Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 bunches of broccolini
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- Coarse salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim Broccolini: Trim the ends off the broccolini to remove any tough or woody stems, ensuring even cooking.
- Blanch Broccolini: Place broccolini in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for 60 to 90 seconds, or up to 2 minutes maximum. This step softens the broccolini while preserving its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Melt Butter: While the broccolini is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large frying pan over low to medium heat to prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook Garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 90 seconds to 2 minutes until fragrant. For a deeper flavor, you can continue cooking until the garlic is lightly browned, but be careful not to burn it.
- Drain Broccolini: Strain the blanched broccolini and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds to allow excess water to drain off, ensuring the butter glaze sticks nicely.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained broccolini to the pan with the garlic butter. Pour in the lemon juice, then season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss and Glaze: Gently fold the broccolini in the garlic butter sauce until it is evenly coated and seasoned, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the broccolini warm, optionally garnished with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat and brightness.
Notes
- Do not overcook the broccolini in boiling water to maintain its texture and color.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level and enhance the garlic flavor.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick.
- You can substitute lemon juice with lemon zest for a more intense citrus aroma.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
