Steamed Broccoli
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Steamed Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that’s healthy and delicious. Learn how to steam broccoli that’s bursting with flavor with bright green color. Steaming is the best way to cook broccoli and I will share with you some techniques to ensure perfectly cooked broccoli every time!
Broccoli side dish is not only nutritious with high level of protein and vitamin C but also low in carb and great for a Keto diet. A whole cup of broccoli has only 4 grams of carbohydrates!
You can pair steamed broccoli with almost all main courses such as Rib Eye Steak, Honey Garlic Chicken or Grilled Pork Chops.
STEAMED BROCCOLI—THE BEST WAY TO COOK BROCCOLI
There is no need to boil broccoli when you can make this easy steamed broccoli! Steaming will cook off the acidity and bitter taste, producing a sweeter taste than with boiling while also preserving nutrients. The best part? It only takes a couple of minutes to make steamed broccoli!
HOW TO PREPARE BROCCOLI
I recommend using fresh broccoli whenever possible for your broccoli recipes, as it’s more flavorful and nutritious than the frozen one.
To prepare broccoli, cut the crown off from the stem. Peel the stem and cut crosswise into ½-inch thick slices. Then slice the florets into 2-inch pieces.
HOW LONG TO STEAM BROCCOLI
The secret to perfectly cooked broccoli with a vibrant green color is proper broccoli steaming time. It’s best to steam fresh broccoli for about 5-7 minutes. Any longer and it’ll overcook and take on a dull green color.
As the steam time depends on the size of the florets, check the broccoli after 5 minutes. Small florets should be fully cooked after 5 minutes, but the larger ones and the stem slices might need a minute or two more. The broccoli is done if a fork can pierce the stalk without much difficulty.
HOW TO STEAM BROCCOLI
The first step is to place a saucepan with about an inch of water on the stove with high heat and bring to a rolling boil! Then place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket inside the pot. Always ensure the water is boiling FIRST before adding the broccoli.
Cover the steamer, reduce heat to medium and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender. Remove from heat as soon as you can pierce your broccoli stalk with a fork. Make sure you don’t overcook your broccoli. Add your favorite seasoning and serve.
If you are using the broccoli for other recipes, it’s best to submerge it in a bowl of cold water or ice water immediately after cooking. This will stop the cooking process and maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture.
STEAM BROCCOLI IN THE MICROWAVE
Steaming broccoli in a microwave is another convenient and quick way to cook broccoli.
First, add the broccoli florets to a microwave-safe bowl, and then add about 3 tablespoons of cold water. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid. Cook on high power for 2 minutes. Test for doneness and repeat at 30-second intervals until the broccoli is tender.
HOW TO STEAM BROCCOLI WITHOUT A STEAMER
If you don’t have a steamer, the microwave method is definitely an option. You can also steam broccoli in a pan where you fill a large skillet with ¼ inch of water (sometimes called boil-steaming). Add your broccoli florets, cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes.
Alternatively, boiling is a fallback option – read more here about how long to boil broccoli.
BROCCOLI SEASONING
The simplest seasoning is salt and pepper. That’s all you need to bring out the most delicious flavors of the crisp-tender steamed broccoli.
You can also cook minced garlic in a small skillet with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Then toss the mixture with cooked broccoli to make simple and delicious garlic broccoli! Other seasoning options include soy sauce, garlic butter, cheese sauce or mayonnaise.
How to Steam Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli, 3/4 lb or 350 grams
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Add about an inch of water to a saucepan, bring to boil over high heat.
- Meanwhile, clean your broccoli and cut the stem away from the crown. Slice the florets into 2-inch pieces.
- Peel the team and cut crosswise into ½-inch thick slices.
- When the water is boiling, place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket inside the pot.
- Cover the steamer, reduce heat to medium and steam for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat as soon as you can pierce your broccoli stalk with a fork.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook your broccoli. Start checking after 5 minutes as small florets should be fully cooked.
- Make sure that you add broccoli after the water is boiling.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can still make this recipe using microwave method or boiling the broccoli
- To store steamed broccoli, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll last for 3-4 days.
Please read our nutrition disclaimer.
EQUIPMENT FOR STEAMING BROCCOLI
- Steamer basket if you already have a medium saucepan with lid, or
- Full steamer with lid
MORE BROCCOLI RECIPES:
View all broccoli recipes
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This is my favorite side. Thanks for all of the tips. It came out perfect!
Hi Gina, Great to hear that and thanks so much for your comment!
Thanks for the tips to make perfect broccoli!
Hi Taryn, Thanks and glad they were helpful!