Name: How to Steam Broccoli
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: English
Ingredients: Microwavable bowl; Plate; 1 x Head of Broccoli, cut into florets; Steamer

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Learn how to steam broccoli with and without a steamer! This helpful guide will teach you the healthiest way to cook broccoli, how long to cook it for, how to microwave it, and more! Keep reading to become a broccoli steaming master…

Someone forking steamed broccoli in a white bowl

How to steam broccoli in a microwave

To steam broccoli in a microwave, all you need is a microwavable bowl, a plate that can sit on top, and 5 minutes.

Put 2-3 tbsp of water in the bottom of your microwavable bowl.
Add the broccoli florets and cover with a plate.
Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.

Someone forking steamed broccoli in a white dish

How to steam broccoli in a steamer (or pot)

Here is how to steam broccoli in a steamer (or a lidded pot with a steaming rack).

Bring 1″ of water to the boil in a steamer pot (or a large pot).
Place the steamer basket on top (or your steaming rack inside) and add the broccoli florets.
Reduce the heat, so the water is at a gentle simmer, and put the lid on.
Steam for 5-6 minutes.

This method also works well when you’re making riced broccoli.

How to steam frozen broccoli

Steaming frozen broccoli is exactly the same as steaming fresh broccoli. You can do it either in the microwave, or in a steamer. Simply add on around 2 minutes to the cooking time.

Someone cutting broccoli on a chopping board

How to steam broccoli without a steamer

Steaming broccoli without a steamer can be done a couple of ways.

You can steam it in the microwave (as above). Or you can use a large pot and a steaming rack insert (affiliate link). You really don’t need a big, fancy, expensive steamer to enjoy perfectly steamed broccoli!

Healthiest way to cook broccoli

Vegetables can lose some nutrients when they’re cooked. So we need to know how to minimise this as much as possible.

When you boil broccoli, some of the nutrients are transferred into the cooking liquid. Which is fine if you are going to use the liquid in a soup or broth, like broccoli and stilton soup or easy creamy broccoli cheddar soup for example. But not great if you are going to drain it.

Alternatively, you can blanch the broccoli. (Which simply means to briefly cook in boiling water, then stop the cooking process by placing in cold water.) This technique is ideal just before freezing vegetables, or in recipes like this broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar.

Microwaving is a quick but intense way of cooking. It’s definitely speedy, but it can sometimes zap a few nutrients into oblivion in the process.

Steaming is, by far, the healthiest way to cook broccoli. It doesn’t touch the cooking liquid, so no nutrients are lost there. And it’s not zapped by intense microwaves. Instead, it’s gently steamed. Keeping hold of most of it’s nutrients.

That being said, you can still lose nutrients when steaming. Overcooking broccoli has the same effect as boiling or microwaving. So pay close attention to your broccoli!

Alternatively, you could simply eat it raw. A great way to do this is in a broccoli slaw.

Helpful Tips!

Here are some tips you’ll find helpful when steaming broccoli.

When using a steamer, boil the water in the kettle first to speed things up.
Don’t overcook your broccoli. It will begin to look dull, and you will start to lose nutrients.
Try to cut your broccoli florets a similar size, so they cook evenly.
Inner broccoli florets tend to be smaller than outer florets. So they don’t get overcooked, you can either cook them separately, or add them 2-3 mins into the cooking time.
Only boil broccoli if you plan to use the cooking liquid too. Otherwise, you will lose nutrients when you drain it.
The healthiest way to cook broccoli is in a steamer, or in a pot with a steaming rack. You lose the least amount of nutrients this way.

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How to Steam Broccoli

Yield: 5

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Learn how to steam broccoli with and without a steamer! Master how long to cook it, how to steam broccoli in a microwave and more!

Ingredients

1 x Head of Broccoli, cut into florets

Essential equipment (Steamer method)

Steamer

Essential equipment (Microwave method)

Microwavable bowl
Plate

Instructions

Steamer Method *

Place a steamer pot, filled with 1" of water, over a high heat. Bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat, so the water is at a gentle simmer. Fit the steamer basket layer on top, and add the broccoli florets.
Put the lid on and steam for 5-6 minutes. (If using frozen broccoli, add approximately 2 mins to the cooking time.)
Carefully remove the lid. The broccoli is ready when tender and vibrant green.

Microwave Method

Put 2-3 tbsp of water into a large microwavable bowl.
Add in the broccoli florets.
Cover with a plate, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. (If using frozen broccoli, add approximately 2 mins to the cooking time.)
Carefully remove the plate. The broccoli is ready when tender and vibrant green.

Notes

*You can also use a large pot/saucepan and a steaming rack insert with this method.

If you would rather use a more in depth picture recipe, please see the main body of this post. Where you’ll also find lots of extra FAQs and helpful tips, should you need them.

Please note, this recipe includes both UK metric and US Cup measurements.

Tips

When using a steamer, boil the water in the kettle first to speed things up.
Don’t overcook your broccoli. It will begin to look dull, and you will start to lose nutrients.
Try to cut your broccoli florets a similar size, so they cook evenly.
Inner broccoli florets tend to be smaller than outer florets. So they don’t get overcooked, you can either cook them separately, or add them 2-3 mins into the cooking time.
Only boil broccoli if you plan to use the cooking liquid too. Otherwise, you will lose nutrients when you drain it.
The healthiest way to cook broccoli is in a steamer, or in a pot with a steaming rack. You lose the least amount of nutrients this way.

Have your say!

Did you find this post useful? Thought of something I may have missed? Let me know! Get in touch via social media – on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or email me at emma@kitchenmason.com. I’d love your feedback!

Tasty broccoli recipes

Emma Mason

Experienced British Online Publisher, recipe writer, and home cook, Emma has a background of over 20 years in British cuisine and cooking. Born and bred in the UK, she excels in classic British dishes, is passionate about air frying, and loves sharing her Gran’s old school recipes. She has been featured in popular publications such as Food Network, Cosmopolitan, and The Huffington Post.

Knowledgeable On: Traditional British Cuisine, Recipe Writing, Air Frying, Home Cooking.