How To Steam Broccoli In The Microwave

We’ll show you the How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave to enjoy as a side dish or to use in many different recipes! If you eat broccoli as much as we do, this is the easiest way to make it. Just 5 minutes of prep time and you’ll end up with tender but still crisp broccoli florets.

How To Make Broccoli In The Microwave

This method for steaming broccoli is so easy, you’ll never boil water again. Literally done in just 5 minutes and perfectly cooked every time.

You can use this recipe to cook up to 6 cups of broccoli, but it really depends on how large your bowl is. You’ll want the broccoli florets to fit nicely in the bowl with a little room so that it steams properly.

When buying the broccoli, try and look for tights heads that are mostly green in color. The stalks should be very hard and firm without any give to them.

Using a knife, cut the broccoli heads into florets roughly the same size. Start by cutting the stalk off the head of broccoli and then using a knife to trim out smaller florets.

For this amount of broccoli, you’ll need 1/2 cup of water. Pour the water into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap (make sure it’s BPA free) and place into the microwave. We like to season with salt after cooking so the salt doesn’t rinse off with the water.

Cook the broccoli for 5 minutes for a cooked through but still al dente. If you like your broccoli a little softer, add another minute or two to the cooking time. Let the broccoli steam in the bowl, covered, for 1-2 minutes after removing from the microwave.

How Do You Know When Broccoli Is Cooked?

Broccoli can be cooked to varying degrees of doneness. For instance, if you’re making fresh broccoli for your toddler, then you want it softer so you’ll need to cook it longer.

If you’re a fan of al dente vegetables, cooked through but still slightly crisp, then the first thing that you want to look for a bright green color of the broccoli.

To test the broccoli for doneness, pierce a stalk or steam of broccoli with a fork to see if it easily slides through. Again, how tender you want your broccoli to be will depend on what you’re using it for.

What Recipes Can I Use Steamed Broccoli In?

There’s so many recipes that we use this broccoli for if you’re not just eating it straight up. A little salt and pepper, butter and even a squeeze of lemon are tasty ways to enjoy steamed broccoli.

One of our favorite recipes to make using this broccoli is our No-Mayo Broccoli Salad! But don’t stop there, we usually have bowls of this broccoli in a container in the refrigerator for all sorts of recipes. Add it to stir fry recipes, cut it up to use in our chicken and broccoli meatballs or add it to soups.

What Main Courses Go Well With Broccoli?

There’s all sorts of main course recipes that go wonderfully with broccoli. Any protein like steak, chicken, pork or fish all work well.

• Chicken Marsala
• Chicken Francese
• Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites
• Teriyaki Steak
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
• Italian Meatloaf
• Parmesan Crusted Haddock

Can You Freeze Broccoli?

You can easily freeze cooked broccoli for easy recipes preparation. First, let the broccoli cool down completely. Lay the broccoli out on a sheet pan in a single layer and freeze for 30 minutes.

Now add the broccoli to a freezer bag, pressing out as much air from the bag as possible. Freeze the broccoli for up to 4 months to enjoy in all your favorite recipes!

Looking For More Easy Vegetable Recipes?

• Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
• Sherry Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Mini Roasted Peppers

Print