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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic

    Published: Apr 23, 2025 by Jo Keohane · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli is an ultra easy vegetable side dish perfect for busy weeknights and entertaining alike. It's made with garlic, lemon juice and lemon zest for next level flavor. Getting your greens has never been so delicious.

    A white plate of roast tenderstem broccoli with sliced garlic and fresh lemon zest and juice.

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    Roasting tenderstem (or long stem broccoli) is my favorite way to cook it. Roasting any vegetable not only adds a little char to the dish, but also brings out the natural sweetness.

    Roast broccoli makes a great healthy side dish. Increasing the amount of green veggies in our weekly diets has lots of health benefits. The fresh flavor of tenderstem broccoli is an excellent source of healthy vitamins and minerals, not to mention a rich source of fiber which is great for gut health.

    However, the best thing about this easy vegetable side dish is that it only takes 3 minutes to prepare! Then all you need to do is pop it into the oven for a quick roast. Minimal effort resulting in maximum flavor!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Roast Tenderstem Broccoli
    • Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli Ingredients
    • How to Roast Tenderstem Broccoli - Step-By-Step
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Tips & Tricks
    • How To Serve
    • How To Reheat
    • Pin This Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic Recipe For Later
    • What Do You Think?!
    • More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas
    • Printable Recipe
    • Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic
    • Reader Comments & Ratings

    Why You'll Love This Roast Tenderstem Broccoli

    • This recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients along with some salt and black pepper.
    • Roasted tenderstem broccoli tastes great, but the addition of garlic and lemon add an explosion of flavor, taking it to the next level.
    • This is a simple recipe with minimal prep, on the table in less than 20 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight dinner side; or the perfect hassle free side dish for your next gathering
    • Get some extra greens into your diet and try these great tasting recipes:
      • Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Chili
      • Green Beans with Lemon & Almonds
      • Easy Buttered Kale
      • Easy Grilled Asparagus
      • Roasted Asparagus & Carrots
    Roasted tenderstem broccoli with sliced garlic and fresh lemon zest and juice.

    Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli Ingredients

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

    Tenderstem - I love broccoli, it's one of my favourite vegetables. I've opted for the slender stems of roasted broccolini, but you can use regular broccoli, baby broccoli or even Chinese broccoli in this recipe.

    Garlic - For the best flavor I always opt for fresh garlic cloves. However, you can use a pinch of garlic powder if you don't have fresh.

    Lemon - The flavor of lemon works really well and adds a citrus burst to this bitter green vegetable. I use all of the zest of the lemon but only half of the lemon juice.

    A lined baking sheet with tenderstem broccoli and sliced garlic drizzled with olive oil.

    How to Roast Tenderstem Broccoli - Step-By-Step

    Find detailed instructions in the full printable recipe card below.

    Rinse the tenderstem broccoli and dry it thoroughly before placing on a foil or parchment lined large baking sheet for easier clean up.

    Drizzle with olive oil, add the sliced garlic, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to make sure the broccoli is well coated and lay it out in an even single layer making sure it has space to roast and not steam.

    A colander of tenderstem broccoli.
    A large line baking sheet with stems of tenderstem broccoli and thin slices of garlic.

    Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until just crisp and slightly golden at the edges. Sprinkle with lemon zest and squeeze over half of the lemon juice. Taste and season again if necessary and serve!

    A large line baking sheet topped with roast tenderstem broccoli and sliced garlic.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you roast tenderstem in the oven?

    Yes, as with most vegetables, tenderstem broccoli stalks are great when roasted in a hot oven. Roasting the vegetable gives it a slight caramelization, and subtle sweetness. Also the edges start to brown and crisp up a little which also enhances the flavor.

    Can you make Air Fryer Tenderstem Broccoli?

    Yes, tenderstem Broccoli roasts nicely in the Air Fryer. Roast it at 400ºF/200ºC for around 10-12 minutes for vegetables which have crispy florets but are still tender on the inside. Shake the basked half way though to help the florets cook more evenly and prevent scorching.

    What is the difference between broccoli and tenderstem?

    Tenderstem broccoli, also known as broccolini, is a hybrid Chinese kale and traditional broccoli. While both belong to the brassica family, the long thin stems of broccolini have a milder taste and more tender texture, compared to broccoli which has a slightly more bitter taste and firmer texture.

    How much broccoli should I serve per person?

    A standard serving of broccoli is 4oz per person, cooked or raw.

    Roast tenderstem broccoli with sliced garlic.

    Variations & Substitutions

    Add some other fruits and vegetables to the baking sheet, try a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, red onion or bell peppers.

    Sprinkle over some red pepper flakes for a little chili heat.

    A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or honey would also work beautifully to finish the dish.

    Serve with some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, thyme or tarragon.

    Grate over some fresh Parmesan cheese just before serving.

    Add crunch and texture with a garnish of toasted almond flakes, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pine nuts.

    A white plate of roast tenderstem broccoli with sliced garlic and fresh lemon zest and juice.

    Tips & Tricks

    For best results be sure to season your veggies generously with salt and pepper, it will make all the difference to the finished dish.

    Spread the veggies out in a single layer to give them space to roast. If the broccoli is too close and overlapping it will steam rather than roast in the oven.

    Beware of overcooking Broccoli - it should still be nice and green when done, with crispy florets which are starting to char and a tender stem.

    Line your large baking tray with parchment or aluminum foil for faster clean up.

    How To Serve

    This delicious and versatile side dish can be served alongside any meat, fish or veggie based main. It also makes a great tasting side with pasta dishes.

    Try this simple side dish with my Easy Chicken Alexander, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Bavette Steak, or Salmon with Spinach Cream Sauce.

    How To Reheat

    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 Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic Recipe For Later

    Pinnable image with recipe title and a white plate of roast tenderstem broccoli with sliced garlic and fresh lemon zest and juice.

    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!

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    More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas

    • Crispy Potato Wedges
    • The Best Easy Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
    • Crunchy Chickpea Croutons (for salads and soups)
    • Air Fryer Delicata Squash

    Printable Recipe

    Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic

    Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli is an ultra easy vegetable side dish perfect for busy weeknights and entertaining alike. It's made with garlic, lemon juice and lemon zest for next level flavor. Getting your greens has never been so delicious.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 17 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 119 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 lb Broccolini - trimmed to remove the tough end part of the stalk
    • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 2 cloves Garlic - thinly sliced
    • 1 Lemon - zested and juiced
    • Sea Salt and Black Pepper - to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F/200ºC
    • Rinse the tenderstem broccoli and dry it thoroughly.
    • Place the tenderstem broccoli on the a foil or parchment lined sheet pan for easier clean up.
    • Drizzle with olive oil, add the sliced garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
    • Toss to make sure the broccoli is well coated and lay it out in an even layer making sure it has space to roast and not steam
    • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until just crisp and slightly golden at the edges.
    • Sprinkle with lemon zest and squeeze over half of the lemon juice. Taste and season again if necessary and serve!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 34mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2007IUVitamin C: 119mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 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!
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    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.

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