How to steam broccoli perfectly every time so it is still crisp yet fork tender and delicious. Freshly steamed broccoli is easy to make with or without a steamer basket, and you can even steam broccoli in the microwave!

Steamed broccoli should be fork tender yet still retain some crispness. The beautiful green color should stick around and not turn a drab, unappetizing green like it does when it is overcooked.

Steamed broccoli is quick and easy to make and good for you too! It pairs perfectly with any protein and makes a healthy afternoon snack. Broccoli is packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, potassium, protein and fiber. In fact, broccoli contains more protein than most vegetables!

Steamed broccoli is delicious with just a sprinkling of kosher salt, but we love to mix it up with toppings such as garlic butter like I use on my Steamed Vegetables with Garlic Butter recipe. A sprinkling of grated Parmesan is a simple way to dress up steamed broccoli too. Another favorite topping is CHEESE SAUCE! Steamed broccoli dripping in a simple cheddar cheese sauce is over the top! To make the cheese sauce melt 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese in 1/2 cup of my Bechamel Sauce and enjoy!

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How to Steam Broccoli

There are several different ways to steam broccoli. In this article I show you how to steam broccoli with a steamer basket, how to steam broccoli without a steamer basket, and how to steam broccoli in the microwave.

How Long to Steam Broccoli

How long it takes to steam broccoli depends on what method you are using to steam broccoli. Steaming broccoli in the microwave is a little quicker than steaming broccoli with and without a steamer basket on the stove top.

In a microwave it will take approximately 3-4 minutes to steam broccoli, however,  the time will vary depending on your oven wattage. I recommend checking the broccoli after 2 minutes and add time as needed until broccoli is cooked to your liking.

To steam broccoli on a stove top with or without a steamer basket it will take approximately 6-7 minutes to achieve a fork tender consistency while still retaining a slight crispness to the steamed broccoli as well as the vibrant green color.

How to Steam Broccoli with a Steamer Basket

1. Remove stems and cut the crown of the broccoli into bite sized florets. If you notice any hard, woody skin, use a paring knife to remove it. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water
2. Add about an inch of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. TIP: Use a saucepan with a lid and steamer basket set. If you don't have a set like that, no worries, use an adjustable steamer basket. It will fit most saucepans and works just as well.
3. Add broccoli florets to steamer basket and place over boiling water
4. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes. Use a fork to test if the broccoli is fork tender. Continue to cook another minute if needed. Be careful not to overcook. The broccoli should be fork tender but still crisp and green
5. As soon as broccoli is tender crisp, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish
6. Sprinkle with salt and top with garlic butter or cheese sauce if you like

How to Steam Broccoli without a Steamer Basket

1. Remove stems and cut the crown of the broccoli into bite sized florets. If you notice any hard, woody skin, use a paring knife to remove it. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water
2. I like to use a skillet with a lid to steam broccoli without a steamer basket. Add about an inch of water to the skillet and bring to a boil.
3. Add broccoli florets, cover and cook on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes.
4. As soon as broccoli is tender crisp, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

1. Remove stems and cut the crown of the broccoli into bite sized florets. If you notice any hard, woody skin, use a paring knife to remove it. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to a microwave safe dish with a lid
3. Add broccoli florets to the dish of water and cover tightly with lid
4. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender crisp. Time will vary depending on your oven wattage. I recommend checking the broccoli after 2 minutes and add time as needed until broccoli is cooked to your liking

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Steamed Broccoli

Side dish

American

Yield: 4 ServingsAuthor: Life Tastes Good

How to Steam Broccoli

How to steam broccoli perfectly every time so it is still crisp yet fork tender and delicious. Freshly steamed broccoli is easy to make with or without a steamer basket, and you can even steam broccoli in the microwave!

prep time: 5 minscook time: 6 minstotal time: 11 mins

ingredients:

• 1 head of Broccoli (about 3- 3 1/2 cups with stems removed)
• Water
• Kosher salt

instructions

How to Steam Broccoli with a Steamer Basket

1. Remove stems and cut the crown of the broccoli into bite sized florets. If you notice any hard, woody skin, use a paring knife to remove it. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water
2. Add about an inch of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Add broccoli florets to steamer basket and place over boiling water
4. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes. Use a fork to test if the broccoli is fork tender. Continue to cook another minute if needed.
5. As soon as broccoli is tender crisp, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with salt and top with garlic butter or cheese sauce if you like. Enjoy!

How to Steam Broccoli without a Steamer Basket

1. Remove stems and cut the crown of the broccoli into bite sized florets. If you notice any hard, woody skin, use a paring knife to remove it. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water
2. Add about an inch of water to a skillet (with lid) and bring to a boil.
3. Add broccoli florets, cover and cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes.
4. As soon as broccoli is tender crisp, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish

How to Steam Broccoli in a Microwave

1. Remove stems and cut the crown of the broccoli into bite sized florets. If you notice any hard, woody skin, use a paring knife to remove it. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to a microwave safe dish with a lid
3. Add broccoli florets to the dish of water and cover tightly with lid
4. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender crisp. Time will vary depending on your oven wattage. I recommend checking the broccoli after 2 minutes and add time as needed until broccoli is cooked to your liking

calories
47

fat (grams)
0

sat. fat (grams)
0

carbs (grams)
9.2

net carbs
6

protein (grams)
4

sugar (grams)
2.4

Fiber
3.6

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