Stove-Top Broccoli: Quick, Easy, And No Steamer Needed!

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, sautéing, roasting, and blanching. While steaming broccoli is a healthy and tasty way to prepare this vegetable, not everyone has a steamer at home. However, it is still possible to steam broccoli on a stove without a steamer by using alternative methods and equipment. Here are some tips and techniques to achieve perfectly steamed broccoli without a steamer.

How to steam broccoli in a pan or skillet

Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It's a great meal-prep building block and can be served on its own as a simple side or stirred into many dishes. Here is how to steam broccoli in a pan or skillet:

Step 1: Wash and cut the broccoli

Use a sharp kitchen knife to separate the florets from the stalks, cutting them into bite-size pieces. You can also keep the stalks, as they are quite tasty and tender when steamed properly.

Step 2: Add water to the pan

Add about 1/2 inch of water to a medium pan or skillet. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will cause the broccoli to boil rather than steam, resulting in a soggy texture.

Step 3: Boil the water

Place the pan over high heat and wait for the water to boil. This shouldn't take long due to the small amount of water.

Step 4: Add the broccoli

Use tongs to add the broccoli to the pan, covering the pan's surface evenly and being careful not to splash any boiling water.

Step 5: Cover and steam

Cover the pan with a lid and cook over high heat for 3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and steam for another 3 minutes. Do not remove the lid to check the broccoli, as this will release the steam.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully remove the lid, being sure to deflect the steam away from your face. The broccoli is ready when it is bright green and easily pierced with a fork. Stir in your preferred seasonings or dressings and serve directly from the pan or transfer to a serving dish.

Seasoning ideas

Broccoli goes well with butter, olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or toasted almond slivers. For a rich flavor, try tossing it with garlic oil and asiago cheese.

How to steam broccoli in the microwave

Firstly, you will need to prepare the broccoli crowns and stems. Cut the crowns away from the large stems of the broccoli and break the crown into bite-sized florets. Rinse the broccoli florets thoroughly. Peel and discard the thick outer skin of the stems. Slice the stems or cut them into quarters lengthwise.

Next, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl or dish and add 2-4 tablespoons of water. The amount of water will depend on the portion of broccoli you are cooking.

Cover the bowl with a loose-fitting microwave-safe lid or plate. If you don't have a lid, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes for ventilation. Alternatively, you can wet a few paper towels, wring them out, and place them over the bowl.

Microwave the broccoli for 2-4 minutes on high. The cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave, the amount of broccoli, and the size of the florets. For 2 pounds of broccoli, it is recommended to cook for 3 minutes.

After cooking, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. The steam will be hot! Check that the broccoli is tender by piercing it with a fork. It should not be mushy, and the fork should slide through easily.

Finally, season and serve the broccoli. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try something different like mustard-infused broccoli or Thai peanut sauce.

How to steam broccoli using a colander

Step 1: Wash and Prep the Broccoli

First, wash the broccoli and make sure any residual dirt is thoroughly rinsed. You can do this by submerging the head of broccoli in a bowl of water. Next, use a vegetable peeler to shave off the outer layer of the broccoli's stalk, as it can sometimes be tough. Finally, cut the head of broccoli into florets, keeping some of the stem on each piece. Ensure that all the pieces are similar in size to guarantee even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Colander and Pot

Place the colander inside a large pot and fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, or enough to fill the bottom without reaching the colander. You can also add a small amount of salt to the water to season the broccoli as it steams.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the broccoli florets into the colander and cover the pot with a lid. Cook the broccoli until it is crisp-tender to your preference, usually around 5-7 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the florets, so it is best to check the texture with a fork rather than relying solely on the clock.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

After steaming, carefully remove the colander from the pot using pot holders or a dry towel. Drain any excess water, and season the broccoli with salt and pepper, or your desired seasonings, before serving. Enjoy!

How to blanch broccoli

Blanching broccoli is a simple process that helps to tame its raw, bitter taste and set its bright green colour. It involves boiling the broccoli florets for a few minutes, then plunging them into an ice bath. This process gives the broccoli a tender-crisp texture and a mellow flavour. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli and cut it into florets. Try to make the florets a uniform size so that they cook evenly. You can also cut the stems into pieces if you want to cook them as well.

Step 2: Boil the Broccoli

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. You can add a tablespoon of salt to the water if desired. Carefully place the broccoli into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and slightly tender when it's ready.

Step 3: Prepare an Ice Bath

Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few ice cubes. This will be used to stop the cooking process after boiling.

Step 4: Plunge into Ice Bath

Remove the broccoli from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or colander and immediately place it into the ice bath. Leave it in the ice bath for about 30 seconds, then remove and drain the broccoli in a colander.

Step 5: Serve or Store

At this point, your blanched broccoli is ready to be served or used in other recipes such as stir-fries, pasta salads, or vegetable platters. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for later use.

How to sauté broccoli

Sautéing broccoli is a great way to cook this nutritious vegetable without steaming it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sauté broccoli:

Preparation:

First, make sure your broccoli is washed and dried. Use a sharp kitchen knife to separate the florets from the stalks and cut them into bite-sized pieces. The florets should be around 1 inch in size. You can also trim the stems and slice them into discs if you like; broccoli stems are entirely edible.

Sautéing:

Film a skillet with oil and place it over high to medium-high heat. Add a big pinch of salt to the oil. Then, add the broccoli florets and toss them in the oil to coat them evenly. After about a minute, add the stems. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is bright green and tender. This should take around 4-5 minutes in total.

Serving:

Sautéed broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish. It can be seasoned with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. It is best served immediately while still hot.

Tips:

• Make sure the broccoli is as dry as possible before adding it to the skillet.
• For extra flavour, you can add some minced garlic to the skillet with the broccoli.
• Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can go from bright green to drab and mushy very quickly.
• If you want to add a little extra crunch, you can toss in some slivered almonds or sesame seeds just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy sautéed broccoli!

Frequently asked questions