Perfect Steamed Broccoli

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Nov 11, 2022
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Credit: Laura Rege

Broccoli this crisp-tender and vibrant is destined to be served with cheese sauce!

Serves4

Prep4 minutes

Cook3 minutes to 8 minutes

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Credit: Laura Rege

Perfectly steamed broccoli can be a simple side to serve on its own, smothered in sauce, or tossed with cooked pasta or rice. In this easy step-by-step recipe, learn how to prep and steam broccoli so that it is vibrantly green and crisp-tender every single time.

While roasted vegetables are romanticized for their crispy textures and the caramelized flavors, and stir-fried veggies are hot, fresh, and fast, steaming is the ultimate method for intensifying foods’ natural flavors and colors. My go-to choice for easy weeknight steaming is broccoli. It’s perfect for nights when I’m all out of ideas and rely on tried-and-true techniques to get dinner on the table.

What Is the Best Way to Steam Broccoli?

While you can steam broccoli in the microwave, I prefer to use the stovetop. To steam a head of broccoli, you have two equipment setup options.

  • Large saucepan with a lid and steamer basket
  • Large skillet with a lid

Using a steamer basket lifts the vegetables above the water level so that the broccoli is cooked via steam, not boiled in water. If no steamer basket is available, use just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and avoid submerging the broccoli.

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Tips for Making Better Steamed Broccoli

  • Use quality ingredients. The first step toward making truly tasty broccoli begins with good-quality ingredients. Look for fresh broccoli that is green and not yellowed. The stalks should be firm, and the florets tightly packed.
  • Avoid overcooking. Cooking the broccoli for too long will turn the florets a dull olive green with a sulfurous aroma.
  • Play around with the seasoning. Season broccoli simply with kosher salt and black pepper. Red pepper flakes add spice, while grated Parmesan cheese and lemon also play well with this veggie. My mom always served steamed broccoli with a dollop of mayonnaise, which isn’t a far jump from garlicky aioli if you’re in the mood for fancy.

How to Serve Steamed Broccoli

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How to Steam Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli this crisp-tender and vibrant is destined to be served with cheese sauce!

Prep time 4 minutes

Cook time 3 minutes to 8 minutes

Serves 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces

    broccoli or broccoli crowns (1 medium or 2 small)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Instructions

  1. Cut the broccoli florets. Cut the stalks off 12 ounces broccoli. Cut the florets into 1 to to 1 1/2-inch pieces.

  2. Peel and slice broccoli stems. Trim the tough, woody ends of the stems. Peel with a vegetable peeler until you get to the lighter, tender parts of the stems. Cut the stems crosswise in half, then lengthwise into quarters. For broccoli crowns, just quarter the stems lengthwise.

Option 1: Steam with a steamer basket

  1. Prepare the pot for steaming. Fill a large saucepan with about 1-inch water and fit with a steamer basket. (The water level should be below the bottom of the steamer basket.) Cover and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. Steam the broccoli. Arrange the broccoli stems in an even layer in the steamer basket and top with the florets. Cover and steam until just tender and bright green, 3 to 4 minutes.

Option 2: Steam without a steamer basket

  1. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of a large skillet (about 3/4 cup for a 12-inch skillet). Add the broccoli in an even layer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat until just tender and bright green, 6 to 8 minutes total.

  2. Season the broccoli. Use tongs to transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Season with kosher salt and black pepper if desired.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: Fill a large bowl with ice water. Prepare the broccoli as directed. Once the broccoli is crisp-tender, transfer directly to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, pat dry with paper towels. Refrigerate in a paper-towel lined airtight container.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Filed in:
Ingredient
vegan
low-carb
vegetarian
Dairy-Free
Vegetables