How To Steam Broccoli in Microwave

Name: How To Steam Broccoli in Microwave
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 large heads of broccoli; 1/4 cup water

Wondering how to steam broccoli in the microwave? We will show you step-by-step how to cook broccoli the quickest and easiest way. In less than 10 minutes you’ll have a steaming bowl of broccoli ready to serve as a side dish or use in your favorite recipe.

Cooking broccoli in the microwave is one of our kitchen hacks that we are excited to share with you! It has allowed us to serve a complete meal even on those nights when it seems like the main entree might not make it to the table. This recipe makes it so much simpler to serve a vegetable packed dinner.

For more family friendly vegetable side dishes, check out our popular Roasted Frozen Cauliflower, Green Beans For Kids, Italian Zucchini Crisps and Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash.

Ways To Cook Broccoli

Microwave steamed broccoli is our go-to cooking method anytime we are in a pinch. It is simple yet an effective way to create a delicious side dish super quick. If we aren’t steaming broccoli florets in the microwave, then you’ll find us making Instant Pot Broccoli or Roasted Frozen Broccoli.

Regardless of the way you choose to cook broccoli, these three recipes are all kid approved! Serve plain or topped with any desired topping such as shredded cheese, Velveeta Cheese Sauce, bacon bits, olive oil, garlic or even red chili flakes.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

ingredients for steamed broccoli on sheet pan

Equipment

microwave-safe bowl with lid or plate
measuring cup
cutting board and chefs knife

Ingredients

2 large heads of broccoli
1/4 cup water

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

water poured into bowl of broccoli florets

broccoli florets in a bowl covered with a plate

How To Steam Broccoli Without a Steamer

Rinse the broccoli. Cut the florets off and place them into the microwave-safe bowl.

Add water

Add the water to the bowl with the broccoli. Cover with a dinner plate or lid.

Cook

Cook for 5 minutes for 2 large heads of broccoli. If using only 1 head of broccoli cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened.

Serve

Use hot pads to remove the bowl from the microwave. Carefully drain the water. Serve as is, topping with a little butter and salt, or use in a recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook broccoli?

Broccoli takes approximately 5 minutes in the microwave for 2 large heads of broccoli or 3-4 minutes for 1 large head of broccoli. This time frame steams the broccoli without turning it to mush. If you prefer, steam for an additional 1-2 minutes to soften further.

How to store?

Fresh broccoli can be stored (unwashed) in the fridge for up to a week. Wash the broccoli right before getting ready to use to extend the shelf life. Steamed broccoli will last 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

What to serve with steamed broccoli?

You can serve any main entree from a casserole to a pasta dish, hamburger to a pork chop. Our top favorite entrees to serve with broccoli include Gluten-Free Baked Ziti with Sausage, Baked Pork Chops, Turkey Burgers in the Oven and Whole Beef Tenderloin Steak Recipe.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

You can use a helper to slice the florets from the stem or use your hands to break off the florets
Reminder that the longer broccoli cooks, the softer and darker green in color it will become
Be extra careful when you remove the bowl from the microwave and take off the plate or lid. A puff of steam will escape from the bowl and will be very hot.

steamed broccoli poured into serving bowl

Ways To Use Steamed Broccoli

Serve microwave broccoli topped with Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce, butter, cheese, salt or pepper or incorporate into any broccoli recipe. Steamed broccoli is also a fantastic topping for Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato, Baked Potato in the Air Fryer, Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes or mixed into a batch of creamy mac & cheese.

Easy Broccoli Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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