If you know How to Steam Broccoli, then you have a healthy and easy side for any night of the week. Simply prep the broccoli by removing the stems and cutting them into florets, then pop them in a steamer basket in a pot with water. This veggie dish is quick to make and super kid-friendly!
Steamed broccoli is the perfect complement to a healthy dinner, like baked chicken.
Not only is it good for you, it’s also affordable and readily available at the grocery store.
Plus, steamed broccoli is so easy to make. Simply prep the florets, pop them in a steamer basket, and within 5 minutes you have a healthy side dish ready to enjoy!
(And did you know you can also steam broccoli in the microwave???)
So, choose this vegetable side next time you need a quick dish to round out your dinner menu!
How to Steam Broccoli
These are the steps to follow to make this steamed broccoli recipe:
Cut into Florets
The first step is to get the vegetable ready. Unless you buy a bag of prepared broccoli, you will need to remove the stems and cut them into florets.
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice away the large stalk. Then, cut the crown into bite-sized florets.
Rinse the veggies in a colander to remove any visible dirt or debris.
Bring to Boil
Add about 1 inch of water to the bottom of a large pot that fits your steamer basket.
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Over medium-high heat on the stove-top, bring the water to a boil.
Steam in Pot
Reduce the heat to medium.
Place the broccoli florets into a steamer basket and set that into your pot.
If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place the broccoli directly in the water in the pot.
Allow the veggies to steam for about 5 minutes.
The broccoli is done when they are crisp-tender and turn a vibrant green color. You can check this by poking it with the tines of a fork.
Immediately remove the pot from the heat to stop the cooking process.
Serve the broccoli with some butter or olive oil, salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Or, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice for some fresh flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: Cut the broccoli into florets up to 1 to 2 days ahead of time.
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Flash freeze broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours before transferring to a Ziploc bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 months.
- To Reheat: Warm the broccoli back up in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals.
FAQs
If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place the broccoli directly in the water in the pot. Be sure to drain the broccoli well after cooking.
Broccoli is super healthy. It is full of fiber, vitamins, and potassium. In fact, broccoli is considered a super food.
To keep steamed broccoli vegan, simply serve with a bit of salt and pepper. However, you can also serve this vegetable with soy sauce and sesame oil, your favorite herbs or spices, or even cheese sauce!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Take a shortcut. Save time by buying a bag of broccoli florets at the store.
- Double it up. Make a big batch and freeze half for another night.
- Chop, chop. Be sure to cut the broccoli crown into evenly-sized pieces so they cook consistently.
- Just enough. Don’t overcook the broccoli or it will get mushy.
- Change it up. You can serve this in so many ways, top them with your favorite seasonings, or mix them with other veggies like carrots or green beans.
What to Serve with Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a healthy and easy side, try it with one of these main dishes:
- Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Air Fryer Fish
- Blackened Mahi Mahi
- Salmon Burgers
- Salmon Curry
More Broccoli Recipes
If you can’t get enough broccoli, give one of these other recipes a shot next:
- Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan
- Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Beef and Broccoli
- Roasted Broccoli with Sriracha and Honey
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How to Steam Broccoli
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Ingredients
- 1 bunch broccoli
Instructions
- Cut broccoli crowns off of the large stems and then cut them into bite-sized florets. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any visible dirt or debris.
- Fill a pot large enough to fit a steamer basket with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil. (If you don’t have a steamer, you can always place the broccoli directly into the pot.)
- Add broccoli to the steamer basket and then place it in the pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium, and steam for 5-6 minutes. You’ll know the broccoli is done when it turns bright green and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pot to stop the cooking process and serve immediately.
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Video
Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: Cut the broccoli into florets up to 1 to 2 days ahead of time.
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Flash freeze broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours before transferring to a Ziploc bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 months.
- To Reheat: Warm the broccoli back up in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
