Growing up I despised vegetables because they were never cooked in ways that were appetizing to me. Steamed broccoli? NO THANKS. Since becoming a chef, I have learned countless ways to make vegetables that are actually delicious. One of my favorite simple vegetable dishes being grilled baby broccoli / broccolini.

What is Baby Broccoli vs. Broccolini?

Baby broccoli and broccolini are two distinct vegetable varieties, although they share a similar appearance and are both members of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • Baby Broccoli:
    • Baby broccoli is also known as “broccoli rabe” or “rapini.” It is not actually a type of broccoli but rather a different species (Brassica rapa) that is related to turnips. Baby broccoli has small, tender stems and leaves.
    • Baby broccoli typically has smaller florets and thinner stems with more leaves.
    • Not as bitter as Broccolini.
  • Broccolini:
    • Broccolini, on the other hand, is a hybrid vegetable. It is a cross between broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and gai lan (Chinese broccoli, Brassica rapa). Broccolini has longer, slender stems and smaller florets compared to regular broccoli, with a milder and sweeter taste.
    • Broccolini has longer, thinner stems and smaller florets that resemble regular broccoli.
    • Slightly bitter.

Key Steps to Grilling Broccoli:

  • Blanching first – you must blanch the broccoli first for two reasons. First, to par-cook it. Second, to keep it bright green.
  • Thoroughly dry
  • Coat in oil and seasonings
  • Grill on high heat just to achieve the grill marks.
@kellyscleankitchen

How to grill broccoli / broccolini #broccoli #cooking #broccolini #grilling

♬ La Vie En Rose – Louis Armstrong
  • SERVINGS:  2
  • PREP TIME: 5 Mins
  • ACTIVE TIME: 10 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 15 Hr

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch baby broccoli, roughly 1 lb
  • salt and pepper
  • olive oil
  • seasoning of choice, I used an Italian seasoning
  • zest of one lemon

Preparation:

STEP 1.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Boil the baby broccoli for 1-3 minutes until it is al dente and you can pierce with a fork. Remove with tongs and transfer to an ice bath. Cool for 2-4 minutes, drain and dry the broccoli.

STEP 2.

Coat the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and seasoning of choice. In a grill pan on high heat, sear the baby broccoli for 1-2 minutes per side, or until there is a nice char.

STEP 3.

Remove from the grill and garnish with lemon zest, serve immediately.

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