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Freshly steamed broccoli with a pat of butter and lemon juice.
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5 from 4 votes

Steamed Broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a quick and simple way to enjoy perfectly cooked broccoli in minutes. Whether using the stove-top or microwave, this method yields tender broccoli with plenty of flavor. Customize with your favorite seasonings like lemon juice, Parmesan, or a splash of soy sauce to suit your taste.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blanching broccoli, how to steam broccoli, steamed broccoli
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 crowns fresh broccoli
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions

  • Prep the broccoli: Cut the crown into bite-sized florets. If using the stem, peel the tough outer layer and slice it into coins.
  • Steam: Pour 1 inch of water into a large pot and bring it to a boil.
  • Place a steamer basket in the pot, add the broccoli, and cover with a lid.
  • Steam for 3 to 6 minutes. Check after 3 minutes—broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender. Cook longer for softer broccoli.
  • Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper. See below for seasoning ideas.

Microwave Instructions

  • Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 3 to 4 tablespoons of water.
  • Cover with a plate or plastic wrap (vented slightly).
  • Microwave on high for 2 to 6 minutes, depending on desired tenderness. See below for seasoning ideas.

Video

Notes

  • Try to cut the florets the same size so they all finish cooking at the same time. 
  • Make sure the water is steaming before you start cooking the broccoli. 
  • The stem is edible but the outer layer of the stem is tough. If you peel the outer layer it will be more tender. 
  • Perfectly cooked broccoli is vibrant green, slightly firm but tender enough to pierce with a fork. If you want it really soft, cook it for 7 to 8 minutes. However, If you cook it that long it will lose its vibrant green color.
  • If you don’t have a steamer you can place the broccoli directly into the pot with the steaming water but the florets on the bottom will be poached in the water (not steamed) and get over-cooked.
  • Additional seasoning is not calculated in the nutrition information.

Seasoning suggestions:

  • Everything Bagel Seasoning blend
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Butter
  • Garlic salt
  • Crumbled bacon

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 46mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g
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