Microwaves are suddenly having their day in the sun; last week Mark Bittman gave them a thumb's up in the New York Times. We also posted this silicone microwave steamer from Orka that promises you quick and healthy food from the microwave - even at the office.
We've been using the microwave for a long time, however, to cook vegetables quickly and easily. Here's the basics of steaming broccoli (or any vegetable, really) in the microwave.
1. Cut up the broccoli into bite-size florets. - If you want to eat the stalks make sure to cut them smaller than bite-sized and remove any really woody bits so everything cooks evenly.
2. Put all the broccoli in microwave-safe bowl and add water. - We like to use a ceramic bowl. For one pound of broccoli (about one head) add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
3. Cover tightly. We avoid plastic wrap when microwaving and use a ceramic or stoneware plate instead.
4. Microwave on HIGH (regular power) for 3-4 minutes. - Depending on your microwave's strength this should give you tender yet still slightly crispy broccoli - not mushy. Try at 2 1/2 minutes first, then check, re-cover and put back in if it's not done yet.
5. Remove lid carefully! Take the lid off so it stops steaming but be careful; the steam is hot and can burn you badly if you're not careful.
Sometimes we add a small pat of butter or a splash of soy sauce before steaming. We usually add salt and pepper after the broccoli has been cooked.
There's the basics - just in case you have never steamed your broccoli or other tough veggie in the microwave. It's easy, quick, and effective - plus it's virtually foolproof.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I never steam broccoli any other way!
view mandarinmarie's profile
I have begun using the Ziploc freezer bags and they work great in a pinch. I will definitely try this way next time as it's less plastic to use.
view Bunnybea's profile
The same method works pretty well for cauliflower as well - it's quick, easy, and tastes excellent.
view jazspin's profile
I was shocked when I recently saw a "Good Eats" episode on the Food Network that displayed a statistic claiming 74-97% of broccoli's antioxidants are lost when cooked in the microwave. Akk! I tried to research the subject online. Perhaps the stat was taken from the The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (Nov 2003)? http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/106558884/
Has anyone else heard something similar or did I see it wrong? Microwaving is so convenient, but if it destroys one of the big benefits of eating broccoli, I think I'll have to pass...
view ben.in.stl's profile
Yes, I have also read news items about studies showing that broccoli loses a lot of its nutritional value when cooked in the microwave. It sounds slightly specious (I mean, really, why?), but steaming on the stove top is so easy, I just go ahead and do it that way. I haven't read the original studies, just the news items about them.
view gastronormous's profile