How To Steam Broccoli

I’ll show you How to Steam Broccoli with my simple steps to get the perfect tender-crisp bite. No more over-cooked veggies on your table! Enjoy this broccoli as a side with any of your dinner time favorites for some delicious nutrition.

It seems simple enough, right? How could broccoli be messed up? I’m here to tell you, broccoli is so much better than those mushy flavorless florets when you use the right technique!

Broccoli is one of those easy sides that you can start cooking as you set the table. It really does cook up that fast! If you cook it too long, however, it can lose that beautiful vibrant green color and so much of its lightly sweet and peppery flavor. With this fool-proof recipe, your family might even ask for seconds of their favorite vegetables!

Ingredients

• Broccoli – You can use an entire head and slice it into florets, or buy a bag of broccoli that has already been cut into florets.
• Water
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.

How to cut a head of broccoli

First time preparing a head of broccoli? I have you covered! Follow these easy steps to get perfect florets.

1. Wash the head of the broccoli thoroughly under cool running water. Place the broccoli on a cutting board and trim the leaves under the flowery head.
2. Slice off excess stem from under the flower. Turn the head of broccoli upside down, and starting from the bottom, start to cut the florets free from the stem.
3. Slice the excess stems from the florets. At this point, you can rinse the florets one more time with cold water if you wish.

How to steam broccoli

1. Prep the pot: Fill a pot with 1-2″ of water. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully place a steamer basket in the pot, then add the broccoli into the basket.
2. Cook the broccoli: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the steamer basket, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

How do I know when my broccoli is done?

You can, of course, cook your broccoli however you prefer. I like to enjoy mine tender-crisp. What on earth does that mean? Well, it simply refers to a vegetable that has been cooked and warmed all the way through, but still retains its snap.

A good way to recognize a tender-crisp vegetable is that you can pierce it with a fork, but it still retains a vibrant color and can’t be mashed. Prefer a softer bite of broccoli? That’s up to you! So, feel free to cook it a bit longer if you want.

How to serve

You can serve this steamed broccoli with just about any dinner! I love to have broccoli alongside a nice and saucy meal to let those florets soak up all those delicious flavors on my plate. I love mine with my yummy cheese sauce, but here are some other recipes you can serve it with:

• Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
• Prime Rib Roast
• Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
• Skillet Chicken and Mushrooms
• One Pot Beef Stroganoff
• Balsamic Pork Loin
• Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

How to store leftovers

Store your broccoli in an airtight container or sealable bag in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can mix it into a cheesy pasta dish, casserole, soup, or just reheat it in the microwave to enjoy all on its own.

I don’t suggest freezing broccoli after it’s been steamed. It will be come very soft after thawing.

Looking for more simple veggie side dishes? Try these!

• The Ultimate Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Green Beans
• Ratatouille
• Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
• Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes