Microwave broccoli is a quick and easy side dish you can make in less than 10 minutes! With only a few simple steps, you'll have crisp and tender broccoli that the whole family will love. Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave quickly while preserving its brilliant green color, so you can have a healthy side dish for lazy weeknights and busy weekends!
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💭 Why you'll love this recipe
- Skip boiling water. No need to boil a large pot of water and take out a steamer basket, all you need is a microwave and a small amount of water to get delicious broccoli! Check out microwave asparagus, microwave baked potato, and microwave corn on the cob as well.
- Quick and easy. This is the easiest and fastest way to make steamed broccoli with only a total of 7 minutes from prep to finish. So if you are in a pinch, this is the perfect way to get your nutrients in!
- Perfect color and texture. No overcooking! This method results in delicious and tender broccoli while retaining its bright green color every time.
📋 Ingredients and notes
To make this microwave broccoli, you'll need a head of broccoli, a little water, salt, and black pepper. Of course, you can always season the broccoli after cooking it to your desire.
Notes and variations
Broccoli. Use either fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli for this recipe.
Water. Instead of water, you can use vegetable stock for a more savory flavor.
Microwave. The cooking time will vary depending on the power of your microwave. If four minutes have passed and broccoli florets still aren't cooked enough, add 30-second increments until they are cooked to your liking.
Add flavor. The best part about this simple recipe is that you can add the flavors that you like! Add a drizzle of olive oil or a little butter. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a tablespoon of soy sauce for some umami flavor. For a cheesy version, sprinkle some parmesan cheese or add cheese sauce!
Spice it up. Add red pepper flakes for an easy spicy version. You can also dress it up with gochujang, Sriracha or hot truffle sauce.
📖 How to make microwave broccoli
Wash and cut the broccoli into florets. Try to make the florets somewhat uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe dish and add the water. The water should just cover the bottom of the dish.
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the wattage of your microwave.
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and remove the lid or plastic wrap (be careful as the steam will be hot) and transfer to a serving dish. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately!
👩🏽🍳 Tips to make the best microwave broccoli!
Chop broccoli florets in equal sizes for even cooking.
Don't add too much water. You don't want the broccoli to be swimming in water, just add a small amount so that it steams in the microwave.
Don't overcook. It's better to undercook the broccoli a little bit than overcooking it. If you want to cook the broccoli for more than 3-4 minutes, make sure to check for doneness every 30 seconds.
Use the right dishware. Only use a microwave-safe bowl or dish such as those that are made of glass or ceramic. Avoid using plastic or metal unless they have a label indicating that they are microwave-safe.
Use oven mitts. The microwave broccoli will be really hot right after cooking, use oven mitts for safety or let is rest and cool for a while.
👩🏽🍳 Troubleshooting FAQs
Yes, microwaving broccoli with a little bit of water is a good and easy way to preserve its nutrients because it uses little water and cooks quickly.
Yes, microwave broccoli cooks best when it has a loose cover. You can use a plate, plastic wrap, or a tupperware lid, just make sure to leave a small opening for the steam to vent.
Your broccoli could turn soggy if you use too much water. It has a tendency to boil the broccoli instead of steaming it. Use only ¼ cup and remove any excess water.
Due to the high temperature of microwaves, your broccoli can turn brown if you cook it too long. Cook the broccoli for only the cooking time indicated and regularly check on it while cooking.
🍴 Serve and store microwave broccoli
Microwave broccoli goes well with almost anything! Serve it on its own or with your favorite seasonings and toppings. Personally, I love serving it as a side dish with both mains as well as other sides (like these microwave baked potatoes or garlic green beans).
To store for later, make sure that the microwave broccoli has completely cooled. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. If you have leftover broccoli, make this broccoli pesto for an amazing pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, or this quick fried rice with leftover rice.
To freeze leftover broccoli, store in a freezer-safe bag, remove any excess air, and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
There's no need to thaw frozen microwave broccoli. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes at 400°F. You can also cook it in the microwave oven until heated through.
🍴 Other easy microwave recipes
- Microwave asparagus
- Microwave corn on the cob
- Microwave baked potato
- Microwave sweet potato
- Microwave mashed potatoes
- Microwave scrambled eggs
- Microwave hard boiled eggs
- Microwave rice
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📖 Recipe
Microwave Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli into florets. Try to make the florets somewhat uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
- Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe dish and add the water. The water should just cover the bottom of the dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the wattage of your microwave.
- Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and remove the lid or plastic wrap (be careful as the steam will be hot). Season the broccoli with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli: Though you can use fresh or frozen broccoli in this recipe, I have found that using fresh broccoli brings out the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, vibrant green florets with no signs of wilting or yellowing
- Prep the broccoli properly: Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets to ensure they cook evenly. You can also peel and slice the broccoli stems for a more uniform cooking experience.
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