Steamed broccolini with herbed butter

Steamed broccolini with herbed butter is a flavorful side dish featuring tender broccolini coated in rich, aromatic melted butter infused with shallots and fresh herbs. This simple method makes it an ideal accompaniment for any meal.

20 Dec 2025
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
1 shallot
1 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp tarragon (estragon)
1 tsp chives
16 oz broccoli

Steamed broccolini with herbed butter is a delightful and nutritious side dish that is simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. The combination of tender broccolini and rich, aromatic herbed butter makes this recipe a perfect accompaniment to any main course. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the shallot.
- Mince the fresh parsley, tarragon, and chives.

2. Make the Herbed Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped shallot to the butter and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced parsley, tarragon, and chives. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat. Set aside the herbed butter mixture.

3. Steam the Broccolini:
- While preparing the herbed butter, fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
- Place a steamer basket in the pot, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
- Add the broccolini to the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, and steam until the broccolini is bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Adjust the steaming time according to your desired level of doneness.

4. Combine and Serve:
- Transfer the steamed broccolini to a serving platter or bowl.
- Drizzle the herbed butter over the broccolini, making sure to evenly coat all pieces.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring the herbed butter is well distributed.

5. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish to complement your main course.

In just a few simple steps, you've created a vibrant, flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. The steamed broccolini, complemented by the aromatic herbed butter, offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that combines simplicity with gourmet quality.

Steamed broccolini with herbed butter FAQ:

What is the ideal cooking time for broccolini when steaming?

Steam the broccolini for about 4-5 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp. You can adjust the steaming time based on your preferred level of doneness.

How should I store leftovers of the steamed broccolini?

Store any leftover steamed broccolini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain texture.

Can I substitute the herbs in the herbed butter mixture?

Yes, you can substitute the herbs to your preference. For example, dill, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes could add different flavors.

What type of broccolini can I use for this recipe?

You can use fresh broccolini, which is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Regular broccoli can be used as a substitute if broccolini is not available.

How can I check if the broccolini is properly cooked?

The broccolini should be bright green and tender-crisp when done. You can pierce the stems with a fork to check for tenderness without overcooking.

Tips:

- Be sure to trim the ends of the broccolini to ensure even cooking and remove any tough parts.

- When steaming the broccolini, make sure not to overcook it. It should still be bright green and have a bit of a crunch.

- Prepare the herbed butter in advance to allow the flavors to meld together more thoroughly.

- Feel free to experiment with other herbs and seasonings based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

- Presentation matters – serve the broccolini with a light drizzle of the remaining herbed butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 160kcal
Protein 3.50g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 3.03g
Sugar 2.43g
Fat 12g

Steamed broccolini with herbed butter