Steamed Broccoli
Learn how to steam broccoli on the stove or in the microwave with these tested and perfected techniques. Steamed broccoli is a delicious snack, side dish or addition to bowls and salads. And it's easy to make in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave
- Add anywhere from one to three cups of broccoli to a large microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Cover the bowl of broccoli with a microwave-safe plate and place it in the microwave for 3 minutes.
- Use oven mitts to remove the bowl and plate from the microwave. It will be hot! Remove the plate and serve the steamed broccoli immediately.
How To Steam Broccoli on the Stove with a Steamer Basket
- Add 1 inch of water to a medium pot, then place it on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Fill a steamer basket full of broccoli florets. Depending on the size of your steamer basket, you should be able to fit 1-2 cups of broccoli in the basket. Place the steamer basket of broccoli in the pot of boiling water on the stove, making sure that the broccoli does not touch the water.
- Place a lid on the pot and steam the broccoli for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, turn the heat off on the stove. Use oven mitts to remove the lid from the pot and remove the steamer basket of broccoli. Serve the broccoli immediately.
How To Steam Broccoli on the Stove without a Steamer Basket
- Add 1/2 inch water to a large skillet on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets in an even layer to the skillet. Cover the skillet and steam the broccoli for 5 minutes.
- Use tongs to remove the broccoli florets from the skillet after steaming them, and serve them immediately.
Notes
- When using a steamer basket, always make sure that the broccoli is not touching the water. This will allow the broccoli to steam, instead of boil in the water.
- If steaming the broccoli ahead of time to eat later, you’ll want to transfer the steamed broccoli to a bowl of ice water immediately after it’s steamed to stop the cooking process. After 1-2 minutes in the ice bath, remove the broccoli from the ice water. Dry it thoroughly, then transfer it to an airtight container, lined with paper towels for storage. The paper towels will soak up any excess water and prevent the broccoli from getting soggy. The steamed broccoli will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. This is a great option for meal prepping!
- The times for steaming the broccoli on the stove, or in the microwave, will be the same whether you’re steaming 1/2 cup of broccoli, or up to 4 cups of broccoli. The only thing that will change is that you’ll need a larger bowl for the microwave, or a larger steamer basket or skillet on the stove if you’re steaming more than 2 cups of broccoli at one time.
- You’ll be able to tell when the broccoli is done steaming, when it’s bright green in color, and tender, but not mushy, in texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 31kcal (2%)Carbohydrates 6g (2%)Protein 3g (6%)Sodium 30mg (1%)Potassium 288mg (8%)Fiber 2g (8%)Sugar 2g (2%)Vitamin A 567mg (11%)Vitamin C 81mg (98%)Calcium 43mg (4%)Iron 1mg (6%)
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