Steaming Broccoli With Garlic: A Quick, Healthy Dish

Steamed broccoli with garlic is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is a great option for those looking for a flavorful and nutritious way to cook broccoli, as steaming helps to preserve the vegetable's nutrients. The addition of garlic and other simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper can elevate the flavor of the broccoli, making it a tasty and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How to steam broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam broccoli:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Cut or break the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also add the stems, but slice them thinly so they cook evenly with the florets. Rinse the broccoli with water to remove any dirt or chemicals.

Step 2: Set Up the Steamer

Fill a pot with about half an inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer. Alternatively, you can use an electric vegetable steamer or put an inch of water directly in a pan and cover it with a lid.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Place the broccoli in the steamer basket or pan, cover, and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the broccoli is tender. This usually takes around 4-5 minutes, but you can check with a fork to see if it is done to your liking. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can turn mushy and lose its nutrients.

Step 4: Seasoning (Optional)

While the broccoli is steaming, you can prepare a simple seasoning by heating some olive oil or butter in a skillet. Add chopped or minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and golden. You can also add other ingredients like lemon juice and zest, chili flakes, or onion powder for extra flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the broccoli is steamed, add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it's hot and enjoy your nutritious and delicious steamed broccoli!

How to sauté garlic

Sautéing garlic is a simple process but it's easy to overcook, so you need to keep a close eye on it.

First, check your garlic is still good. If it is, separate the cloves you need and use the palm of your hand to hit each clove with the flat side of your knife. This will crush the clove enough for you to remove the thin skin. Peel the skin and remove all green sprouts from the centre of the garlic, as these can cause bitterness.

Chop the garlic on a chopping board and add the salt required in your recipe. Press the side of the knife into the garlic and, with your hand on the knife, press the salt into the garlic until the two are evenly distributed.

Next, heat a skillet with a heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan and warm it to a medium heat.

Add your garlic to the pan and spread it out. Allow the garlic to cook for about a minute, stirring it for another minute or until it starts to turn golden. You can cook it for longer if you want a milder flavour, but be careful not to overcook it. The garlic is ready when it is soft and meaty. If it turns crunchy, it has been in the pan too long and will taste bitter.

How to steam broccoli with garlic powder

Steaming broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable, and adding garlic powder is a simple way to pack in extra flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam broccoli with garlic powder.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Water
• Butter or olive oil (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the broccoli by cutting it into bite-sized florets. You can also add the stems, but slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Place a steamer basket in a pot with a lid. The basket should sit above half an inch to an inch of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket.

Step 3: Put the broccoli in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Then lower the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Check the broccoli after 4-5 minutes and continue steaming until it is fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can affect the taste and texture.

Step 5: While the broccoli is steaming, you can prepare the garlic butter or oil (optional). Melt butter in a separate pan or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder to the melted butter or oil and stir to combine.

Step 6: Once the broccoli is tender, remove it from the steamer and place it in a serving dish or bowl.

Step 7: Toss the steamed broccoli with the garlic butter or oil (if using) and season with salt to taste.

Tips:

• You can also use frozen broccoli for this recipe. There is no need to defrost it first; simply add the frozen florets directly to the steamer.
• If you prefer a more intense garlic flavour, you can use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder. Sizzle the chopped garlic in hot butter or oil before tossing it with the steamed broccoli.
• For a dairy-free or vegan option, replace the butter with a dairy-free buttery spread.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious steamed broccoli with garlic!

How to steam broccoli with fresh garlic

Steaming broccoli is a great way to cook this nutrient-dense superfood, and adding garlic gives it a savoury kick. This method is simple, quick, and healthy.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli
• Fresh garlic
• Olive oil
• Lemon (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Water

Utensils:

• Knife
• Chopping board
• Large pot
• Steamer basket
• Small skillet
• Bowl
• Tongs

Method:

First, cut or break the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you want to add the stems, slice them thinly. Peel the stem first and cut it into 1/2-inch slices.

Next, pour 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water into the large pot and place the steamer basket inside. The water should not cover the bottom of the basket. Place the broccoli in the basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the broccoli is fork-tender. This should take around 4-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it and check with a fork.

While the broccoli is steaming, it's time to prepare the garlic. Finely chop or crush the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet with some olive oil. You can also add some lemon juice here if you like a little extra zing. Sizzle the garlic in the hot oil—keep the heat medium and don't let it get too brown. Once it's fragrant, it's ready. Transfer the garlic to a bowl and turn off the heat.

Now, add the steamed broccoli to the bowl and toss it with the garlic, oil, and lemon juice (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper and give it a good stir.

And that's it! You can add a little more olive oil if you like your broccoli nicely coated, and it's ready to serve. Enjoy!

How to steam frozen broccoli

Steaming frozen broccoli is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. You can steam frozen broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect steamed broccoli every time.

Stovetop Method:

• Prepare your equipment: You will need a pot with a steamer basket or sieve, a burner, and a lid.
• Bring water to a simmer: Fill the bottom of the pot with a few inches of water. The water level should be below the steamer basket or sieve, which must fit snugly inside the pot without touching the water. Place the pot on a burner over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer.
• Fill the steamer basket: Once the water is simmering, place the steamer basket or sieve over the water and fill it with frozen broccoli. Cover the pot with a lid.
• Steam the broccoli: Steam the frozen broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, remove the lid and use a fork to check if the broccoli is tender. If it is not tender, cover and steam for an additional minute.
• Season and serve: Remove the steamer basket from the pot using hot pads or cooking mitts. Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving dish and season to taste. You can try seasoning options like salt, pepper, olive oil, or garlic salt.

Microwave Method:

• Prepare the broccoli: Take a microwave-safe dish and add approximately 1/2 pound (about 2 cups) of frozen broccoli. Pour in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, and cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plate.
• Initial microwave cook time: Place the covered dish in the microwave and cook on HIGH power for 2 minutes. After this initial cooking time, remove the dish from the microwave, uncover, and give the broccoli a quick stir.
• Final microwave cook time: Recover the dish and return it to the microwave for an additional 2 minutes of cooking time. Once done, check if the broccoli is heated through. If it is still cold, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
• Strain and serve: After steaming, pour the contents of the dish into a colander to remove excess water. Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving dish and season to taste. You can try seasonings like salt, pepper, or butter.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Broccoli:

• When checking the water level for stovetop steaming, insert the steamer basket or sieve into the pot before adding water. This way, you can ensure the water level is correct and won't touch the steamer.
• Be careful when removing the lid or cover from the dish after steaming, as steam will escape. Use oven mitts or hot pads to protect your hands.
• Get creative with seasonings and toppings! You can try options like olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, or various spices to enhance the flavor of your steamed broccoli.

Frequently asked questions