What Is Broccoli Rabe?
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a green cruciferous vegetable with leafy tops, small broccoli-like florets, and stems. It has a slightly bitter flavor and is popular in Italian cooking.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this sautéed broccoli rabe recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Broccoli Rabe – This veggie is in season in the early spring, fall, and early winter, but you can find it others times of year, too. Choose stalks that are young and not too woody, as these are less bitter. Trim the tough ends, similarly to how you would asparagus. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I recommend this oil for its rich flavor. Regular olive oil or avocado oil can also work. Garlic – Slice the cloves thinly, not minced. If you prefer, you could use 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic instead, but watch carefully because minced will burn faster. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a hint of heat in this broccoli rabe recipe. You can substitute the hot pepper flakes with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder instead, or simply omit it for a milder dish. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Although optional, grated parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the slight bitterness of the broccoli rabe. You can also opt for shredded parmesan instead. Lemon Wedges – Serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightens the flavors of the dish. You could also stir lemon juice or lemon zest directly into the skillet at the end, or omit altogether.
How To Cook Broccoli Rabe
This section shows how to make broccoli rabe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Recipe Variations
Extra Lemony – If you want more citrus than just a squeeze of lemon at the end, zest a whole lemon into the olive oil while it heats, then finish the dish with extra lemon juice. Balsamic Glazed – After sautéing, drizzle with homemade balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish. Cheesy – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese over the cooked broccoli rabe, then broil it briefly until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Nutty – Toss in a handful of pine nuts or sliced almonds together with the garlic. Broccoli Rabe And Sausage – After blanching broccoli rabe, brown a pound of ground Italian sausage in the skillet. Proceed with the rest of the recipe for a skillet meal. Cherry tomatoes (cooked with the broccoli rabe until they start to burst) also make a nice addition to this combo.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave for a quick option. Freeze: Pack in airtight containers or zip lock bags, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Broccoli Rabe Recipes
This healthy veggie pairs well with Italian dishes, but you can quite serve it as a simple side to literally any protein. Here are some dishes I like to pair with it: I don’t recommend skipping this step. It’s worth the extra few minutes for a better flavor!
Chicken – I like this side dish with roasted chicken thighs or juicy grilled chicken for a simple meal. It also works well with richer options, like creamy lemon chicken or cheesy ranch chicken. Beef – Serve with anything from a classic sirloin steak to a juicy burger. Fish – Plate it with baked salmon for a simple meal that has similar flavors, nut-crusted baked haddock for a little crunch, or parmesan crusted tilapia for a cheesy option. Pork – Pair with a savory pork sirloin roast, or quicker pan seared pork chops. Potatoes – Balance these leafy greens with some hearty Greek lemon potatoes, or make stuffed sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle!
