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Spicy Sautéed Sesame Garlic Broccolini Recipe

4.6 from 92 reviews

This Spicy Sautéed Sesame Garlic Broccolini recipe features tender, vibrant broccolini florets blanched and quickly sautéed with aromatic garlic, fiery chili paste, and a nutty sesame finish. It’s a quick and flavorful side dish with a perfect balance of spice, tang, and crunch, ideal for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb broccolini (sometimes labeled as baby broccoli)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
  • 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh chili paste (such as Sambal Oelek)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccolini: Trim any rough ends from the broccolini stalks and halve any stalks thicker than 1/2 inch lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Set aside and prepare an ice water bath to blanch the broccolini later.
  2. Blanch the Broccolini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccolini and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the broccolini to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process, preserving its vibrant color and crisp texture.
  3. Heat the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until softened and fragrant. Stir in the chili paste and sugar, cooking for another 30 seconds to fully blend the flavors.
  4. Drain and Dry Broccolini: Remove the blanched broccolini from the ice water and gently pat mostly dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture which could interfere with sautéing.
  5. Sauté the Broccolini: Add the broccolini to the skillet with the aromatic mixture. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and rice wine vinegar over the broccolini. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the broccolini is tender yet crisp and maintains its vibrant green color.
  6. Season and Garnish: Season the broccolini with kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Blanching broccolini helps maintain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture during quick sautéing.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning it during sautéing.
  • Adjust chili paste quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Sauté quickly over medium-high heat to keep the broccolini crisp and vibrant.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture and taste.

Keywords: Spicy broccolini, sautéed broccolini, garlic broccolini, sesame broccolini, healthy side dish, quick vegetable recipe, Asian side dish