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Irresistible Charred Broccolini with Lemon and Toasted Almonds

charred broccolini - featured image

A quick and flavorful side dish featuring smoky charred broccolini tossed with fresh lemon juice and crunchy toasted almonds. Perfect for busy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound broccolini, washed and ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced or slivered
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the broccolini under cold water and trim off the tough ends (about 1 inch). Pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Quickly add broccolini in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop charred edges.
  5. Flip the broccolini using tongs, then continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stalks are tender but still crisp. Add a splash of water or more oil if pan gets dry.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Immediately add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the broccolini and give it a gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm. Optionally, drizzle extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper charring. Toast almonds separately to avoid dull flavor. Add lemon juice off the heat to keep broccolini crisp. For thicker stalks, slice lengthwise for even cooking. Optionally add Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy note. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccolini, charred broccolini, lemon, toasted almonds, quick side dish, healthy vegetables, vegan side, gluten-free side