Steaming Broccoli: The Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and simple way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is important not to overcook it, as this will cause it to turn from a vibrant green colour to a drab olive green and become mushy. The key to getting it right is to steam the broccoli for no more than seven minutes, and it is ready when you can pierce it with a fork.

To steam broccoli, first cut the crowns away from the large stems and break the crown into bite-sized florets. Peel and discard the thick outer skin of the stems, then slice the stems into quarters lengthwise. Next, place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket, and put the basket in a saucepan with one inch of boiling water. Cover the pan and steam for five to six minutes. Finally, season with salt and pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice.

How to steam broccoli in a microwave

Steaming broccoli in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy, tasty side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed broccoli.

Preparation

Firstly, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also cut up the stalks into small pieces if you want to eat them, but be sure to remove any woody parts so that everything cooks evenly.

Microwave Set-Up

Place the broccoli florets into a microwave-safe bowl. Glass or ceramic bowls are best, and it is a good idea to choose one with tall sides to trap the steam. Add a splash of water to the bowl—around 2-3 tablespoons per head of broccoli.

Cooking

Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate, ensuring that it is microwave-safe. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Microwave on high for 2.5-4 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Broccoli cooked in a lower-wattage microwave may need 5 minutes or longer. Check the broccoli after 2.5 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving

Be careful when removing the broccoli from the microwave, as the steam will be hot. Remove the lid or plate, and then serve. You can add butter, salt, and pepper to taste, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips

• If you don't have a lid or plate to cover the bowl, you can use a slightly different method. Wet a few paper towels, cover the broccoli with them, and cook for 30 seconds longer.
• You can also prick holes in a sheet of plastic wrap and use this to cover the bowl, but be careful when removing it from the microwave as it will be hot.
• If there is excess water in the bowl after cooking, be sure to strain it before serving.

How to steam broccoli without a steamer

Steaming broccoli is a great way to cook this nutritious vegetable without losing its vibrant green colour and fresh flavour. Here is how to steam broccoli without a steamer:

Preparation

First, wash your broccoli and make sure any residual dirt is thoroughly rinsed. The best way to do this is by submerging the head of broccoli in a bowl of water, as its natural shape can conceal hidden dirt.

Next, use a vegetable peeler to shave off the outer layer of the broccoli's stalk. The outer layer can sometimes be tough and is best removed for a delicious texture.

Finally, cut the head of broccoli into bite-sized florets, preserving some of the stem on each piece. Make sure all the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.

Steaming

Now you are ready to steam your broccoli. You can use a skillet/frying pan, a stockpot and colander, or a microwave.

Skillet/Frying Pan

Fill your skillet/frying pan 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, and become soggy.

Add the broccoli to the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Test with a fork – it should just be able to pierce the stems, but the broccoli shouldn't be limp or brown.

Stockpot and Colander

Bring about 2 cups, or 1 inch, of water to a boil in a stockpot. Put the broccoli florets into a colander and lower it into the pot, ensuring the broccoli isn't touching the water. Put a lid on and lower the heat. Check the broccoli after 4 minutes and cook until tender.

Microwave

Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30-second intervals until the desired texture is reached.

Seasoning

Season your steamed broccoli with salt and pepper, or a big squeeze of lemon juice to taste. You could also try olive oil, butter, mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, seasoned rice vinegar, or toasted almonds or sesame seeds.

How to prepare broccoli for steaming

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and simple way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is important not to overcook broccoli, as it can quickly turn from a vibrant green to an olive colour and become mushy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare broccoli for steaming:

• Wash the broccoli: Submerge the broccoli 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 under a cold water stream.
• Trim and cut the broccoli: Cut off any dry ends from the stem. Then, using a vegetable peeler, peel off the outer tough skin. Slice the peeled stem into rounds until you reach the part where the florets branch off. Using a chef's knife, cut through the head of broccoli to separate the florets, turning the head as you go. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook evenly.
• Choose your steaming method: You can use a steamer basket, a skillet or saucepan with a lid, a microwave, or an electric pressure cooker.
• Steam the broccoli: Depending on your chosen steaming method, the process will vary slightly. If using a steamer basket, place it in a pot with about an inch of boiling water. Add the broccoli florets and stem slices, cover, and steam for 5-6 minutes. If using a skillet or saucepan, fill it with about half an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes. For microwave instructions, place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover with a plate or lid, and microwave on high for about 3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
• Season and serve: Drain the steamed broccoli and season with salt and pepper, or other desired seasonings. You can also try toppings such as olive oil, lemon juice, butter, or cheese.

By following these steps, you can ensure your broccoli is properly prepared for steaming and will turn out crisp, tender, and vibrant green.

How to season steamed broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and simple way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is important not to overcook it, as broccoli will turn from vibrant green to drab olive green at about the 7-minute mark. To season steamed broccoli, you can use a variety of ingredients, including:

• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Balsamic vinegar
• Butter
• Toasted slivered almonds
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Parmesan
• Pecorino
• Asiago
• Melted butter
• Mayonnaise
• Red pepper flakes
• Nutmeg
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Paprika
• Chilli flakes
• Sesame oil
• Sea salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Thyme
• Garlic salt
• Lemon slices
• Honey mustard dressing
• Romesco sauce
• Lemon vinaigrette
• Vegan ranch
• Apple cider vinegar
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Cayenne pepper
• Melted butter
• Cheese sauce
• Sumac
• Teriyaki sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Nutritional yeast
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper
• Mustard
• Russian dressing
• Olive oil
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Shallots
• Garlic salt
• Olive oil
• Brown mustard
• Grated parmesan
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper
• Olive oil
• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Nutritional yeast
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Garlic powder
• Ranch powder
• Kewpie mayo
• General Tso's sauce
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Hot sauce
• Sesame oil
• Velveeta
• Cheddar
• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Horseradish
• Mayo
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• Nutritional yeast

You can also add steamed broccoli to a variety of dishes, such as pasta, grain bowls, mac and cheese, salads, and more.

How to serve steamed broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a fast, healthy, and delicious side dish that goes well with almost anything. Here are some tips on how to serve steamed broccoli to make it even more tasty and enjoyable.

Preparation

Before steaming, make sure your broccoli is thoroughly washed. Submerge the head in a large bowl of water, weighing it down with another bowl filled with water if needed. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse under cold water.

Trim the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and dice the stalk and steam it, or save it for another use, such as making broccoli rice. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook evenly.

Steaming Methods

There are several ways to steam broccoli:

• Using a Steamer Basket: Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket and set it over a pot with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it steam for 5-6 minutes, or until tender.
• Skillet or Saucepan: Fill a skillet or saucepan with about 1/2 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
• Microwave: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Cover the bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals for about 3 minutes, or until tender.
• Electric Pressure Cooker: Use a steamer basket insert in an electric pressure cooker. Place water in the pot, add the broccoli to the basket, and cook for about 10 minutes.

Seasoning and Serving

Once your broccoli is steamed, it's time to season and serve! Here are some ideas:

• Butter, olive oil, or mayonnaise
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon zest or juice
• Seasoned rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• Toasted slivered almonds or sesame seeds
• Finely grated Parmesan, Pecorino, or Asiago cheese
• Warm alfredo sauce
• Salt to taste

You can also get creative and experiment with different dressings and sauces, such as lemon vinaigrette, vegan ranch, honey mustard, or romesco sauce.

Steamed broccoli is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses, such as pasta, frittata, baked potato, vegan meatballs, or soup. It can also be added to grain bowls or tossed with noodles. Enjoy your perfectly steamed broccoli!

Frequently asked questions