This Grilled Broccolini recipe is simple yet packed with so much flavor. Fresh broccolini is coated with olive oil, lemon, and salt, charred to perfection, and drizzled with savory tomato butter for the perfect summer side dish.
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While I love sauteed brocollini, this grilled version is a game-changer for cookouts. It's become an instant favorite because it is big on flavor, and we love having it on our summer grilling rotation, along with grilled zucchini and squash and grilled corn ribs.
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📖Why My Recipe Works
- Tomato Butter- Skip the boring lemon and parmesan topping. Adding tomato butter gives a rich, creamy flavor to the broccolini and makes this dish ten times better!
- Slightly Charred- The tops of the broccolini char slightly giving it a big flavor as the sugars caramelize.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Broccolini- You need about 1 ½ pounds of fresh broccolini, which is about three small bunches or two larger bunches. If you can't find broccolini, you can also use large pieces of broccoli cut into big spears. This recipe also works with asparagus.
- Olive Oil- Use avocado oil or canola oil as a substitute.
- Lemon Juice- Use fresh lemon juice for a zesty flavor.
- Seasonings- Season with kosher salt and black pepper. You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Tomato Butter- You'll need unsalted butter, fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
💭Vegan Variation
Use vegan butter to make tomato butter. It really does taste the same and you won't be missing out.
⏲️How to Grill Broccolini
When grilling vegetables like broccolini or asparagus it is important to get the grill nice and hot. While the grill is heating up, prep the broccolini.
Marinade
Pour the marinade over the broccolini and toss to coat evenly. Laying the broccolini on a sheet pan will help capture all the drips Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Grill
Place the broccolini in a single layer perpendicular to the grill grates. Cook over direct heat for 6 minutes, rotating halfway through. They should be tender, lightly charred, and with a slight crunch.
Make the Butter
Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Top with pats of the tomato butter or drizzle with melted tomato butter. For the best flavor, serve immediately while still warm.
🥗What to Serve with Grilled Broccolini
This is a delicious side dish for grilled dishes like smoked ribs, grilled flank steak, and Carolina BBQ grilled chicken. If you don't like tomato butter, it also goes well when drizzled with garlic and herb compound butter.
Expert Tips
- After washing the broccolini, dry it thoroughly to absorb all the flavors from the marinade.
- Allow the broccolini to grill undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before turning for a caramelized, smoky flavor.
- Cut large pieces in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
More Side Dish Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Grilled Broccolini with Tomato Butter
Ingredients
Grilled Broccolini
- 1½ pounds fresh broccolini washed and ends trimmed
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ Tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Grilled Broccolini
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400° F.
- Lay the broccolini out on a plate or small sheet pan. Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over the marinade and toss to coat.
- Place the broccolini in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 6 minutes, rotating halfway through.1½ pounds fresh broccolini, 3 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Remove to a serving plater and top with pats of the tomato butter. You can also melt the tomato butter and drizzle it over.
Tomato Butter
- Allow butter to soften on the counter for at least 1 hour. Mix together all ingredients. You can mix by hand or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Chill for 2 hours for the best flavor allthrough you can use right away.1½ pounds fresh broccolini, ½ cup unsalted butter, 1½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley, 1½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, 1½ teaspoon minced garlic, ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅓ Tablespoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Notes
- If your butter has salt, reduce the added salt.
Storage Instructions
- Tomato butter will keep for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator, or for up to 6 months in the freezer.
- Store leftover broccolini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave on low.
Equipment
- Grill, gas or charcoal
John says
It was delicious with the butter topping, I melted it first.