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.
Steaming 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 steamed broccoli recipe makes it so much simpler to serve a vegetable-packed dinner. Serve it as is, topped with butter, or the with the kid-favorite Velveeta Cheese Sauce.
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 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.
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.
How long to steam broccoli in the microwave?
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.
Other 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.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!
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.
How To Steam Broccoli Without a Steamer Basket
- Prepare the broccoli by giving it a thorough rinse. Separate the broccoli florets from the stems and arrange them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Next, pour in a bit of water. You’ll want to add about an inch of water to the bowl containing the broccoli. To prevent the steam from escaping, cover the bowl using a dinner plate or a suitable lid.
- Cook the broccoli. Set the microwave to high power and let the broccoli cook for around 5 minutes if you’re dealing with two large heads of broccoli. For just one head of broccoli, a cooking time of 3-4 minutes should suffice. Keep an eye on it until the florets soften to your preference.
- When the cooking is complete, carefully use oven mitts or hot pads to remove the bowl from the microwave. Drain off any excess water cautiously. You can now serve the cooked broccoli as is, optionally adding a touch of butter and salt for flavor. Alternatively, incorporate it into a recipe. For an added zing, consider seasoning with a dash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper.
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.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Select broccoli that is firm, vibrant in color, and has tightly closed florets. Avoid broccoli with yellowing florets or limp stems.
- Uniform Sizing: Try to cut the broccoli florets into relatively uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking, as smaller pieces might overcook while larger ones are still undercooked.
- Steam for Nutrient Retention: Microwaving with a bit of water creates steam that helps preserve the nutrients in the broccoli. Steaming is generally healthier than boiling.
- Use Microwave-Safe Containers: Always use microwave-safe bowls or dishes. Glass or ceramic containers are preferable to plastic ones, which might release harmful chemicals when heated.
- Cover While Cooking: Covering the bowl with a plate or lid helps trap the steam, aiding in even cooking and preventing the broccoli from drying out.
- Add Flavors: While the classic butter and salt combo is great, consider experimenting with different seasonings such as garlic powder, parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or sesame seeds for added flavor.
- Microwave Power Levels: If your microwave has adjustable power levels, you can experiment with cooking the broccoli on a medium power setting. This might yield more even cooking and prevent overcooking.
- Stir and Rotate: If you’re microwaving a large quantity of broccoli, stirring or rotating the pieces halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even cooking.
- Save the Stems: Don’t discard the broccoli stems! Peel the tough outer layer and slice the tender inner parts into thin rounds. They can be cooked along with the florets or used in stir-fries and soups.
- Quick Blanching: If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a minute before microwaving. This will help maintain its vibrant color and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Both baked and steamed broccoli are healthy cooking methods that retain the vegetable’s nutrients. Steaming preserves more water-soluble vitamins and minerals, making it a low-calorie option without added fats. It maintains a tender yet slightly crunchy texture. On the other hand, baking enhances the broccoli’s natural flavors and offers a crispy edge, though it may result in a slight loss of water-soluble vitamins. Overall, both methods have their benefits, so incorporating broccoli regularly into the diet, prepared in various ways, ensures a nutritious and delicious addition to meals.
When broccoli turns brown during steaming, it’s due to enzymatic browning, a natural reaction with oxygen and heat. Despite the change in color, the broccoli remains nutritious and tasty. To reduce browning, try steaming the broccoli briefly, using fresh broccoli, adding acidic ingredients, or blanching it before steaming. These methods can help maintain the vibrant green color while preserving the vegetable’s health benefits.
You can easily tell if broccoli has gone bad by observing its appearance, smell, and texture. If the broccoli has turned dark green to yellow or brown, and the florets appear slimy or mushy, it is likely spoiled. Also, check for any signs of mold growth, which is a definite indication of spoilage. A strong, unpleasant odor is another sign that the broccoli has gone bad.
Broccoli can become bitter due to a few different reasons. One of the primary factors is overcooking. When broccoli is cooked for too long or at high temperatures, its natural sugars can break down, leading to a bitter taste. To avoid this, it’s essential to cook broccoli just until it becomes tender-crisp. Another reason for bitterness could be the maturity of the broccoli. As broccoli ages, it tends to become more bitter.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked broccoli that you’d like to store for a few days, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, place the cooked broccoli in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Avoid overcrowding the container to maintain quality, and consider placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing: Place portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to airtight freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove air before sealing and label with the date. Frozen broccoli can last 8-12 months in the freezer.
Cook from Frozen: For cooked dishes like stir-fries, soups, or casseroles, you can add frozen broccoli directly during cooking. No need to thaw beforehand.
Keep in mind that frozen broccoli’s texture might change slightly after thawing. It’s best for dishes where texture isn’t crucial.
Easy Broccoli Recipes
- Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
- Cheesy Vegetable Soup
- Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry
- Gluten Free Quiche
- Homemade Low-Sodium Ramen Noodles
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.
Steaming Broccoli in Microwave
Equipment
- microwave-safe bowl with lid or plate
- measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of broccoli
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prep the broccoli. Rinse the broccoli. Cut the florets off and place them into the microwave-safe bowl.2 large heads of broccoli
- Add water. Add the water to the bowl with the broccoli. Cover with a dinner plate or lid.1/4 cup water
- ⭐️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.
Notes
Broccoli Topping Ideas
- shredded cheese
- Velveeta Cheese Sauce
- bacon bits
- olive oil
- garlic
- red chili flakes
- Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce
Storage Instructions
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. CCK 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.Nutrition
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