Grilled baby broccoli is an easy vegetable side dish with smoky charred edges and tender stems. This simple recipe is finished with olive oil, salt, pepper, and grilled lemon for an easy summer side dish ready in about 10 minutes.
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- Grilled baby broccoli is smoky, tender, and ready in about 10 minutes
- Most grocery stores sell broccolini labeled as baby broccoli
- Easy summer side dish for grilled fish, steak, chicken, or burgers
- Finished with olive oil, salt, pepper, and grilled lemon You can use the same method for regular broccoli too
What is Baby Broccoli?
Baby broccoli and broccolini are basically the same thing. Most grocery stores label it "baby broccoli" because shoppers recognize the name more easily.
Broccolini, often sold as baby broccoli, is not immature broccoli. It's a hybrid vegetable made from broccoli and Chinese kale, also called gai lan. It has long tender stems, smaller florets, and a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than regular broccoli.
- thinner stems
- smaller florets
- a slightly sweeter flavor
- a more tender texture than regular broccoli
It grills beautifully because the stems soften while the tops pick up smoky char from the grill.
Visit Air Fryer Broccolini for another variation.
Ingredients
One bunch of baby broccoli makes 2 servings
- Broccolini or baby broccoli
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
See recipe card below for amounts.
How to Grill Baby Broccoli
- Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Wash and dry the broccolini well. Pull off any large leaves attached to the stems.
- Slice about 1 inch off the bottom of the stems.
- Toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the broccolini directly on the grill grates.
- Place the lemon halves on the grill cut-side down.
- Grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender with light char marks.
- Transfer everything to a serving plate and squeeze the grilled lemon over the top before serving.
Can I Use Regular Broccoli?
Yes. Use the same recipe for grilling regular broccoli florets.
The only difference is that large broccoli florets may take a few extra minutes to become tender. Cut them half lengthwise with some stem attached so they are easier to flip on the grill.
Serving Ideas
We made this broccoli with grilled red snapper. It cooks right alongside the fish for a simple dinner.
You can also serve it with steak, grilled chicken, burgers, shrimp, salmon and toss it into pasta dishes or salads.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for a few minutes.
FAQs
Both are healthy vegetables loaded with fiber and vitamins. Broccolini is slightly sweeter and more tender, while regular broccoli has a stronger broccoli flavor.
No. Broccolini cooks quickly right on the grill without boiling first.
If the grill is too hot, the tops can char before the stems soften. Move the broccolini to a cooler part of the grill if needed and turn often.
It tastes slightly sweet, smoky, and lightly charred with tender stems and crisp edges.
More Broccoli and Vegetable Recipes
Grilled Baby Broccoli and Broccolini
Ingredients
- 1 bunch broccolini or baby broccoli
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch garlic powder or red pepper flakes optional
- 1 lemon halved
Instructions
- Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Wash and dry the broccolini well. Pull off any large leaves attached to the stems. Slice about 1 inch off the bottom of the stems. Slice a lemon in half.
- Toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the broccolini and lemon halves directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
- Transfer everything to a serving plate and serve with lemon halves.
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