Steamed broccoli is a healthy, quick, and vibrant side dish that retains nutrients and has a crisp-tender texture. It’s perfect on its own or as a topping for rice bowls, pasta, or salads. Learn how to steam broccoli perfectly every time in just a few minutes!
Origin How to Steam Broccoli
Steaming as a cooking method has deep roots in Asian cuisine, especially in China and Japan where it’s traditionally used to retain the natural flavor, color, and nutrients of vegetables. Broccoli, although native to Italy, became popular worldwide and steaming became a go-to technique for health-conscious cooks.
What I Love About This Method
I love how quick and hassle-free this method is—it takes just a few minutes from prep to plate. There’s no need for oil, which keeps it light and healthy. The broccoli turns out perfectly tender while maintaining a slight crunch that adds great texture. I also appreciate how vibrant and fresh the color remains after steaming, making any meal look more appetizing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can flavor it with lemon, garlic, butter, or your favorite seasonings to match any dish.
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How to Steam Broccoli
Course: Recipes4
servings5
minutes7
minutes55
kcalIngredients
1 head of broccoli
Water (for steaming)
Optional: salt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, or seasoning of choice
Directions
- Rinse the broccoli thoroughly and cut into uniform-sized florets. Slice stems if desired.
- Pour 1–2 inches of water into a pot and place a steamer basket over it, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the basket.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Place the broccoli in the basket, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium.
- Steam for 5–7 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Remove the broccoli carefully and season to taste—lemon juice, salt, garlic, or butter.
Notes
Don’t oversteam—broccoli should still have a bit of crunch.Add garlic or lemon slices to the water for subtle flavor infusion.For a microwave method, place broccoli in a bowl with a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 2–3 minutes.