Steaming Broccoli In The Microwave: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Steaming broccoli in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy side dish. It's also a versatile technique, as steamed broccoli can be used in salads, soups, pasta dishes, and more. The process is simple: cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover, and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.

Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, removing woody bits

To cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, start by removing the super-tough ends and any woody bits. You can cut them into larger chunks, but bite-sized pieces that are uniform in size work best because they cook quickly and evenly. Remember that the size of your broccoli florets will dictate the cooking time, and larger pieces will need to be cooked for longer.

If you want to eat the stalks, make sure to cut them smaller than bite-sized so that everything cooks evenly. You can also peel and slice the stalk into 1/4-inch slices and cook it alongside the florets.

Once you have cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli. For one pound of broccoli (about one head), add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with a lid, plate, or plastic wrap and cook in the microwave for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the size of your florets and the power of your microwave. Remember to remove the lid carefully after cooking, as the steam will be hot!

Place in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water

To steam broccoli in the microwave, you'll need to place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. This method is a quick and easy way to cook broccoli, and it yields tender broccoli every time. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Remove the tough ends and any woody parts so that all the pieces cook evenly. Then, place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is made from microwave-safe material like glass or ceramic, and choose one with tall sides that can trap steam.

Now, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl for every head of broccoli. The water will help create steam and ensure that your broccoli cooks through without drying out. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate; if using a plate, choose one that fits snugly against the top of the bowl to trap the steam inside. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil to cover the bowl, as these materials may not be microwave-safe.

Once your broccoli is prepared and covered, it's time to cook it. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 2 to 4 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave, the size of your broccoli florets, and your desired level of doneness. If you're using 2 pounds of broccoli, it's recommended to cook for 3 minutes. For smaller quantities, start with 2 to 2.5 minutes and then check the broccoli. If it's not done to your liking, continue cooking in 15-second intervals until it reaches the desired texture. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as the steam will be very hot.

After cooking, remove the lid or plate from the bowl and check that your broccoli is fully cooked. You can test this by piercing a stem with a fork; it should slide in easily, and the broccoli should be tender but not mushy. If it's not quite done, simply recover the bowl and microwave in short bursts until it's ready.

And that's it! You now know how to steam broccoli in the microwave, a quick and convenient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable.

Cover with a plate or lid, or wet paper towels

Covering your broccoli with a plate or lid, or wet paper towels, is an essential step in the microwave steaming process. It ensures the broccoli is cooked thoroughly by trapping the steam inside the bowl.

If you are using a plate or lid, it is important to use microwave-safe materials such as ceramic or stoneware. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil. The plate or lid should fit snugly on top of the bowl, with the bowl's opening around the same size as a small plate. This will ensure the steam does not escape.

If you don't have a suitable lid, you can use wet paper towels. Simply wet a few paper towels with water and wring them out. Cover the broccoli with the damp paper towels and cook as normal, adding an extra 30 seconds to the cooking time. The paper towels will create enough steam to cook the broccoli, but be careful when removing them as they will be hot.

Whichever covering method you choose, remember to be cautious when removing the lid or paper towels as the steam will be hot.

Microwave for 2-4 minutes

Now that you've prepared your broccoli for steaming by cutting it into bite-sized pieces, adding water, and covering the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap, it's time to microwave it!

Place the bowl in the microwave and set the timer for 2 to 4 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the amount of broccoli you are cooking. If you are using a 1000-watt microwave, 3 to 4 minutes should be sufficient. For lower wattage microwaves, you may need up to 5 minutes or more. If you have a higher wattage microwave, start with 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

During the cooking process, the broccoli should be steaming inside the covered bowl. This steam is what cooks the broccoli, keeping it tender without making it mushy. Remember to be very careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as the steam will be hot and can cause burns.

After microwaving for the initial duration, carefully remove the bowl and check the broccoli's doneness by poking it with a fork. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crispness to it. If it is not done to your liking, simply cover the bowl again and return it to the microwave for another 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat this process in short intervals until the broccoli reaches your desired level of doneness.

Season and serve

Once you've cooked your broccoli, it's time to season and serve. You can keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and butter or olive oil. Or, if you want to get a little more creative, try adding some lemon juice and garlic powder, or a sprinkle of Parmesan, pecorino, or Asiago cheese. If you're looking for a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of soy sauce. You can even replace the water with vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavour.

If you're feeling really adventurous, try dressing up your broccoli with a drizzle of your favourite salad dressing or a sauce like tahini or Thai peanut sauce. You can also try a mustard infusion or serve it with a homemade dressing like easy vegan Caesar or a simple tahini sauce. If you're in the mood for something creamy, dip your broccoli in something like vegan Kimchi Queso Dip.

Steamed broccoli is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. It can also be used to top a baked potato or added to an omelet or quiche. It's also a great addition to salads, grain bowls, soups, and pasta dishes. So feel free to experiment and find your favourite way to enjoy this tasty and nutritious vegetable!

Frequently asked questions