• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Sous Vide
  • Air Fryer
  • Starbucks Copycat Drinks

IzzyCooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Sous Vide
  • Air Fryer
  • Starbucks Copycat Drinks
  • Let’s Connect!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Sous Vide
    • Air Fryer
    • Starbucks Copycat Drinks
  • Let’s Connect!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Microwave

    29/06/2020

    How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

    • Share
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave with a step-by-step tutorial so that it comes out perfect every time. It’s less than 5 minutes and is a simple recipe for microwave broccoli (and other vegetables).

    Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave so that it comes out perfect every time – and only takes less than 5 minutes.

    Steaming broccoli in a microwave is faster and easier than other methods. I’ve always had steamed broccoli this way, made in the microwave.  It’s bursting with flavor with bright green color. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

    Broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that’s a great pairing for so many dinners such as Chicken Breast, Teriyaki Chicken Bowls, and Crock Pot Pork Shoulder. 

    fresh broccoli on a wooden counter
    Table of Contents Show
    How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave
    How Long to Microwave Frozen Broccoli?
    Is Microwave Broccoli Healthy?
    How to Store Leftover Broccoli
    Microwave Other Vegetables
    Microwave Broccoli Recipe (+VIDEO)

    How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

    All you need is fresh broccoli, water, and a microwave-safe bowl.

    1. Clean your broccoli and cut the stalk away from the crown.  Break the crown apart into big florets and then slice the florets into even bite-sized pieces. If you like to eat the stems, you can peel the skin and cut them into thin slices.

    Cutting the florets and stem into bite-sized pieces.

    2. Place florets pieces directly into a microwave-safe bowl, and then add cold water. For one head (about 1 pound) of broccoli, use 3 tablespoons of water.  

    Adding broccoli florets and water into the bowl.

    3. Cover with a microwave-safe lid. I usually use a ceramic plate that can cover my bowl completely.

    Cover the bowl with a ceramic plate, and place it in the microwave.

    4. Microwave on high power for 3 minutes. Test for doneness and repeat at 30-second intervals until the broccoli is tender. How long to steam broccoli in the microwave depends on the size of your florets and the power of your microwave.

    Microwave for 3 minutes.

    Remove the lid so that it can stop steaming. Be careful as the steam can be very hot. 

    Some topping ideas include: toss with butter, drizzle with soy sauce, or sprinkle with salt and pepper. 

    How Long to Microwave Frozen Broccoli?

    If you use frozen broccoli, you can follow the steps above, and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Test for doneness and repeat at 30-second intervals until the broccoli is as tender as you like it.

    Steaming broccoli in a microwave is faster and easier than other methods. I’ve always had steamed broccoli this way, made in the microwave.  It’s bursting with flavor with bright green color.

    Is Microwave Broccoli Healthy? 

    Yes. Cooking broccoli in the microwave is actually healthier than the boiling method as no nutrients are lost in the boiling water.

    How to Store Leftover Broccoli

    You can store the leftover in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. 

    Microwave Other Vegetables

    Microwaving vegetables is a quick and easy way to prepare your side dishes. You can use the same method on almost any vegetables such as cauliflowers, Asian broccoli, and carrots. 

    Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave so that it comes out perfect every time – and only takes less than 5 minutes.

    Microwave Broccoli Recipe (+VIDEO)

    Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave so that it comes out perfect every time. It's a super easy recipe and only takes less than 5 minutes.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: Izzy
    Calories: 52kcal

    Ingredients 

    • 1  large head broccoli about 1 pound
    • 3 tablespoons water
    • salt and pepper
    • lemon  optional

    Instructions 

    • Clean your broccoli thoroughly*. Cut the stalk away from the crown. Break the crown apart into big florets and then slice the florets into even bite-sized pieces. (If you like to eat the stems, you can peel the skin and cut them into thin slices.)
    • Add florets into a microwave-safe bowl, and then add water.
    • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a ceramic plate that can cover the bowl completely.
    • Microwave on high power for 3 minutes. Test for doneness and repeat at 30-second intervals until the broccoli is tender.
    • Remove the lid so that it can stop steaming. Be careful as the steam can be very hot.
    • Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
    • Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Serve with optional lemon wedges and enjoy.

    Notes

    • *The best way to clean broccoli is to use vinegar-water mixture (1:3 ratio between vinegar and water). Soak the broccoli in the mixture for 5 minutes and it will ensure no insects stay lodged inside the florets. Rinse it well under cold tap water afterward.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 947IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg
    Author: Izzy
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: How to steam broccoli in the microwave, Microwave Broccoli
    Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

    More Side Dishes You’ll Love

    • Fruit Salad
    • Sous Vide Beets
    • Air Fryer Asparagus

    View All Side Dishes

    Editor note: Originally published June 7, 2019 and updated June 29, 2020.

    Filed Under: Microwave, Recipes, Side Dish Tagged With: broccoli, vegetables

    About Izzy

    I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz says

      November 19, 2019 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      This technique worked perfectly! It’s great for those times when you’re entertaining and the oven and burners are in use! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • izzycooking says

        November 19, 2019 at 2:14 pm

        Thank you, Liz.

        Reply
    2. Renee Goerger says

      November 19, 2019 at 7:25 am

      5 stars
      I love cooking my broccoli this way! So fast and easy!

      Reply
      • izzycooking says

        November 19, 2019 at 2:14 pm

        Thanks Renee. Glad you like it!

        Reply
    3. JB says

      October 17, 2021 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      Seems like frequently I’m eating rice and broccoli almost every night along with my entre. Sick of washing so many pans, this made my life a little easier. Thank so much.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, this is Izzy! On my blog, you will find easy and delicious recipes for the everyday home cook, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Grilled Sea Bass
    • Chicken With Peppers And Onions
    • 9 Best Oregano Substitutes
    • 11 Best Beef Short Rib Recipes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Copyright © 2022 - Izzycooking