by Here is a complete guide on how to steam broccoli in microwave. Among all vegetables, broccoli has the greatest range of uses. Any way you cook it, including frying, baking, roasting, searing, or grilling, yields the same delicious results.
For a lazy weeknight dinner, microwaved broccoli is the simplest side dish available. You can have perfectly steamed broccoli florets in less than ten minutes.
Once you learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave, you’ll be making it frequently because this method consistently produces tender broccoli. Here’s how to do it.
Table of Contents
How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave?
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli (approximately 1 pound)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
Prep the Broccoli
Make big florets of broccoli. Peel the stalk and trim the dry end of the stem before cooking. Slice into 1/4-inch-thick pieces.
Microwave the Broccoli
Put the broccoli florets in a sizable bowl that can be microwaved. All of the broccoli florets should fit inside the bowl without protruding. The bowl should now contain water. Cover with a plate that rests flat against the top of the bowl and collects all the steam, either right-side up or upside down.
4 minutes on high in a microwave. After the four minutes are up, let the broccoli sit for an additional two minutes in the bowl with the plate still on top so that it can continue to steam.
Use a fork to pierce one of the stems to check whether the broccoli is cooked through. The stem should feel crisp and tender and you should be able to easily insert the fork into it. In the event that your broccoli isn’t quite done, stir it, put the plate back on top, and microwave it for an additional 30 seconds at a time until it’s cooked to your liking.
Strain
After draining any additional water from the broccoli in a colander, return it to the bowl from which it was originally prepared.
Dress It Up
Broccoli should be freshly cooked before adding butter, salt, and pepper. Toss the broccoli with the butter until it is coated completely. If necessary, salt should be increased after tasting. Add the lemon juice and, if using, the garlic powder.
Broccoli leftovers last up to three days in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for one minute on high with the lid off.
Notes: The approximate nutritional data only applies to steamed broccoli. About 100 calories are in a serving of broccoli that has been tossed with butter, salt, and pepper.
Read More: How to Poach An Egg in the Microwave?
How to Use Steamed Broccoli?
A broccoli and red onion quiche is a quick breakfast option that will feed a large group.
Last but not least, combine steamed broccoli with your preferred homemade hummus or cheese dip for a filling appetizer.
About Storing & Reheating
Any leftover steamed broccoli can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days if it is kept in an airtight container. Make sure that your microwave steamed broccoli is fully cooled before storing it in the fridge.
Freezing Cooked Broccoli
Make sure the cooked broccoli is completely cooled before freezing it. Then store it in an airtight freezer container or plastic freezer storage bag.
The frozen cooked broccoli lasts for up to a year with great results (however, it can last longer). I consistently discover that using the stored broccoli within the first 9 to 10 months produces the best results.
Also Read: How to Cook Ramen in Microwave?
FAQs
How Long to Microwave Broccoli Florets?
Can You Microwave Broccoli Without Water?
Yes, you can microwave broccoli without water as it naturally contains 90% water. Broccoli cooks more quickly in the microwave than it does in boiling water because the latter can deplete the vegetable of many of its nutrients.
