Steaming Broccoli: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Guide

Steaming broccoli is a quick and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is a versatile veggie and can be prepared in countless creative ways. However, sometimes simple is best. The traditional method involves using a steamer basket in a large pot. If you don’t have one, a metal colander can work just as well, provided it fits snugly inside a pan. Alternatively, you can simply use a large skillet. Just add enough water to cover the bottom, ensuring the broccoli steams perfectly without boiling.

How to steam broccoli in a microwave

Steaming broccoli in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the crowns away from the large stems. Break the crown into bite-sized florets and rinse them. You can peel and slice the stems and cook them with the florets, or discard them.

Step 2: Add Water and Cover

Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Add about 2-4 tablespoons of water, or just enough to cover the bottom of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or lid. If using plastic wrap, be sure to poke holes for ventilation.

Step 3: Microwave

Microwave the broccoli on high heat for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired consistency and the power of your microwave. Check the broccoli every 30 seconds to ensure it doesn't overcook. The broccoli is done when it can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Remove the broccoli from the microwave, being careful of the hot steam. Drain any excess water and season with salt and pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Broccoli goes well with butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cheese, red pepper flakes, and more. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Avoid overcooking the broccoli, as it will turn from vibrant green to olive green.
• If using frozen broccoli, add it directly to the microwave-safe bowl without chopping.
• Always use microwave-safe dishes, such as glass or ceramic. Avoid plastic and metal unless specified as microwave-safe.

How to steam broccoli without a steamer

Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It preserves broccoli’s vibrant green colour and fresh flavour without the addition of oil. While boiled broccoli is often soggy, steamed broccoli is characteristically crisp. Plus, when you boil broccoli, some of the nutrients leach into the water.

Wash the Broccoli

Although the heads you buy from the grocery store aren't usually very dirty, dirt can be hiding in some of the nooks and crannies. The best way to thoroughly wash broccoli is to submerge the head in a large bowl of water. If it bobs up, weigh it down with another bowl filled with water. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse them under a stream of cold water.

Trim the Broccoli and Cut it into Florets

Many people cut off and discard broccoli stems, but you can steam and eat them too. If the end of the stem is dry, trim it off. Then peel off the outer tough skin with a vegetable peeler. Slice the peeled stem into rounds until you get to the part of the stem where the florets branch off. Using a chef's knife, slice down through the head of broccoli to cut off florets, turning the head as you go. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.

Choose Your Steaming Method

Using a Pot or Skillet

Fill your pot or skillet with about 1/2-inch of water and bring it to a boil. Make sure you don't use more water, otherwise the broccoli will boil rather than steam, making for soggy results. Add your broccoli to the pot or skillet and cover it with a lid.

Cook until the broccoli reaches your desired level of tenderness, about 3 to 7 minutes. Test the broccoli with a fork: the tines should just be able to go into the stems of the broccoli, but it shouldn't be limp or have a brownish hue.

Using a Stockpot and Colander

Using a stockpot, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil. Put broccoli florets in a colander and lower it into the pot, being sure the broccoli is not touching the water. Put a lid on top and lower the heat. Check the broccoli after four minutes and cook until fork-tender.

Using a Microwave

Place broccoli florets in a bowl with just enough water to cover the bottom (or 2–3 tbsp). Cover the bowl with a plate or microwave-safe lid. Microwave the broccoli for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired consistency.

Season and Serve

Steamed broccoli is great on its own with a little salt and pepper, or you can serve it with some lemon wedges to up the ante. You can also toss your broccoli into lunch salads and grain bowls straight from the fridge without even warming it up—it'll soak up the dressing wonderfully.

How to steam broccoli on a stovetop

Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It's also incredibly easy! Here's how to steam broccoli on a stovetop in four to six paragraphs.

Prepare the Broccoli

First, you'll want to wash your broccoli thoroughly. Submerge the head in a large bowl of water. Weigh it down with another bowl filled with water if it bobs up. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse them under a stream of cold water. Next, trim the broccoli and cut it into florets. You can also peel and dice the stalk and steam it, too. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.

Choose Your Steaming Method

You can steam broccoli with a steamer basket, a metal colander, or a large skillet. If using a steamer basket or metal colander, fill your pot or skillet with about 1 inch of water. Be sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. If using a large skillet, simply fill it with enough water to cover the bottom.

Steam the Broccoli

Add the broccoli to your steaming setup and cover. If using a steamer basket or metal colander, reduce the heat to medium and let cook for 5-6 minutes. If using a large skillet, steam the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat. The broccoli is done when you can pierce it with a fork, and it should be a vibrant green color. Be careful not to overcook it, as this will turn it a drab olive green.

Season and Serve

Once steamed, season your broccoli with salt and pepper, or try toppings like butter, olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon zest or juice, seasoned rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, ground black pepper, toasted almonds, or sesame seeds. Steamed broccoli is a versatile side dish that can be served with various entrées. It's also great in salads, grain bowls, or tossed with noodles.

How long to steam broccoli for

Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is important not to overcook broccoli, as it cooks very quickly. Broccoli should be steamed for no more than seven minutes, as it will begin to turn from vibrant green to olive green at about the seven-minute mark. The ideal cooking time is between five and six minutes, depending on the size of the florets. Smaller florets will take around five minutes, while larger ones may need six.

To steam broccoli, first, prepare the broccoli by cutting the crowns away from the large stems. Break the crown into bite-sized florets and rinse them thoroughly. Peel and discard the thick outer skin of the stems, then slice the stems or cut them into quarters lengthwise. Next, bring 3/4 to 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the broccoli to a steamer basket, place it in the saucepan, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. The broccoli is done when it can be pierced with a fork but is still crisp-tender.

There are also alternative methods for steaming broccoli without a steamer basket. It can be steamed in the microwave or in a skillet with a lid. These methods will also take around five to six minutes.

What to serve with steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed broccoli:

Pasta Dishes

A classic and comforting option is to serve steamed broccoli with pasta. Try pairing it with creamy dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Mac and Cheese, or a Vegan Mac and Cheese alternative. For a slightly healthier option, opt for a dish like Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta or a Vegetarian Lasagna. The broccoli will add a nice crunch and freshness to the meal.

Soup

Steamed broccoli can be a great addition to a hot bowl of soup. Its texture and flavour can enhance a simple soup, or you can pair it with a more complex soup like a Vegan Broccoli Soup for a double dose of broccoli goodness.

Grain Bowls

For a healthier option, steamed broccoli goes well in grain bowls. Try it with noodles, such as Cashew Broccoli Soba Noodles, or in a Macro Veggie Bowl. It adds colour, texture, and a boost of nutrients to your bowl.

Proteins

Steamed broccoli is a great side dish to serve with a variety of proteins. It pairs well with dishes like Orange Glazed Salmon, Scallops with Citrus Ginger Sauce, Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs, or Salmon Patties. The simplicity of steamed broccoli means it won't overpower the flavours of the main course.

Eggs

For a breakfast or brunch option, steamed broccoli goes well with eggs. Try serving it alongside a frittata or adding it to an egg scramble. It can also be a nice side dish to baked goods like quiches or egg bakes.

Starches

Steamed broccoli is a healthy and tasty side to serve with starchy vegetables like a baked potato or sweet potato. It also goes well with grains such as rice or quinoa. The fibre and nutrients in the broccoli will balance out the carbohydrates in these starches.

Frequently asked questions