Simple Microwave Broccoli Recipe (Just 5 Minutes)

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With a step-by-step tutorial, learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave so that it comes out perfectly every time. 

It takes less than 5 minutes and is a simple microwave broccoli recipe (and other vegetables).

Microwaving broccoli is faster and easier than other methods. This is how I’ve always had steamed broccoli, made in the microwave.

It has a bright green color and is bursting with flavor. Furthermore, cleanup is a breeze!

WHY SHOULD I MICROWAVE BROCCOLI?

Cooking broccoli in the microwave saves time and effort because you don’t have to keep an eye on a saucepan, you can serve it in the bowl it was cooked in, and it will stop cooking when it’s done, allowing you to focus on something more important.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STEAM BROCCOLI IN THE MICROWAVE?

The best method is to place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Then place a microwave-safe plate on top.

When steaming vegetables, it’s important not to use an airtight lid because the steam can become dangerously hot. However, a vented lid can be used.

THE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Microwave broccoli requires only five simple ingredients. The precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

• I buy pre-washed bags of fresh broccoli florets because I’m lazy. However, washing and drying the broccoli and cutting it into florets are simple tasks.

• If you use fine salt, you may want to reduce the amount you use, or the dish may become too salty.

• Freshly ground black pepper is the best.

• Fresh lemon juice: While bottled lemon juice is acceptable, freshly squeezed lemon juice tastes better.

• I use unsalted butter and adore the yellow creamy European butter! However, any type of butter will work well in this recipe.

HOW TO COOK BROCCOLI IN THE MICROWAVE?

Microwaving broccoli is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish. We like to season our recipe with garlic powder and lemon juice.

It adds just the right amount of flavor, and the dish is ready in less than 10 minutes.

Step 1: The first thing you should do is prepare your broccoli. Remove the broccoli head from its stem. Remove any leaves and shave away the rough edges of the stem with a sharp knife if you want to cook the stem as well. This step reminds me of peeling a sweet potato. You’re simply removing the rough skin.

Step 2: Separate the head into bite-sized florets. Make them as even as possible to ensure that they cook evenly. You won’t end up with uncooked and overcooked broccoli in the same batch this way. If you intend to cook the stalk as well, cut it into small bite-size pieces. If the stalk is thick, I cut it in half. Then I simply cut rough 1″ chunks.

Step 3: Combine the broccoli, water, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Toss the broccoli in the dressing to coat.

Step 4: Place the bowl in the microwave for 3 minutes, covered.

Step 5: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and remove the cover. It will almost certainly be hot and steamy. Examine the broccoli to see if it is tender but still crisp. If it isn’t done yet, cook in 1-minute increments until it is.

HOW TO MICROWAVE FRESH BROCCOLI?

It’s simple! Scroll down to the recipe card for more information. These are the fundamental steps:

1. To begin, place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water.

2. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, covered.

3. Add your dressing, toss gently, and serve. That’s all!

4. I use the simplest dressing for the broccoli. A squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, coarse salt, and black pepper It’s delicious as long as the broccoli isn’t overcooked – tasty, fresh, and crisp.

5. Dress the broccoli with this thick and creamy cheese sauce for another tasty option.

HOW TO PICK OUT BROCCOLI?

Fresh broccoli cooks much better than older floppy broccoli. Here are some pointers for selecting fresh broccoli.

1. Begin with strong stems that appear firm but not woody.
2. Look for broccoli heads that are bright green.
3. Broccoli should have a compact head with no gaps.
4. Broccoli that is turning yellow should be avoided.

TIPS ON CUTTING BROCCOLI

• Broccoli stems are safe to eat. They get a bad rap for some reason, but if you cut them into smaller pieces and thoroughly cook them, they are quite tasty.

• If you intend to cut and cook the stems, remove any leaves from them.

• Remove about a 1″ section of the bottom stem, or more if it appears woody.

• Peel off the rough edges of the stem with a knife. Consider it similar to peeling the skin off a potato. You want to get to the fresh meat of the broccoli stem as soon as possible.

• Remove the broccoli head from the stem.

• The broccoli head should then be cut into bite-sized florets.

• Cut the stem into bite-sized pieces by slicing or dicing it.

HOW LONG TO MICROWAVE FROZEN BROCCOLI?

If you use frozen broccoli, simply follow the steps above and microwave for 5 minutes on high. Check for doneness at 30-second intervals until the broccoli is as tender as you like it.

CAN I MICROWAVE FROZEN BROCCOLI?

Yes, you can, but I don’t think it tastes as good. Simply add a little less water and cook for a little longer, removing it when it’s as tender as you like it.

IS IT BETTER TO BOIL OR MICROWAVE BROCCOLI?

In my opinion, it is better to microwave broccoli, especially from a nutritional standpoint, because boiling broccoli causes many nutrients to leach out into the water, removing some of the goodness and flavor that broccoli has. Traditional steaming gets around this as well, but I find it a bit of a faff, and this is much easier.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MICROWAVE FRESH BROCCOLI?

It only takes 3-4 minutes, depending on how soft you like your broccoli. To expedite the process, I add boiling water to the bowl; however, using cold water will skew the cooking times depending on how cold the water is.

IS IT BAD TO USE THE MICROWAVE?

Quite the contrary! Microwaves are thought to be safe. And one obvious advantage of cooking vegetables in the microwave is that it is a better method of cooking than boiling them in water.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MICROWAVE BROCCOLI?

This side dish goes well with everything! It’s extremely adaptable. It complements beef, poultry, and seafood. It can also be served as a side dish to vegetarian dishes. This dish is frequently served as a side dish to one of the following main courses:

CAN I KEEP THE LEFTOVERS?

Yes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, they will not be as good as when served fresh. They have a tendency to become a little soggy. Reheat them gently in the microwave on 50% power, covered.

STORING & REHEATING

Refrigerate any leftover steamed broccoli in an airtight container for up to 4 – 5 days. Before storing your microwave steamed broccoli in the fridge, make sure it has completely cooled.

FREEZING COOKED BROCCOLI

To freeze cooked broccoli leftovers, make sure it has completely cooled. After that, place it in an airtight freezer container or plastic freezer storage bag.

The frozen cooked broccoli can be stored for up to a year with excellent results (however, it can last longer). I always get the best results when I use stored broccoli within the first 9 – 10 months.

RECIPE TIPS

• If you like garlic, add 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic to the broccoli before microwaving.
• Other vegetables, such as cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus, can be easily steamed in the microwave using the same steps.
• Top your microwave-steamed broccoli with cheddar cheese sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping (a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables!).
• If you’re using a glass dish to steam your microwaved broccoli, make sure it’s directly in the water.
• The water will sit below the broccoli if using a steamer basket.
• You can steam your broccoli without using any additional water if you use microwave Ziplock steamer bags.
• Broccoli in a can. Instead of florets, cook the broccoli until tender, reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Alternative recipes to try:

• How to Microwave Broccoli – Fresh or Frozen!
• Steam Broccoli in the Microwave
• Microwave Lemon Garlic Broccoli