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Home » Recipes » Side Dish Recipes

The Best Simple Pan Fried Broccolini

Published: May 1, 2023 · Modified: Apr 3, 2025 by Simply Fresh Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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Find out how to cook broccolini in a pan. This pan fried broccolini recipe is super simple and makes the best healthy veggie side dish.

Front angle view of pan fried broccolini with salt, chilli flakes on the side and forks ready to dig in. this recipe

This three ingredient pan fried broccolini is super easy and SUPER delicious.

It also only takes fifteen minutes start-to-finish, and you'll have yourself a delicious side dish for any lunch or dinner. With so few ingredients, it's accidentally vegan, dairy free, and gluten free. If you thought broccolini was a little too fancy to cook, think again. It's actually really easy to pan fry broccolini, and it's a fun alternative to regular broccoli.

What is Broccolini?

Overhead view of pan fried broccolini on a white plate, on top of a tan coloured table.

Broccolini looks very similar to broccoli, and in many ways it is. Rather than coming in a large head, though, broccolini comes in smaller bunches, with little florets atop individual stems. Developed as a hybrid veggie to be more flavoursome, it's actually the product of crossing Chinese kale with "normal" broccoli.

You might have heard it called tender stem broccoli, long stem broccoli, or broccolette, but it's all the same thing!

What Are the Three Ingredients?

The magic of this pan fried/ pan seared broccolini recipe is that it only requires three ingredients:

  • Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results. If you don't like olive oil, you can also substitute it for avocado or coconut oil, though they'll add different flavours.
  • Broccolini: This is obviously an essential ingredient. We used two bunches that were about 80g each.
  • Chilli flakes: Chilli flakes add a lovely spice to this broccolini. If you hate spice, feel free to leave them out, but I personally love them! Start sparingly and build your way up.

Customise Your Broccolini

Overhead view of pan fried broccolini ingredients.

The beauty of this basic recipe is that you can customise it however you like, depending on what you're serving it with. Noteworthy additions include:

  • Minced fresh garlic or garlic powder
  • Soy sauce
  • Lemon juice/ lemon zest
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salted or unsalted butter

How to Cook Broccolini in a Pan

Learning how to pan fry broccolini is super simple. You simply add oil to a pan, throw in your broccolini, and flip it as needed. You'll know the broccolini is ready when it's slightly charred. Season with your preferred spices - and that's it!

Broccolini Alternatives

If you want to change it up, feel free to swap broccolini for any of the following

  • Chinese broccoli (gai lan) which has similar tender stalks
  • Regular broccoli (increase cooking time as needed)
  • Broccoli rabe 
  • Baby broccoli

Serving, Leftovers and Storage 

To serve this vegetable side, simply plate it up alongside your favourite dinner. This broccolini would taste equally awesome accompanying pork chops, chicken breasts or a tofu steak. 

If you want to eat this broccolini the next day, we recommend letting the broccolini cool to room temperature, then storing in an airtight container in the fridge.  This easy side dish will reheat easily in the microwave or can be warmed up in a large skillet or medium sauté pan for a couple of minutes until heated through. 

This recipe is also a great meal prep option, and can last for a few days in the fridge. Making it ahead means healthier meals with less prep later on (only 2-3 minutes of reheating) — talk about a win/ win.

FAQ

Can you fry broccolini?

Yes! The best way to fry broccolini is to pan fry, using the method detailed in the recipe below.

How long to fry broccolini?

The amount of time it takes to get your broccolini fried to perfect will depend on your stovetop temperature settings. In general, it will take about 15 minutes over medium heat to reach that subtly charred, cooked-through texture.

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Pan fried broccolini recipe thumbnail.

Three Ingredient Pan Fried Broccolini


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Simply Fresh Foodie
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This pan fried broccolini is super simple. With only three ingredients, and a total cook time of 15 minutes, you can easily whip this up as a healthy side to any lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 bunches broccolini
  • 1 sprinkle chilli flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat Pan In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook Broccolini Once pan is warm, add broccolini. Cook, flipping occasionally using the tongs. The broccolini is done when it's beginning to char and the stems are slightly soft.
  3. Season Season to taste with salt and pepper, if you like.
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Pan fry
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Editorial Note: This recipe was originally published in June 2021 and has since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

If you love this recipe, leave a review to help others find it.

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Comments

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    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Mel says

    September 02, 2024 at 1:12 pm

    the best!

    Reply
    • Simply Fresh Foodie says

      January 17, 2025 at 6:30 am

      Thanks for your review 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jason says

    July 30, 2024 at 5:25 am

    The best easy side ever

    Reply
    • Simply Fresh Foodie says

      January 17, 2025 at 6:31 am

      We agree! Thanks for making it and leaving a review 🙂

      Reply
  3. Katrina M Adams says

    August 30, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    I love broccolini so I can't wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Simply Fresh Foodie says

      August 31, 2021 at 2:36 am

      Hi Katrina, definitely do! Let me know what you think once you try it 🙂

      Reply

Simply Fresh Foodie is a cooking blog dedicated to making cooking healthy, fun, and easy! Sharing recipes that centre around simplicity, vegetarian cooking and starting the day on the right foot, Simply Fresh Foodie hopes to bring more of the good stuff into your life. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to add a few new easy recipes to your repertoire, we hope you find what you’re looking for.

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