Steamed Broccoli Rabe

This Steamed Broccoli Rabe is so incredibly flavorful and simple. This easy dish combines tender broccoli rabe with garlic and seasonings for a delicious side dish.

Broccoli rabe is a leafy green vegetable made of stems, buds, and leaves, all of which are edible. You might have also seen it called rapini. The heads on this veggie are small, not large like regular broccoli, and they have a slightly bitter taste. However, when cooked just right, they take on incredible flavor.

This Steamed Broccoli Rabe is a simple and easy dish to make that packs lots of great taste. Sauteed in fresh garlic and with just a hint of heat, this vegetable has a sweeter, mellower flavor that's delicious. This makes a wonderful side dish to whatever main course you plan to serve it with.

Video Tutorial

Main Ingredients

• Broccoli Rabe. Use fresh broccoli rabe.
• Olive Oil. This recipe is best with extra virgin olive oil.
• Garlic. This will give this dish great flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes. For just a hint of heat. Use more or less, depending on what you like.
• Salt & Pepper. To taste.

How to Make Steamed Broccoli Rabe

1. Wash a bunch of broccoli rabe and place it on a cutting board. Cut off the tips of the broccoli rabe stems and discard. Then slice the bunch in the middle, separating the leaves from the thick stems. Place them into two separate bowls.

2. Pour the olive oil into a large pot and add the garlic. Cook the garlic over medium-low heat until it starts to brown.

3. Now add water and the stems of the broccoli rabe. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes.

4. Add in the leafy parts by placing the leaves right on top of the stems and then season them with salt. Cover again and cook for another 15 minutes, making sure that there is enough liquid left. Taste, and then add more salt and black pepper if needed.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh broccoli rabe. Choose a fresh bunch that has nice green stems and firm, small heads. Remove any parts that appear yellow before you start cooking.
• Be careful with the garlic. This ingredient burns easily, so keep an eye on it to make sure it only just browns. Burning it will result in a bitter flavor in your Steamed Broccoli Rabe.
• Separate the stems and leaves. Cooking the stems first is important because they are tougher and need more time, while the leaves are more tender. Separating them gives them a chance to evenly cook.
• Use enough water. If you notice your broccoli rabe is not softened, but the water has all evaporated, add a splash more. Or if you notice it's fully cooked but there is extra water in the pot, take off the lid to allow it to evaporate.

Variations to this Recipe

• Adjust the spice level. If you like it spicy, then go ahead and add extra red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper. Or if you prefer not spicy, skip these ingredients altogether.
• Add pine nuts. Adding these little nuts adds a deliciously soft, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. They work really well with the slightly bitter taste of the broccoli rabe.
• Add some more acidity. Some bright acidity is delicious with this vegetable. Splash some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in with it.
• Add different vegetables. You can make this recipe with the addition of green beans, brussels sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, or spinach, too.

How to Store and Reheat it

Store this Steamed Broccoli Rabe in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. You can then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve this Steamed Broccoli Rabe with

• Proteins. Serve this vegetable with Chicken Rice Casserole, Spinach Stuffed Salmon, Easy Rigatoni Bolognese, or Baked Black Bean Taquitos.
• Sandwiches. Use this Steamed Broccoli Rabe as a side to a Chickpea Carrot Salad Sandwich, Beef Sandwich on Naan Bread, Easy Tuna Melt Sandwich, or Roasted Pepper Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
• Potatoes. Pair it with Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Baby Potatoes, or Pan-Fried Parmesan Potatoes.
• Soup. Serve this veggie with a bowl of Lentil and Kale Soup, Turkey Cabbage Soup, Hearty Beef Barley Soup, or Chicken and Cheese Dumpling Soup.

You are going to love this Steamed Broccoli Rabe. It's flavorful, easy, and versatile. It makes a fantastic side dish.

More tasty recipes to try:

• Kale Salad with Quinoa
• Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
• Vegetarian Collard Greens
• Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts