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You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Recipes / Side Dish

How to Steam Broccoli

Published: Feb 4, 2020 · Modified: Aug 17, 2022 by Anna 9 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

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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 in the Instant Pot. 

Steamed broccoli in a white bowl.
Jump to:
  • Why this recipe works
  • How to steam broccoli in a pot?
  • How to steam broccoli in the microwave?
  • How to steam broccoli in the Instant Pot?
  • How long to steam broccoli?
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • Expert Tips!
  • More side dish recipes:
  • Steamed Broccoli

Why this recipe works

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.

How to steam broccoli in a pot?

Step 1 of making steamed broccoli
  • Start by cutting the broccoli into 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.

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 ¼ 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.

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Broccoli in a bowl.

How to steam broccoli in the Instant Pot?

To make this recipe in your pressure cooker, add ½ 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.

How long to steam broccoli?

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.

Recipe FAQs:

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 serve steamed broccoli?

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 breadcrumbs (and Italian seasoning if desired) and toast until golden brown. Sprinkle over broccoli just before serving.
You can also go for the classic topping: the cheese sauce. It's quick and easy to make too!

Steamed broccoli with panko topping.

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.

More side dish recipes:

  • Sauteed spinach in a pan.
    The Best Sauteed Spinach
  • Sauteed mushrooms in a stainless steel skillet.
    Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate.
    Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Fried cabbage in a pan.
    Fried Cabbage

If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

Steamed Broccoli in a white bowl.

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 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 31 kcal
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Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ 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 ¼ 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
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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Comments

    5 from 7 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Janet says

    June 05, 2025 at 10:17 am

    5 stars
    So helpful and easy. Finally got perfectly steamed broccoli without it turning mushy.

    Reply
  2. Connor says

    October 29, 2020 at 12:13 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for the recipe! The broccoli turned out very good.

    Reply
    • Anna says

      October 31, 2020 at 5:26 pm

      Awesome! Thank you for trying my recipe, Connor!

      Reply
  3. Laura Reese says

    February 06, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    5 stars
    I love steamed broccoli! Can’t wait to try it in the instant pot.

    Reply
    • Anna says

      February 07, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      I hope you love it, Laura!

      Reply
  4. Melissa says

    February 04, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    5 stars
    My favorite way to make broccoli! Great recipe!

    Reply
  5. Kim says

    February 04, 2020 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    I am forwarding this to my son in college! Thank you for the simple and clear instructions.

    Reply
  6. Matt Taylor says

    February 04, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    I love steamed broccoli! I normally put it in my rice cooker basket along with carrots, so when I am done I wind up with cooked rice and steamed vegetables. And then I throw butter on them. oh yeah! lol 🙂

    Reply
  7. Katie says

    February 04, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    This is so foolproof. We love broccoli!

    Reply
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Hi! I'm Anna!

Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family-approved!

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