Published 1/19/2022 • Updated 8/16/2024 Steamed broccoli is extremely fool proof and the healthiest way to cook broccoli all thanks to just 2 ingredients — broccoli florets and water! In this post, we’ll teach you how to steam broccoli in the microwave and on the stove-top in order to get that bright green, tender, NOT mushy broccoli.

Steaming Broccoli – 3 Ways!

Want crisp-tender, vibrant green broccoli every time? Here are 3 ways to steam broccoli to make sure you get perfectly cooked broccoli every time! To cook it on the stovetop (our preferred method), simply add water to the bottom of a pot. Place a steamer basket on top (if you don’t have one, that’s okay!), and then add the broccoli. Bring water to a boil and then cover and let steam for 4 minutes.

What You Need to Make Steamed Broccoli

You only need 2 simple ingredients in order to make steamed broccoli and one of them is water! 

Fresh broccoli florets: you can either buy a whole head of broccoli and slice it into florets or you can buy the pre-chopped kind that is already florets.  Water: the water is used to steam the broccoli in all 3 methods we are sharing.

How to Steam fresh Broccoli in a Steamer Basket

Our preferred method of steaming broccoli is in a pot with a steamer basket. It’s fool-proof and the broccoli comes out fork-tender perfect every time! 

How to Steam Broccoli without a steamer basket (in a pot/pan)

Looking to steam broccoli on the stove top without a steamer basket? All you need is a pan or a pot with a lid and you’re good to go.  Always Pan

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave 

Don’t have access to a stove? No problem! Here’s how to steam broccoli in microwave.

How to Flavor Cooked Broccoli

While basic steamed broccoli on its own is sometimes all you need, we also love flavoring it to pair with whatever we are eating. Check out some ideas below: Want softer broccoli? Steam your broccoli for more time, around 30 seconds to 1 minute longer using any of our methods.

Fat

Butter Olive oil Ghee

Seasonings/Citrus

Salt and black pepper Fresh lemon juice Garlic powder Red pepper flakes Lemon zest Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

How long does cooked broccoli last in the fridge?

Got leftover cooked broccoli? Let it cool completely and then transfer it into an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.

Freezer Directions

Make it a Meal! Serving Suggestions:

Steamed broccoli also pairs quite nicely as a healthy side dish with so many different things such as chicken breast, steak, or pork roast. Baked Pork Tenderloin: The most delicious baked pork tenderloin recipe made with an incredible mushroom gravy all in one dish! Grilled Steak: Get tender, juicy, perfectly grilled steak with this “how to grill steak” post. We’ll give you the best tips and tricks for grilling steak like a professional. Pan Fried Chicken: Pan Seared Chicken Breast is an easy weeknight meal that takes less than 30 minutes to whip up and only a few ingredients. Baked Salmon: This perfectly cooked oven baked salmon in foil will give your family a delicious, healthy meal! It’s naturally gluten-free and high-protein. Baked Teriyaki Chicken: When in doubt, make this easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken Breast. The chicken is marinated in an easy homemade teriyaki chicken marinade and then baked in a casserole dish until tender. Stuffed Chicken Breast: our famous broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast would be delicious with al dente steamed broccoli.

Simple Vegetable Sides

Baked Potatoes in Foil Oven Roasted Asparagus Ranch Roasted Potatoes Roasted Root Vegetables

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