Grilled Lemon Broccolini Recipe

Broccolini: A tender, slightly sweet vegetable that is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to grill the broccolini evenly.

Lemon: Both the zest and juice are used to add a bright, tangy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dish.

To ensure your broccolini cooks evenly and achieves that perfect char, make sure to spread the broccolini out in a single layer on the grill. Avoid overcrowding, as this will allow each piece to get direct heat and develop those delicious grill marks. Additionally, if you find the broccolini stems to be particularly thick, consider blanching them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before grilling. This will help them cook through more evenly and quickly on the grill.

• broccolini - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• broccolini - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus offers a similar tender-crisp texture and works well with grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it suitable for grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, ideal for grilling.

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, adding brightness to the dish.

• lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a tangy acidity that can mimic the brightness of lemon juice.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different mineral flavor compared to regular table salt.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness, giving the dish a kick.

• Allow the broccolini to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the vegetables soggy.

• Transfer the cooled grilled broccolini to an airtight container. Use a container that fits the broccolini snugly to minimize air exposure.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The grilled broccolini will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, spread the cooled broccolini on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents the pieces from sticking together.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the broccolini is frozen solid.

• Transfer the frozen broccolini to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When ready to use, thaw the broccolini in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• Avoid microwaving the broccolini as it can make the texture mushy. Reheating in the oven or skillet helps maintain its slight char and crispness.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the broccolini on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain the lemon zest and olive oil flavors.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the broccolini and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method can help maintain the slight char and crispiness.

• Microwave Method: Place the broccolini in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may slightly soften the texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the broccolini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method helps to retain the crispiness and enhances the lemon juice flavor.

• Grill: Used to cook the broccolini, providing a smoky flavor and charred texture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the broccolini with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Tongs: Essential for turning the broccolini on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Zester: Used to zest the lemon, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the dish.

• Juicer: Helps extract the juice from the lemon efficiently.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and pepper accurately.

• Knife: Necessary for trimming the broccolini and cutting the lemon.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for trimming the broccolini and cutting the lemon.

Pre-trim the broccolini: Buy pre-trimmed broccolini or trim it in advance to save time on prep.

Use a grill basket: A grill basket can make turning the broccolini easier and faster.

Pre-mix the seasoning: Combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a jar ahead of time.

Batch grilling: Grill a larger batch of broccolini at once to save time for future meals.

Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking.