How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
Learn how to steam broccoli in microwave so it turns out perfect every time. Microwave steamed broccoli is quick and simple and will be your go-to side dish for all sorts of meals.
Suitable for gluten free, low carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole30, vegan and vegetarian diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
Steaming broccoli in the microwave is one of the easiest ways to cook broccoli and takes just a few minutes. When done right, you will have crisp tender broccoli florets that taste great.
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 over
- Cover 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
If you have a microwave steamer, you are welcome to use it. However, you do not need a special steamer to microwave broccoli. Microwave steamed broccoli doesn’t require any special equipment to make.
The final cooking time to steam broccoli in the microwave will vary depending on your microwave and the size of your broccoli florets. Typically, it takes about 5 minutes to steam a bowl of broccoli florets but we recommend you begin checking for doneness halfway through the cooking time.
This recipe works great with both fresh broccoli and frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli has already been blanched so you are really just heating it through. Frozen broccoli will steam to perfection in about 3 minutes.
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
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.
Get The Microwave Steamed Broccoli Recipe:
Don’t forget to tag #recipesfromapantry on Instagram or Twitter if you try How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave! It is really, really awesome for me when you make one of my recipes and I’d love to see it. You can also share it on my Facebook page. Please pin this recipe to Pinterest too! Thank you for reading Recipes from a Pantry.
How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli
- ¼ cup (57g) water
- salt to taste
- seasonings your choice
- butter optional, for serving
Instructions
- Pour ¼ cup water in a microwave safe bowl.
- Place the broccoli florets on the dish and sprinkle salt all all over
- Cover 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.
Notes
- 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. ¼ 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.
- Storage – keep steamed broccoli in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3 days.
- If you serve without the butter, there are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
