How to Steam Broccoli

This is the best Steamed Broccoli you will ever make! This healthy side dish is easy to make on the stove, in a microwave or the Instant Pot. 

I serve this vegetable with my Asian dishes, like the Quick Teriyaki Chicken or 10-Minute Teriyaki Shrimp.

Broccoli is such a versatile vegetable. You can roast it, turn it into a salad or a cheesy side dish. As much as I love roasted broccoli, steaming it is my second favorite method of preparing this vegetable. It’s quick and easy and makes for a very healthy side dish. You can steam it on the stove, in a microwave (perfect for students that live in a dorm) or in the pressure cooker. I top mine with toasted breadcrumbs but salt and pepper can be enough too. It depends on what will you be serving the broccoli with.

How to Steam Broccoli?

• Start by cutting the broccoli in florets.
• Place all in a steamer basket.
• Add about 1″ of water to a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
• Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket with broccoli inside, cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes. Setting a timer is helpful.
• Once done, remove the basket from the pot.
• Serve right away.

Steaming time:

This depends on the cooking vessel you will use to make it.

•  If you are using a pot and steamer, the cooking time is 5 minutes.
• If you are using a microwave, steam for 3 minutes.
• If using a pressure cooker, set timer to 1 minute on HIGH pressure.

Can I do it without a steamer basket?

If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can easily steam the broccoli in a microwave. You will only need a microwave-safe bowl. You can also use a microwave-safe lid or plate, but I don’t find the need for it since you are already cooking it in a closed environment.

How to steam broccoli in the microwave?

This is by far the fastest method to make this recipe. Simply place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup of water. Microwave for 3 minutes. The broccoli will be vibrant and perfect. If you want it softer, microwave for one more minute. Some recipes call for covering the bowl with a plate, but I don’t find a need for that.

How to steam broccoli in the Instant Pot?

To make this recipe in your pressure cooker, add 1/2 cup of water to the stainless steel insert. Place broccoli in a steamer basket inside and place the lid on. Make sure the IP is set to cook on HIGH pressure. Press “manual” setting and set timer to 1 minute. Once done, switch the pressure valve to venting to release pressure. Remove broccoli from the Instant Pot and serve.

Expert Tips:

• cut the broccoli into same-size florets (as much as possible of course)
• boil the water first, then place broccoli in the pot
• check the doneness of the vegetable after the initial cooking time. If you want it softer, cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Sometimes, I just leave it covered and place it on a wooden cutting board while I get everything else ready for dinner.

Topping ideas:

This is my secret to a delicious serving of steamed broccoli. I toast panko breadcrumbs in butter in a skillet. It’s a delicious, crunchy topping that just fits the steamed veggie perfectly! To make it, melt about a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet. Add panko breacrumbs (and Italian seasoning if desired) and toast until golden brown. Sprinkle over broccoli just before serving.

More side dish recipes:

• Sauteed Spinach
• Fried Cabbage
• Braised Red Cabbage
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Sauteed Mushrooms
• Instant Pot Green Beans

For more recipes, feel free to browse our Side Dish Category.

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Steamed Broccoli

Author: Anna

This is the best Steamed Broccoli you will ever make! This healthy side dish is easy to make on the stove, in a microwave or the Instant Pot. Serve it with Asian dishes or top with toasted Panko breadcrumbs.

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 31 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket. Set aside.
• Add enough water to a pot to come up to about 1 inch. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
• When the water is boiling, carefully place the steamer basket with broccoli into the pot. Cover with lid.
• Steam for 5 minutes. Check the broccoli if it's soft. If you want it softer, cook for 1 more minute. It is helpful to set up a timer (ex. on your microwave).
• Once done, remove basket with broccoli.
• Serve right away.

Notes

1. To steam in the microwave: Simply place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup of water. Microwave for 3 minutes. The broccoli will be vibrant and perfect. If you want it softer, microwave for one more minute. Some recipes call for covering the bowl with a plate, but I don’t find a need for that.
2. Cut the broccoli into same-size florets for even cooking.
3. Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 322mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Vitamin C: 81mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword steamed broccoli

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