Crispy Grilled Broccolini with Lemon and Garlic

Delicious, tender grilled broccolini ready in under 10 minutes on the grill. Tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder, then finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes, this bright, nutritious side is flavorful, versatile, and perfect with weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.

Overhead view of grilled broccolini on a platter with lemon wedges.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Ridiculously easy. A short ingredient list and minimal prep make this a go-to side. Lightly coat broccolini with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Finish with red pepper flakes for heat and freshly grated Parmesan for savory richness.
Fast to grill. Broccolini takes just 3–4 minutes per side over direct heat. The quick sear keeps the stems tender while adding a smoky char that elevates the natural sweetness.
Nutritious and flexible. Broccolini is packed with vitamins and fiber. This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly; to keep it paleo, dairy-free, or Whole30-compliant, omit the Parmesan or use a suitable substitute like nutritional yeast.

If broccolini is hard to find, look for “baby broccoli” or “broccolette.” It’s a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli with long edible stems, a sweeter, milder flavor, and tender texture.

Chef’s Tips

Broccolini cooks quickly—stay attentive to avoid over-charring and to achieve a tender-crisp texture.
Use garlic powder rather than fresh garlic for grilling; fresh minced garlic can scorch and turn bitter over direct heat.
Serve broccolini right away for best texture. It’s at its peak warm off the grill.

Overhead view of tender, grilled broccolini topped with parmesan and red pepper flakes on a cutting board with lemon wedges.

More Veggie Recipes You’ll Love

Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Roasted Air Fryer Carrots
Steamed Cauliflower
Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries With Garlic Aioli

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Grilled Broccolini

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Seasoned and grilled to tender perfection, this broccolini recipe is a summer staple that pairs with many mains.

Cheryl Malik

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6 servings

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds broccolini approximately 1 large bunch or 2 small bunches
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper more or less to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Equipment

Grill
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Cold water
Paper towels
Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Plate

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium-high, about 375°–450°F (190°–232°C).
Trim about 1 inch from the ends of the broccolini stems and discard. Rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and place in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until combined.
Pour the oil mixture over the broccolini and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange broccolini in a single layer directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill with the lid open 3–4 minutes, then flip with tongs and grill another 3–4 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
Transfer broccolini to a plate, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron grill pan works well—follow the same instructions.
Whole30/Dairy-Free option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit the cheese.

Nutrition Information

Servings and nutrition are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.