Chinese Garlic Broccolini Stir Fry (Easy & Flavorful)

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful vegetable side dish, this Chinese Garlic Broccolini Stir Fry is one of my go-to recipes. It's garlicky, lightly spicy (if you want it to be), and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight - yet still full of bold, savory flavor.

Jump to:

• What Is Broccolini?
• How to cook Chinese Garlic Broccolini Stir Fry (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Chinese Garlic Broccolini Stir Fry Recipe
• More Tasty Veggie Dishes
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Broccolini cooks fast, but the key is getting it tender without turning it mushy. In this recipe, we briefly blanch the broccolini first, then finish it in the pan so it stays bright green, flavorful, and easy to bite into - especially the stalks, which can sometimes stay too firm if rushed.

What Is Broccolini?

Broccolini is a green vegetable similar to broccoli, but with smaller florets and longer, thinner stalks. Fun fact: it's actually a natural hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli (gai lan).

I grew up eating both broccoli and gai lan regularly at home, so it's no surprise I love broccolini. It has the tenderness of broccoli with a slightly more delicate, less bitter flavor, which makes it perfect for quick stir-fries like this one.

How to cook Chinese Garlic Broccolini Stir Fry (Step by Step)

• 1 bunch broccolini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chili oil, chili crisp, or chili bean paste (optional, adjust to taste)
• Optional: a few drops of toasted sesame oil, for finishing

Bring a large skillet or pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccolini and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and just starting to turn tender.
👉 If your broccolini stalks are thick, lean toward 3 minutes.

Drain well and set aside.

Optional tip for extra tenderness:
After draining, loosely cover the broccolini for 1-2 minutes to let it gently steam from residual heat.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant (do not brown).

Stir in the chili oil or chili paste, if using.

Add broccolini and salt to taste. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing until the broccolini is evenly coated, tender, and still vibrant green.

👉 If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover briefly to help soften the stalks.

Remove from heat. If desired, finish with a few drops of toasted sesame oil. Serve immediately.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Store leftover broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture is best the first day, but it will still reheat well.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water to help re-steam the stalks. Cook just until warmed through.

You can also microwave in short 20-30 second bursts, loosely covered, but stovetop reheating gives the best texture.

Tip: Avoid reheating too long, as broccolini can turn soft and lose its bright green color.

FAQ

Why is my broccolini still crunchy?

Broccolini stalks can vary in thickness. If yours is on the thicker side, it may need a slightly longer blanch or a bit more time in the pan. Adding a tablespoon or two of water during stir-frying and covering the pan briefly can help soften the stalks.

Can I skip blanching the broccolini?

Blanching helps ensure the stalks cook evenly and stay bright green. If you skip it, you'll need a longer stir-fry time and may need to add water to prevent burning.

More Tasty Veggie Dishes

If you're looking for more easy vegetable dishes, here are a few reader favorites to try next:

Chinese Broccoli Stir Fry with Garlic - A quick, classic gai lan stir fry with garlic and simple seasonings.

Chinese Broccoli in Oyster Sauce - Savory, tender Chinese broccoli coated in a rich oyster sauce.

Chinese Broccoli with Sesame Soy Sauce - Simple and flavorful with pantry ingredients, perfect for weeknights.

One-Pan Oven Roasted Salmon and Broccolini - A complete, easy meal using broccolini alongside roasted salmon.

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