Suitable for gluten free, low carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole30, vegan and vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points. This step-by-step post will show you how to steam broccoli in the microwave so that your whole family will enjoy it. Meat and potatoes are always good, but having a green vegetable on your plate not only looks pretty but it’s also healthy and nutritious. Microwave steaming fresh broccoli is simple to do. You can provide a delicious side dish in just minutes. The broccoli lovers in your house are going to love this quick microwave steamed broccoli recipe! Plus you’ll love this How To Boil Broccoli Post and this easy peasy guide How To Cook Frozen Broccoli.
Why Make This Recipe
Fast – A bowl of broccoli florets will steam in about 5 minutes. Nutritious – Broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Easy Clean-Up – There are no pots or pans needed for this dish. Steam in a bowl, season and serve.
Ingredient Notes
Broccoli – Select a large head of broccoli and trim it into even-sized florets. Water – You will only need ¼ cup of water. Salt – Always add kosher salt to season the broccoli.Butter – Allow butter to melt over the steamed broccoli for flavor. Omit for a vegan side dish. You can use olive oil if you prefer. Seasonings – You can season microwave steamed broccoli after it has cooked with any of your favorite seasonings. Our favorites include soy sauce, pepper, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.
Ready to make this Microwave Steamed Broccoli? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…
How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Pour ¼ cup of water into a microwave-safe bowl.Place the broccoli florets on the dish and sprinkle salt all overCover the dish with plastic wrap, making sure to leave a small space on the edge for steam to escape.Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, then test for doneness.Continue cooking as needed for 30-45 seconds intervals until cooked through.Broccoli will usually take about 5 minutes to steam in the microwave.
How Long To Steam Broccoli
Microwave steamed broccoli cooks quickly, and you don’t have to wait for the water to boil. Cooked broccoli will have a crisp tender texture and will be a bright dark green color. You do not want the broccoli to become mushy. These cooking times are a guide.
Fresh Broccoli – 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the florets. Whole Broccoli – 10-15 minutes.Frozen Broccoli – 2-3 minutes.Blanching Broccoli – 2 minutes followed by an ice bath.
Pro Tips
Start with fresh broccoli for the best flavor. Cut broccoli florets into even size pieces, so they cook evenly. Steam frozen broccoli for an even faster side dish. Choose a microwave-safe dish that will hold all of your broccoli without overflowing. Don’t use too much water. A quarter of a cup is truly all you will need. Not a fan of plastic wrap? Cover the dish with a microwave-safe plate. Start checking broccoli for doneness after 2 ½ minutes and watch closely. Be careful not to overcook.Don’t forget to season your broccoli. If you want to serve your broccoli in the bowl you used for steaming, be sure to drain out the excess water before seasoning the broccoli.
Delicious Variations
Steam Other Vegetables – Follow this same microwave steaming method for other vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, or green beans. Swap the Seasoning – Broccoli can be seasoned to coordinate with just about any meal.
Prep And Storage
Prep Ahead – Trim the broccoli into similar-sized florets. Store – Leftover broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze – Freezing fully cooked broccoli may cause it to become mushy. To freeze broccoli we recommend blanching it rather than cooking it all the way.
FAQs
More Recipes You May Like
How to Boil Broccoli.Grilled Broccoli.Easy Instant Pot Broccoli.Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.Oven Roasted Frozen Broccoli.How To Cook Frozen Brussel Sprouts.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken Tenders.Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.Instant Pot Teriyaki Salmon.
Weight Watchers Points
Without the butter there are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this. Thank you for reading my steaming broccoli in microwave recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
