Steaming Broccoli: The Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and simple way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It's a great option for a quick side dish, preserving the broccoli's vibrant green colour and fresh flavour without the addition of oil. While boiled broccoli is often soggy, steamed broccoli is characteristically crisp-tender. Plus, steaming helps retain the vegetable's antioxidants and vitamins, which may be lost during the boiling process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook broccoli in a steamer basket.

Steamer Basket Method

The steamer basket method is a great way to cook broccoli without having to own any specialty equipment. It's also a quick and easy side dish that's packed with nutrients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash your broccoli thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and slice the stems to include them in your meal.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer Basket

Fill a large pot or saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Make sure you don't use more water, as this will cause the broccoli to boil rather than steam. Place a steamer basket or a metal colander inside the pot.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Place the broccoli florets (and stems, if using) in the steamer basket. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low or medium, and steam for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your florets. The broccoli is ready when it turns a bright green colour and is tender-crisp.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Remove the steamer basket from the pot and season the broccoli with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also serve it with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your perfectly steamed broccoli!

Tips for Perfect Steamed Broccoli:

• Don't overcook the broccoli. It cooks quickly, and even a minute too long can change its colour and texture.
• Use fresh, good-quality broccoli that is green and not yellowed, with firm stalks and tightly packed florets.
• Avoid boiling broccoli if you're serving it as a side, as some antioxidants and vitamins may be lost during the boiling process.

Large Skillet Method

To cook broccoli in a large skillet, start by filling the skillet with just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Place the broccoli florets directly into the skillet and cover with a lid.

Steam the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook. You'll know it's done when the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

Once cooked, season the broccoli with a bit of salt and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese also pairs well with this cooking method.

This method is a quick and easy way to cook broccoli while retaining its antioxidants and vitamins, which may be lost during boiling. It's a versatile technique that can be applied to other vegetables as well, such as asparagus, string beans, and potatoes.

How to Steam Broccoli Without a Steamer Basket

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-tender. Plus, when you boil broccoli, some of the nutrients leach into the water.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can simply put the broccoli directly into a small amount of boiling water, but keep a close eye on it and remove the broccoli from the pan as soon as it's done so it doesn't get waterlogged.

Using a Large Skillet

Fill a large skillet with just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Place the broccoli florets directly in the skillet and cover with a lid. Steam the broccoli for 4-5 minutes on low heat, or until it's bright green and tender-crisp. Season with a bit of salt and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Using a Microwave

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

Using an Electric Pressure Cooker

Place 1 cup of water in the electric pressure cooker, along with a steamer basket insert. Add the broccoli to the steamer basket and close the lid. Select the steam setting for 0 minutes, and the cooker will let you know when it has pressurised and the broccoli is ready. This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Best Toppings for Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a healthy and tasty side dish. While it is delicious on its own with a little salt and pepper, you can also enhance its flavour with toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings to make your steamed broccoli even more delicious:

• Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes
• Sautéed garlic in a little olive oil
• Olive oil and lemon juice
• Lemon and garlic dressing
• Spicy Asian or Indian flavourings
• Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese
• Brown butter, lemon, and walnut sauce
• Brown butter and soy sauce
• Chinese garlic sauce
• Curry powder, ground ginger, salt, and oil
• Homemade teriyaki sauce
• Japanese sesame seasoning
• Lemon and ginger
• Paprika
• Lemon basil
• Creamy avocado dressing
• Oyster sauce
• Toasted garlic crumbs
• Blue cheese sauce
• Miso peanut butter sauce
• Lemon honey butter sauce and toasted almonds
• Cheese sauce
• Almond cream sauce
• Bacon, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese

How Long to Steam Broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a fast, simple, and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is important not to overcook broccoli, as it can quickly turn from a vibrant green to a dull olive colour. The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and the steaming method used.

Steamer Basket Method

First, fill a large pot or saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket inside the pot. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low or medium. Steam for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

Large Skillet Method

For this method, fill a large skillet with just enough water to cover the bottom and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Place the broccoli florets directly in the skillet and cover with a lid. Steam the broccoli for 4 to 6 minutes on low heat, or until it is tender-crisp and bright green.

Microwave Method

Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water at the bottom. Cover the bowl with a plate or microwave-safe lid and microwave on high heat for 2 to 5 minutes, checking every 30 seconds for doneness.

Electric Pressure Cooker Method

Place 1 cup of water in the electric pressure cooker, along with the broccoli in a steamer basket insert. Close the lid and select the steam setting for 0 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the cooker to pressurise and naturally release.

Frequently asked questions