. The entire vegetable is edible and the smaller size and tender stems make it quick to cook and enjoyable to eat.
Additionally, broccolini is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, supporting overall health and well-being.
Ingredients
- Broccolini
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh garlic
- Kosher salt
- Red pepper chili flakes
- Parmesan cheese
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Add a pinch of red chili flakes if desired.
- Combine the ingredients. Place the broccolini in a large mixing bowl and add the marinade. Use your hands to evenly coat the broccolini with the marinade. Place broccolini onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and spread in a single even layer.
- Roast the broccolini. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and roast until the broccolini stems are tender but firm, the florets are a bit charred and crisped, and the cheese has melted to golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve the charred broccolini immediately with lemon slices or wedges on the side.
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Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Garlic, and Parmesan Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccolini (2 bunches) ends trimmed
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- red pepper flakes a pinch
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- sliced lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425℉ (220℃).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt for the marinade. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Place the broccolini in a large bowl and add the marinade. Use your hands to thoroughly coat the broccolini with the marinade. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and roast until the broccolini stems are tender but firm, the florets are a bit charred and crisped, and the cheese has melted to golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Notes
- If you can’t find broccolini, you can use regular broccoli. Alternatively, try other greens like broccoli rabe, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a different twist.
- I like to use a good Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for this recipe but instead of Parmesan, you could try Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead.
- Add some toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
- For an even brighter lemon punch, add some lemon zest to the marinade.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for added complexity.
- Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a nice crispy texture.
- For a vegan variation, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Make sure any leftover broccolini is cooled to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat, place the broccolini on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. This is the best method for maintaining its texture.
- However, if you’re short on time, you can use a microwave. Place the broccolini in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with a small vent, and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s heated to your liking.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Charred broccolini with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan makes for a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, and especially with Italian-style main dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Baked Salmon (Pesto Butter Salmon)
- Shrimp Scampi
- Lemon Roasted Chicken
- Ricotta Pesto Pasta
- Chicken Piccata
- Chicken Parmesan
- Linguine in Citrus Cream Sauce
- Marinated Steak
- Italian Sausages
- Pesto Salmon Pasta
- Creamy Lemon Risotto
- Mushroom Marsala
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