Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Steamed broccoli is an easy, healthy side dish that turns out bright green and crisp tender every time. Here’s how to cook broccoli…the best way!

Ready for what might be the easiest side dish recipe ever? OK maybe a little exaggeration, but it’s the closest we’ve come. This one has it all: it’s healthy, delicious, and takes only 5 minutes to cook. Steamed broccoli might sound a little drab, right? But let us assure you: an olive oil drizzle and a good sprinkle of salt make this humble veggie something stellar. Alex and I are often looking for simple side dishes: this one is now in our “pair with everything” repertoire! Here’s how to cook broccoli, and the best way to season it to complement any meal.

The best way to cook this nutritious veggie? Steamed! Steamed broccoli is super quick and simple: the main adage is don’t be temped to overcook it! Steaming it for 3 to 5 minutes results in broccoli that’s bright green and crisp tender. Cooking even a few minutes past that goes from bright and crisp to faded and mushy. Here are our tips on how to cook broccoli using a steamer basket.

Gear required: You’ll need a steamer basket or steamer pan to make this recipe. Here’s a steamer basket you can buy online.

Steamed Broccoli

If you think you don’t like broccoli because you grew up with it as a tasteless, soggy concoction microwaved in a bag or overcooked on the stove, give this recipe a try and let’s see if we can change your mind!

Prep: 5min

Total: 10min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 48 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 328 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g, unSaturated Fat 2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 clove garlic ((minced))
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)

Instruction:

1. Using one of our suggested steaming methods (bamboo or metal steamer, wok with steaming rack, a metal steaming basket, or our no-equipment method), bring water to a boil, place the broccoli into the steamer set-up, and cover.
2. Steam over medium heat for 4 minutes (for crunchier broccoli) to 7 minutes (for more tender broccoli), until the broccoli is still bright green but cooked to your liking. Cooking time will also depend on the size of your broccoli florets—less time for smaller florets, and more time for larger ones.
3. Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, or until the garlic softens (there shouldn’t be any browning). Add the water, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, turn off the heat.
4. Plate your steamed broccoli and drizzle with the sauce. Serve.

Simple Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Steamed broccoli is simple to make — and super versatile. Eat it as a side, or keep it on hand to give any number of recipes a nutritious and flavorful boost.

Prep: 5min

Total: 8min

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 0 g

Nutrition Facts: calories 17 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 mg cholesterol, Fat 0 g fat, Fiber 0 g fiber, Protein 2 g protein, Saturated Fat 0 g saturated fat, servingSize 0 g, Sodium 19 mg , Sugar 0 g , Trans Fat 0

Ingredients:

• 5 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½-2 cups water

Instruction:

1. Wash the broccoli and drain in a colander
2. Trim the broccoli into bite size pieces.
3. Add 1 ½ to 2 cups of water into a pot or pan for steaming.
4. Pour the broccoli into a steamer basket and place this inside the pot or pan. Bring the water to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium.
5. Cook for 3 minutes. Remove broccoli from steamer basket. Your broccoli should be bright green and tender, but still crunchy.
6. Transfer the steamed broccoli to a bowl for serving and season with fresh lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper if desired.

BEST Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is an easy, healthy side dish that turns out bright green and crisp tender every time. Here’s how to cook broccoli…the best way!

Prep: 5min

Total: 10min

Yield: 4

Nutrition Facts: servingSize None, calories 147 calories, Sugar 3.7 g, Sodium 433.2 mg, Fat 9.6 g, Saturated Fat 2.5 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 12.6 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 6.2 g, Cholesterol 8.3 mg

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds (2 large heads) broccoli
• 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced (or substitute green onion)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instruction:

1. Chop the broccoli into florets.
2. If using, thinly slice the onion. Place it in a bowl of water while you’re making the rest of the recipe, then drain. (This helps to reduce onion breath and remove some of the spicy bite. If you use green onion, skip this step!)
3. Place 1 1/2 cups water into a saucepan or pot. If using a steamer basket without a handle, add it to the pot now: the water surface should be right under the basket. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the broccoli (in the steamer basket, if it has a handle). Steam with the lid on 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, testing with a fork to assess whether it’s done. We like our broccoli on the crisp side: if you’d like it more tender, cook 1 minute more. Just be careful not to cook much longer or the color will immediately fade and it will be overcooked!
5. Carefully remove the broccoli to a bowl. Toss with the olive oil, kosher salt, feta cheese (optional), and drained red onions. Top with freshly ground black pepper.

Simple Steamed Broccoli

An easy side dish, this simple steamed broccoli is perfect with a pat of butter and some salt and pepper.

Total: 15min

Yield: 4-6

Nutrition Facts: servingSize , calories , Fat , Carbohydrate , Protein , Saturated Fat , unSaturated Fat , Sugar , Fiber , Sodium , Cholesterol

Ingredients:

• 1½ – 1¾ pounds broccoli crowns, cut into 1½” florets
• Salt, to taste

Instruction:

1. Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and bring to a rolling boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket inside the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Add salt to taste.

Pan Steamed Broccoli

FAQ

What is the best way to steam broccoli?

What do you season broccoli with?

1. Basil paired with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
2. Dill Weed.
3. Garlic (Minced, Granules or Powder)
4. Ginger Powder with a splash of soy sauce.
5. Marjoram.
6. Oregano.
7. Rosemary.
8. Sage.

How long does it take to steam a head of broccoli?

Should you cover broccoli when steaming?