Steaming Broccolini: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way To Cook

Broccolini is a tasty and versatile vegetable that can be steamed, boiled, sautéed, baked, roasted, or microwaved. It has a sweet taste, similar to asparagus and broccoli, with some earthy notes. When cooked, the stems are chewy, while the florets are tender. This paragraph will focus on how to cook broccolini by steaming it.

To steam broccolini, start by bringing a stockpot of water to a boil. Ensure you have a steamer basket that fits into the pot, without coming into direct contact with the water. Add the broccolini to the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for around 5-7 minutes, until tender. Remove the broccolini from the steamer and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste. Serve immediately.

Preparing the broccolini

Start by choosing bright green broccolini with fresh bases, firm stems, and tightly furled heads. Avoid broccolini with florets that are beginning to turn yellow, or with bases that appear dried out, soft spots on the stems, or signs of flowering on the heads.

Trim the ends of the broccolini with a sharp kitchen knife. Cut off any leaves and thick ends, separating the thinner upper stalks into separate pieces. If the thin stalks are connected by a single thick stalk, cut off this portion of the stalk. If the stalks are still too thick, trim them in half lengthwise.

Rinse the broccolini under cool, running water and pat dry with clean paper towels. Broccolini is usually mostly free of dirt and debris, so a quick rinse is all that's needed.

Storing broccolini

Broccolini should be stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag or container inside the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

To keep broccolini fresh for longer, stand it in water in the fridge and cover it with a plastic bag.

Steaming the broccolini

To steam broccolini, you will need a stockpot, a steamer basket, and of course, the broccolini. You can also add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, but these are optional.

First, fill the stockpot with about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. While you're waiting for the water to boil, rinse the broccolini under cool, running water and trim the ends with a sharp kitchen knife. Remove any leaves and thick ends, and separate the thinner upper stalks into individual pieces.

Once the water is boiling, add the broccolini to the steamer basket, ensuring that the basket does not come into direct contact with the water. Cover the stockpot and steamer basket and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccolini is tender.

When the broccolini is done, transfer it to a serving platter and add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and/or garlic powder, if desired. Toss with tongs or a spatula to coat evenly, and enjoy!

Making a sauce

Honey Soy Sauce

Combine soy sauce, honey, and ginger in a jug and set aside. Place the broccolini in a steamer and cook covered for 6 to 7 minutes or until just tender, then transfer to a bowl. Add the sauce mix and toss to combine, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tahini Sauce

Mix together tahini, honey, lemon, and garlic. The sauce should be loose enough to drizzle but not too runny. Set aside for 15 minutes.

Herbed Butter

Place butter, French shallots, parsley, tarragon, and chives in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Cook the broccolini in a saucepan of salted boiling water for 5 minutes or until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the butter mixture and set aside until the butter melts.

Curry Yoghurt Drizzle

Add yoghurt and curry powder to a blender and blitz to combine.

Serving suggestions

Steamed broccolini is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Protein Pairings

Broccolini is an excellent side dish to accompany a variety of proteins. It goes well with beef, chicken, fish, pork, or lamb. For a simple yet delicious option, serve it alongside grilled salmon or chicken breast. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing it with blackened salmon or a sweet and spicy mahi-mahi.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For a vegetarian or vegan meal, steamed broccolini pairs well with roasted vegetables or tofu. Try serving it with roasted veggies like tray-baked vegetables or stir-fried baby bok choy.

Sauce and Seasoning Enhancements

Enhance the flavour of steamed broccolini with various sauces and seasonings. Try a drizzle of chipotle or sriracha mayo, harissa mint dressing, or green goddess sauce. For a simple yet tasty option, season it with salt, pepper, and red chilli flakes. If you're feeling adventurous, try a garlic and butter sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or sprinkle on some toasted seeds and nuts, such as flaked almonds or sesame seeds.

Creative Combinations

Broccolini is also delicious when combined with other ingredients. Try stir-frying it with beef strips, garlic, ginger, chilli, and hoisin sauce, or serving it with penne pasta, olive oil, pine nuts, and grated parmesan. For a refreshing option, serve it raw as crudites with hummus and babaganoush.

With its versatility and nutritional benefits, steamed broccolini is a great addition to any meal, and you can easily customise it to suit your taste preferences.

Storing broccolini

Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, with smaller heads and shoots that are more tender and easier to eat straight from the stalk. It has a similar taste to broccoli, but with a sweeter flavour. When storing broccolini, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible.

Firstly, it is best to store broccolini in a refrigerator. However, it is important to ensure that the broccolini is dry before placing it in the fridge. Moisture can lead to discolouration and rot. It is also recommended to store broccolini in an open or unsealed part of the fridge, rather than in a sealed bag or container. Sealed containers can promote condensation, which can cause the broccolini to spoil faster.

If you are looking to store broccolini for a longer period, you can consider blanching it before placing it in the fridge. To blanch, place the broccolini in boiling water or steam, then immediately dunk it in ice water to stop the cooking process. This method can help keep the broccolini firm and fresh for up to a year.

When choosing broccolini to purchase, look for ones with fresh bases (not dried out), firm stems with no soft spots, and tightly furled heads with no evident flowering. These characteristics will ensure that your broccolini is of good quality and has a longer shelf life.

Frequently asked questions