Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked broccoli - our guide will teach you how to steam broccoli to achieve the ideal tender-crisp texture every time, on the stovetop and in the microwave. Plus, discover flavor variations to keep your side dish game on point.
Knowing how to steam broccoli if your ticket to a quick, easy and versatile side dish. Or it can be used as a mix-in for pasta dishes, rice salads and stir-fries.
A vibrant green superstar of the vegetable world, broccoli is not only incredibly healthy but also a breeze to prepare. Steaming broccoli is a foolproof way to enjoy its natural flavors and retain its valuable nutrients.
In this post, I'll show you the easiest methods to steam broccoli, share some tips for choosing the best florets, suggest delicious serving ideas, and answer your burning questions along the way.
For other vegetable steaming tips, check out How to Steam Cauliflower, How to Steam Carrots, How to Steam Green Beans and How to Steam Asparagus.
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How to choose broccoli
Selecting fresh broccoli ensures the best flavor and texture. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your broccoli:
▪️ LOOK FOR VIBRANT COLOR: Choose broccoli with firm stalks and dark green florets. Yellow or wilting florets are signs of aging.
▪️ FIRMNESS MATTERS: Gently squeeze the florets and stalks-they should feel firm and sturdy. Avoid broccoli that feels soft or rubbery.
▪️ CHECK FOR FRESHNESS: Examine the cut ends of the stalks. They should appear moist and not dried out or slimy.
How to separate broccoli florets
▪️ HOLD THE STEM: Firmly grip the main stem of the broccoli head with one hand.
▪️ SNAP IT OFF: With your other hand, bend the floret cluster away from the stem until it snaps off. Repeat until all florets are removed.
▪️ CUT IT OFF: Or cut off the broccoli florets with a chef's knife. Keep your fingers out of the way!
See recipe card below for full ingredients list & recipe directions.
Tools needed
▪️ STEAMER BASKET: There are two types of steam baskets. The first is a metal basket that's adjustable in size. Fit it into a saucepan. Pictured on the left above. The other option is a steamer insert that rests on top of a saucepan like a double-boiler (except it has holes), pictured on the right.
▪️ SAUCEPAN: Medium saucepan with a tightly fitting lid.
▪️ CONTAINER: If microwaving the broccoli, use a microwave-safe container that fits the broccoli florets. I prefer a glass container like this one. Use a lid or microwave-safe plate to cover it.
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How to steam broccoli
Steaming broccoli is a quick and simple method that preserves its texture, color, and nutrients. Here's how to do it:
PREPARE THE BROCCOLI: Snap off the broccoli florets from the main stalk, or use a sharp chef's knife to cut them off.
PREPARE THE BASKET: Begin by setting up your trusty steamer basket. If you don't have one, don't worry! We'll also cover a microwave method later. Fill a pot with an inch or two of water, ensuring the water level is below the steamer basket when placed inside.
BOIL THE WATER: Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. The water should be low enough so that doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
STEAM: Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket, making sure they are spread out evenly. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside.
Steam the broccoli for approximately 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of tenderness and the thickness of the broccoli stems. Check for doneness by poking a fork into a floret stalk-when it easily pierces through, it's ready!
Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, so keep a close eye on it while it steams.
SERVE: Serve with a squeeze of lemon or one of the flavor variations listed below.
Steaming Broccoli in the Microwave
If you don't have a steamer basket, the microwave is your best friend for steaming broccoli. Here's how to do it:
▪️ ADD WATER: Pour a few tablespoons of water into the bottom of a microwave-safe dish.
▪️ ADD THE FLORETS: Arrange the broccoli florets in the dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe plate.
▪️ MICROWAVE ON HIGH: Cook the broccoli on high for about 3-4 minutes. Check for desired tenderness and microwave for additional time if needed.
Flavor Variations
- LEMON ZEST: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over your steamed broccoli and sprinkle it with lemon zest for a bright and tangy twist.
- PARMESAN CRAVINGS: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your steamed broccoli for a savory and cheesy delight.
- ASIAN-INSPIRED: Drizzle your steamed broccoli with a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor.
- SPICE IT UP: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give your steamed broccoli a spicy kick.
- HERB LOVERS: Toss your steamed broccoli with freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to elevate its flavors with a touch of freshness.
- BALSAMIC GLAZE: Drizzle a rich and tangy balsamic glaze over your steamed broccoli for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed broccoli pairs well with a variety of dishes. Choose your favorite protein or grain-based dish and let the steamed broccoli complement its flavors beautifully. Pair it with a dish from 500-Calorie Dinner Recipes. Or try some of these variations…
PASTA OR RICE SALAD: Stir the cooked broccoli into a pasta salad, vegetarian pasta or rice salad.
QUICHE: Incorporate the steamed broccoli into a Crustless Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. (Plus, see What to Serve with Quiche.)
STIR-FRY: Cook the rest of the stir-fry ingredients and toss in the steamed broccoli at the end. Try it in Chinese Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Meal Prep and Storage
If you're planning ahead or want to meal prep, you can easily steam broccoli in advance. I suggest slightly undercooking it so that it doesn't become overcooked when reheated.
▪️ COOL IT: After steaming, let the broccoli cool down to room temperature.
▪️ STORE IT: Transfer the cooled broccoli to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
▪️ REHEAT IT: When you're ready to enjoy your pre-steamed broccoli, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you don't have a steamer basket, you can steam broccoli in the microwave. Follow the instructions provided earlier in the post for the microwave method.
The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Test it with a fork to see if it's done to your liking.
To prevent overcooking and mushy broccoli, make sure to keep an eye on it while it steams. Start checking for doneness after 3 minutes and avoid steaming it for too long. The broccoli should still have a slight crunch and vibrant green color.
Other Broccoli Recipes You'll Love
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How to Steam Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli or bag of broccoli florets
- Water
Optional:
- Lemon juice or zest
- Balsamic glaze
- Fresh herbs
- Spices
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- If using a head of broccoli, cut the florets away from the stem. Cut larger florets in half so that all of the pieces are approximately the same size. This helps them to cook evenly. Transfer the cauliflower to a steamer insert.
On the stovetop:
- Fill the bottom of the saucepan, deep skillet or wok with about 1 inch of water. Once the water boils, it should not touch the bottom of the steamer insert. If it does, pour out a bit of the water.
- Once the water is boiling, place the steamer insert (with the broccoli) into the saucepan and cover with a lid. Turn the heat down slightly so the water maintains a lively simmer.
- Steam the broccoli until it is tender, but not overcooked. This should take 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of the florets. Insert a fork into one of the florets. The fork should slide in easily, but with a bit of resistance. If you prefer a softer texture, increase the steaming time. Make sure there is still enough water in the bottom of the saucepan.
In the microwave:
- Pour a few tablespoons of water into the bottom of a microwave-safe bowl. You really don't need much - just enough to cover the bottom of the bowl. Place the broccoli florets in the bowl and cover the bowl with an upside down, microwave-safe plate that's big enough to cover the lip of the bowl.
- The cook time depends on a couple of factors, such as the wattage of your microwave and the size of the broccoli florets. Three minutes is perfect in my microwave, but you may need to make adjustments to find the perfect cooking time.
Optional:
- If you like, toss the cooked broccoli with any of the optional ingredients listed above (lemon juice, etc.)
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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