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!

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
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
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.
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.
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.

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
- 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.
How To Steam 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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