Quick and easy sesame broccolini that’s blanched just for 2 minutes and coated in the most delicious umami sauce! Makes a simple but yummy side dish that happens to be vegan, Whole30, and paleo-friendly.
Broccolini is one of our favorite vegetables that we enjoy often in our house. I’ve tried many ways of cooking them, like roasting, sauteeing, steaming, and more. The quickest and easiest way to enjoy them is to blanch them for a few minutes until they are tender but still has that delicious crunch.
Watch a Short Video of This Recipe
What’s the Difference Between Broccolini and Broccoli?
If you’ve never had broccolini before, I highly recommend you try it! It’s smaller than broccoli with longer stems that are more tender. The flavors are very similar but broccolini is slightly sweeter. Broccolini is actually a hybrid of the broccoli and Chinese broccoli, and it’s very similar to baby broccoli.
Blanched Sesame Broccolini Recipe
For this Asian-inspired sesame broccolini, the vegetables are blanched for just 2 minutes then tossed together in a delicious sesame-garlic seasoning that’s subtle but packed with umami. I love eating it as a side dish as part of a Korean meal, but it can be added as a side dish to any protein, or even in salads or rice bowls. I highly recommend you cut the stems of the broccolini into even thickness so they are cooked evenly.
Ingredients in This Quick and Easy Broccolini Dish
- broccolini: If you have trouble finding broccolini, either broccoli or baby broccoli can be used with same delicious result!
- sesame oil: I recommend using toasted sesame oil for the deep and rich sesame flavor. This is my favorite brand.
- garlic
- sesame seeds
- sea salt
That’s it! Literally just 5 ingredients if you don’t count the water that the broccolini is blanched in.
How to Blanch Broccolini
- Add water to a large pot, salt generously, and bring to a boil.
- Remove the tough bottom inch of the broccolini, then cut the rest into 2 inch pieces. Slice the thicker stems in half lengthwise so all the stems are even in thickness. Prepare an ice bath.
- Add the broccolini to the boiling water for 2 minutes for a crisp-tender texture (or longer if you prefer it more soft), then immediately transfer to the ice bath to stop cooking.
- Cool in the ice bath for 5 minutes, then place in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss to combine.
- Serve warm or chilled, and sprinkle with more sesame seeds for garnish.
My Top Tips For This Broccolini Recipe
- If you can’t find broccolini, this recipe will work with broccoli, baby broccoli, or even broccoli rabe. The textures and flavors may differ slightly depending on the variety used, but it’ll still be delicious.
- Make sure to slice the stalks into even thickness to ensure even cooking. You definitely don’t want to bite into random raw pieces while enjoying your dish!
- You can enjoy this sesame broccolini as a side to protein dishes, or even add to bowls or salads. I personally like to serve it as Korean banchan, which are small dishes like kimichi that you serve with rice.
- Once prepared, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy this easy side dish within 4-5 days!
If you enjoyed this sesame broccolini recipe, you might also like…
- Asian Sautéed Broccolini Recipe (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan)
- Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim Recipe)
- Raw Asparagus Salad (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan, Low Carb)
- Asian Coleslaw Salad – Crunchy & Easy! (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan Option)
- Sautéed Asian Zucchini and Onions (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb, AIP Option)
Sesame Broccolini – Blanched, 2 Minutes (Vegan, Whole30, Paleo)
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccolini or baby broccoli
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or more, if needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and generously add salt.
- Remove the bottom inch of the broccolini, and cut the rest into 2 inch pieces. Slice the thicker stems in half lengthwise, so all the stems are even in thickness. Prepare an ice bath.
- Add the broccolini to the boiling water for 2 minutes (or longer if you want softer broccolini), then immediately transfer to the ice bath to stop cooking.
- Cool in the ice bath for 5 minutes, then drain and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss to combine.
- Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with more sesame seeds.
Video
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