• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Family Food Kitchen logo

  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
    • Sweet Stuff
      • Cakes
      • Dessert
      • Snacks
    • Holidays
  • Easy Dinners
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Sheet Pan Dinners
    • One Pot Meals
    • Slow Cooked Dinners
    • Soup
    • Salads
    • Sides
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • About
    • Work With Me
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers
  • Dinner
  • - 30 Minute Meals
  • - Sheet Pan Dinners
  • - One Pot Meals
  • - Slow Cooked Dinners
  • - Soup
  • - Salads
  • - Sides
  • Sweet Stuff
  • Holidays
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Chili

    Published: Jan 23, 2023 · Modified: Jun 9, 2025 by Jo Keohane · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This Charred Broccolini, flavored with lemon and chili, is one of my most popular side dishes. This versatile veggie side not only tastes great but it goes with everything and anything! With just 4 ingredients it also gluten free, dairy free and vegan too!

    plate of charred broccolini garnished with sliced red chili

    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Recipe

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Family Food Kitchen

    This easy side is one of the quickest in my repertoire. Only 2 minutes prep and 8 minutes to cook. Any dish that can be cooked and on the table in 10 minutes is a winner for me.

    With this method you par-boil the broccolini first to make sure it is perfectly tender. Then you char it in a screaming hot pan.

    Plain, steamed or boiled broccoli never goes down well with my kids, however charring adds that extra level of flavor, along with the lemon juice and they love it. You can always leave the chili off the kids plates.

    For another easy side dish, have you tried these Microwave Green Beans with lemon and almonds?

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love Charred Broccolini
    • Chargrilled Broccolini Ingredients
    • How to Make Charred Broccolini
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations & Substitutions for Charred Broccolini
    • Tips & Tricks For Making Charred Broccolini
    • How To Serve
    • Reheating
    • Pin This Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Chili Recipe For Later
    • What Do You Think?!
    • More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas
    • Printable Recipe
    • Charred Broccolini Recipe
    • Reader Comments & Ratings

    Why You'll Love Charred Broccolini

    • Prepared and on the table in 10 minutes, this is an ideal weeknight veggie side.
    • This recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients and a pinch of salt.
    • Charred broccolini tastes great on its own, but with the lemon and chili added, it becomes an explosion of flavor.
    • This side is a hit with both adults and children alike, as the charring adds an extra layer of flavor.
    • Looking for inspiration for other easy vegetable side dishes then why not try ...
      • Green Beans with Lemon & Almonds
      • Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
      • Honey Roasted Parsnips
      • Baked Sweet Potatoes
      • Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheese
      • Easy Buttered Kale
      • Easy Grilled Asparagus
    skillet and white serving dish laden with charred broccolini and juiced lemon halves and freshly sliced red chili set alongside

    Chargrilled Broccolini Ingredients

    Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.

    Broccolini - use any variety of broccolini, purple stem would work here too. You can also use a regular head of broccoli, just cut it into even sized florets.

    Olive Oil - I've used extra virgin olive oil as EVOO has the best nutty, fresh flavor. However, you could also use EV, avocado oil or any other oil.

    Lemon - Freshly squeezed lemon juice has the best flavor. You could also add the lemon zest as well as juice for added zing.

    Chili - I've used red jalapeño chili, but any variety of chili will work. If you like it hot use a hotter chili.

    How to Make Charred Broccolini

    Find the full printable recipe card below.

    Clean and trim broccolini then boil in a pan of salted boiling water for 3 minutes.

    Meanwhile heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet or large saucepan over a high heat until its smoking hot.

    Drain the baby broccoli really well. Then carefully place it into the pan of hot oil. Leave to char on a medium-high heat without moving for 2 minutes then turn with tongs and leave for a further 2 minutes.

    Smaller broccolini will cook faster - it will be starting to char at the edges when done.

    Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle over a little extra olive oil, the lemon juice and chili slices. Scatter over a little sea salt and serve.

    washed and trimmed broccolini on a chopping board with sharp kitchen knife
    saucepan filled with water and trimmed broccolini

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is broccolini?

    Broccolini is a cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli which has much longer stems. It is also called tenderstem broccoli in the UK. You can also make this recipe with regular broccoli, and the original Chinese broccoli is also delicious cooked this way.

    How to prepare broccolini?

    The stem, leaves and florets are all edible. So start by cleaning the broccolini in cold water. Then trim into even sized stems, removing any hard pieces of stem.

    Is charred the same as burnt or blackened?

    To char food is to brown or burn it slightly, until the edges start to catch and brown a little.

    Not to be confused with blackened broccolini. Blackened is when a specific cajun spice blend is added to the broccolini to coat it, and the spice burns and blackens when cooked in a skillet.

    plate of charred broccolini garnished with sliced red chili and serving fork and spoon

    Variations & Substitutions for Charred Broccolini

    Broccolini is great at taking on flavor so you can add any combination of flavors to this easy side dish:

    • Lemon and broccoli always goes well, so ramp up the citrus with some fresh lemon zest or even some lemon slices.
    • Stir through some freshly minced garlic.
    • Stir through some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro.
    • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
    • Grate over some fresh Parmesan cheese.
    • Add crunch with some toasted flaked almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pine nuts.

    Tips & Tricks For Making Charred Broccolini

    • Once you've par-cooked the broccoli in boiling water, drain it properly and dry it on some kitchen paper before adding it to the hot skillet. This will give you that nice char.
    • If you want to retain the bright green color of the cooked broccoli plunge it into ice cold water after boiling. You can stop cooking the broccolini at this stage and hold it to cook later - making it a great get ahead dish.
    • As an alternative to a skillet you can also make this dish on a gas grill. Just make sure it is nice and hot before you start.
    close up image of charred broccolini garnished with sliced red chili

    How To Serve

    This delicious and versatile side dish can be served alongside any meat, fish or veggie based main.

    Try it with my  Lemon Caper Chicken Breasts, my Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken my Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs, Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin, or my Teriyaki Salmon with Noodles.

    Reheating

    This is a side dish that is best served fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to heat up place back into a hot skillet to warm through. Alternatively add cold to your lunchtime salad.

    Pin This Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Chili Recipe For Later

    What Do You Think?!

    I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.

    Don't forget to go over to Facebook and Instagram and make sure you're following me so you can join in the chat. And remember to save this recipe to your Pinterest too!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas

    • Easy Smashed Broccoli Recipe with Parmesan and Balsamic
    • Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic
    • Crispy Potato Wedges
    • The Best Easy Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

    Printable Recipe

    Charred Broccolini Recipe

    My Charred Broccolini, flavored with lemon and chili, is one of my family's favorite side dishes. This versatile veggie side not only tastes great but it goes with everything and anything! Gluten free, dairy free and vegan.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 78 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 lb Broccolini - cleaned and trimmed
    • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil - plus more for drizzling
    • ½ Lemon - juiced
    • 1 Red Chili - serrano or jalapeno, very finely sliced
    • Sea Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the broccolini in a large pan of salted boiling water for 3 minutes.
    • Meanwhile heat the extra virgin olive oil in a cast iron pan or large frying pan over a high heat until it's smoking hot.
    • Drain the broccolini really well then carefully place it into the pan of hot oil.
    • Leave to char without moving for 2 minutes.
    • Turn with tongs and leave for a further 2 minutes (small florets will cook faster). When done it will be starting to char at the edges.
    • It will be starting to char at the edges when ready.
    • Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle over a little extra olive oil, the lemon juice and chilli slices.
    • Scatter over a little sea salt and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 23mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1407IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    SHARE RECIPE BY EMAIL
    « Creamy Beef Taco Soup
    Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup »
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Choclette says

      January 30, 2023 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh yes, your broccoli sound as though it was made for me. Will definitley be trying it. Love simple but tasty dishes like this and healthy too.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        January 31, 2023 at 10:14 am

        Thanks so much Choclette - I've been making it on repeat! Hope you enjoy!!

        Reply
    2. Jayne says

      February 08, 2023 at 10:49 am

      Love this side.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        February 09, 2023 at 8:35 am

        Thanks so much for your feedback Jayne, glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth S says

      March 23, 2023 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      This is such a good recipe! So easy and fresh. I have already made it twice and will continue to put it on repeat. Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 23, 2023 at 11:54 am

        So glad you liked it!! Nice way to liven up veggies. Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    4. Sarita says

      March 23, 2023 at 10:19 am

      Our first time trying broccolini - it was delicious! A nice change from our usual sides of peas or carrots.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 23, 2023 at 11:54 am

        So glad you liked it! Thank you for your comment Sarita.

        Reply
    5. Jessica H says

      March 23, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      You're right, this recipe does go well with everything! And it is so easy too. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 24, 2023 at 9:25 am

        You're so welcome! And thanks for taking the time to comment.

        Reply
    6. Jere Cassidy says

      March 23, 2023 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe to change up my boring steamed broccolini. Just one more easy step created that char flavor. Who knew!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 24, 2023 at 9:24 am

        Thank you Jere, so happy you liked it.

        Reply
    7. Sharina says

      March 23, 2023 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      I love the addition of lemon and chili in this charred broccolini! It was packed with flavors and so delicious!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 24, 2023 at 9:24 am

        Thank you so much! I love that flavor combination too. So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    5 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jo Family Portrait

    I'm Jo. As a recipe developer and busy mum of 3, I can help you eat well when time is short! This blog contains loads of delicious, fast and easy-to-achieve recipes. Follow along and feed your family with less stress.

    Browse by Category

    Latest Recipes

    Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta & Mint

    Easy Smashed Broccoli Recipe with Parmesan and Balsamic

    Easy Ground Pork Chili Recipe with White Beans

    Creamy Cauliflower & Blue Cheese Soup Recipe

    Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic

    Easy Pork Curry with Mushrooms (Tomato Base)

    Footer

    About

    • About The Family Food Kitchen
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimers

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2024 The Family Food Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.