This charred and vibrant Giada charred broccoli rabe feels like a special treat—it’s that good. It’s made with simple ingredients like broccoli rabe, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt, and the flavors are just incredible.

It takes 10 minutes to prepare, which gives me just enough time to set the mood with a quick and easy dinner. It’s my favorite side dish because it’s easy to make and so delicious. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan and a squeeze of lemon—it never disappoints.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound), trimmed and washed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

How To Make Giada charred broccoli rabe

1. Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Yeah, it’s time to get hot in the kitchen!
2. Prep the Packet: Place the trimmed broccoli rabe on a sheet of aluminum foil (big enough to close and seal). Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes, and gently toss to coat. Fold the foil over the broccoli rabe, sealing tightly and crimping the top and sides.
3. Steam, Then Sear: Place the packet on the grill and cook for 8 minutes. Open the packet (careful – hot steam ahead!), transfer the broccoli rabe to the grill grates with tongs, and char for 2 minutes on each side. Voila – lightly charred in spots, perfect for serving!

Recipe Tips

• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic and chili flakes for an extra spicy kick, and watch how it elevates the flavor of Giada charred broccoli rabe to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Cooking Time Control: Monitor the cooking time of the broccoli rabe to achieve the perfect level of char and tenderness, as slightly longer cooking times can result in a softer, more velvety texture.
• Make It a Main Course: Transform Giada charred broccoli rabe into a filling and satisfying main dish by serving it over brown rice or quinoa and topping it with roasted chicken, salmon, or seared tofu.
• Ingredient Enhancement: Enhance the flavor of the dish by substituting lemon wedges with a squeeze of fresh orange juice, which will add a brighter, more citrusy twist to the charred broccoli rabe.
• Broccoli Rabe Variations: Experiment with different types of leafy greens like kale, collard greens, or mustard greens to create a similar charred flavor profile and add more versatility to your Giada-inspired recipes.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Olive And Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade With Endive Leaves
• Giada Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
• Giada Lemon And Pea Alfredo