Steaming Broccoli: Choosing The Right Kitchen Tool

Steamed broccoli is a quick, healthy, and tasty side dish. The key to cooking it is to avoid overcooking, which can turn the vegetable from a vibrant green colour to a drab olive hue. There are several ways to steam broccoli, including using a steamer basket, a bamboo steamer, a wok with a steaming rack, or a microwave. The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and how tender you like your broccoli, but it generally takes between three and seven minutes.

Steamer basket method

The steamer basket method is a great way to cook steamed broccoli. It ensures that the broccoli is cooked evenly and thoroughly, without becoming soggy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and slice the stem to include it in the steaming process. Try to keep the florets and stem pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
• Boil Water in a Pot: Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a rolling boil. The amount of water is important to ensure steaming rather than boiling the broccoli.
• Add Broccoli to Steamer Basket: Place the broccoli florets and stem pieces (if using) into a steamer basket. If using a steamer basket with a handle, you can add the broccoli now. If your steamer basket doesn't have a handle, it's best to place it in the pot before adding the water.
• Place Steamer Basket in the Pot: Carefully lower the steamer basket into the pot, ensuring that the water level is just below the basket. You don't want the water touching the broccoli.
• Cover and Steam: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low or medium, and let the broccoli steam. The cooking time will depend on the size of your florets and your desired level of doneness. For crisp-tender broccoli, steam for 5 to 6 minutes. Smaller florets may take 5 minutes, while larger ones might need a minute or two more.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a fork into a broccoli stem to check if it's tender. The broccoli should be bright green and easily pierced but not mushy. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can quickly turn olive green and lose its vibrant colour.
• Remove and Season: Once the broccoli is done to your liking, remove the steamer basket from the pot and place the broccoli in a serving dish. Season with a sprinkle of salt, or get creative with toppings like olive oil, butter, lemon juice, or grated cheese.

Using a steamer basket is an excellent way to ensure perfectly cooked broccoli. It keeps the broccoli elevated above the water, preventing it from becoming waterlogged while still allowing it to cook gently in the steam. This method helps retain the vibrant colour, crisp texture, and nutrients of the broccoli.

Large skillet method

The large skillet method is a great alternative to the traditional steamer basket approach for steaming broccoli. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed broccoli using a large skillet:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by rinsing your broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. This ensures that any dirt or grit hiding in the florets is removed. You can also trim the stalk and cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Fill a large skillet with just enough water to cover the bottom. It is important not to use too much water, as this will cause the broccoli to boil rather than steam, resulting in sogginess. Bring the water in the skillet to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Place the broccoli florets directly into the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam inside. Allow the broccoli to steam for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat. Keep an eye on the time, as steaming even a minute or two longer can change the bright green colour of the broccoli to a murky olive green.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After 4 to 5 minutes, check if the broccoli is done to your liking. The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp. You can test it with a fork; the tines should be able to pierce the stems without the broccoli becoming limp.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Once the broccoli is steamed to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and drain any excess water. Season with a sprinkle of salt and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. You can also add other seasonings like pepper, olive oil, or grated Parmesan cheese to taste.

Tips for Success:

• Be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking the broccoli. Broccoli cooks quickly, and overcooking can result in a loss of colour and texture.
• Cut the broccoli florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• If you want to add more flavour, you can toss the steamed broccoli with seasonings like olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, or grated cheese to taste.

Microwave method

The microwave method is a fast and smart way to steam broccoli. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, prepare the broccoli by washing it thoroughly. Cut the crowns away from the large stems of the broccoli. Break the crown into bite-sized florets. Rinse the 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 florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl (or 2-3 tablespoons). Cover the bowl with a plate or a microwave-safe lid.

Microwave the broccoli on high heat for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired consistency. Check the broccoli every 30 seconds to ensure it does not overcook. The broccoli is done when you can pierce it with a fork.

Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Tips for Steaming Broccoli in the Microwave:

• Make sure the broccoli florets are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking.
• Do not dry the broccoli after washing, as you want some water clinging to the florets to create steam.
• Keep a close eye on the broccoli while it is in the microwave to prevent overcooking. Broccoli cooks quickly and can go from bright green to olive green in a matter of minutes.

Electric pressure cooker method

Surprise your family and friends by making perfectly steamed broccoli using an electric pressure cooker. This method is fast, smart, and can steam gorgeous crisp-tender broccoli in 10 minutes. All you need is a steamer basket insert.

First, place 1 cup of water inside the electric pressure cooker. Then, put the broccoli in the steamer basket and place it inside the electric pressure cooker as well. Close the lid and select the steam setting for 0 minutes. This means the broccoli will be done as soon as the electric pressure cooker comes to pressure. All in all, it will take about 10 minutes for it to pressurize and naturally release.

Finally, remove the broccoli from the steamer basket insert and season with salt and pepper.

Boiling method

The boiling method is a simple and effective way to cook steamed broccoli. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly. Submerge the head in a large bowl of water to ensure that any dirt or impurities are removed. You can also trim the stalk and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly.

Step 2: Bring Water to a Boil

Fill a saucepan or pot with about an inch of water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a rolling boil. If you are using a steamer basket, you can add it to the pot now, making sure that the water level is right under the basket.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Steam

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the broccoli to the steamer basket or directly into the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let the broccoli steam for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Smaller florets may only need 3 minutes, while larger ones might take up to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

It's important not to overcook the broccoli, as it can quickly turn from a vibrant green to an olive green colour. To check if the broccoli is done, pierce it with a fork. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

Step 5: Drain and Season

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the pot and drain any excess water. You can now season the broccoli with a variety of toppings, such as olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, lemon juice, or grated cheese.

Using the boiling method is a quick and easy way to cook steamed broccoli, and by following these steps, you'll be able to achieve perfectly cooked and delicious results every time.

Frequently asked questions