Microwave Broccoli
If you’re wondering how to microwave broccoli, you’re in the right place. Here you’ll learn how to make tender, perfectly steamed broccoli in the microwave, using either fresh or frozen broccoli!
Microwave Broccoli Recipe
The most underrated kitchen appliance is the microwave, hands down. Sure, everyone knows it’s great for reheating leftovers, but I routinely use it to do the cooking too!
Not only is it fast, but it’s versatile. Microwaves can make crispy pepperoni and cheese crisps, perfect moist sweet potatoes, and today I’m sharing how I use it to make tender steamed broccoli.
Microwaving broccoli is the fastest and easiest way to get steamed broccoli on your plate, and I’m showing you how to make steamed fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli, and broccoli rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Now of course I also love to roast broccoli in the oven and the air fryer, but microwaving gets my vote because…
- There’s nothing quite as easy and simple steamed broccoli!
- You can do it from fresh or frozen, or make broccoli rice.
- It works in all kinds of recipes, from Asian recipes like orange chicken to side dishes broccoli bacon salad.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few items, and you probably already have them in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:
- Broccoli: You can use broccoli crowns, pre-cut broccoli florets, frozen broccoli florets, or riced broccoli.
- Water: Adding just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl allows the broccoli to gently steam instead of boiling.
Seasoned broccoli is always super delicious. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is lovely, or add a spritz of lemon juice over top. Butter (or ghee if you’re doing Whole30) are also delicious on broccoli.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make your microwave broccoli:
- Microwave safe bowl: I prefer to use a wider set bowl, rather than a deep bowl.
- Plastic wrap: This works the best for holding
- Microwave (of course!): Cook times can vary based on the wattage of your microwave, so use this method and customize the cook times slightly, if needed.
As an alternative to microwaving a bowl wrapped with plastic wrap, you can use a reusable silicone sealable bag, like a Stasher bag, to steam the broccoli. The silicone is microwave safe, making this a fabulous, eco-friendly option!
Instructions
Alright, let's make broccoli in the microwave! You're going to love this simple method.
How to Prep Broccoli
If you're using fresh whole heads of broccoli: Tthe first thing you'll want to do is cut it. Set aside the large stems, then either dice into bite sized florets or use a food processor to make riced broccoli. Don't toss the stems, though, since you can use them to make broccoli slaw!
If you're using frozen broccoli, do not defrost the broccoli first. If any pieces are stuck together, gently break the pieces apart if you can.
How to Microwave Broccoli
Transfer the fresh or frozen broccoli florets to a wide, microwave safe bowl. Add about ¼ cup water to the bowl, so that the bottom of the bowl is covered with water, and cover tightly with a piece of plastic wrap.
Set the bowl in the microwave and turn on high. The cooking times will depend slightly on what type of broccoli you're using, but these are a good starting point:
- Fresh broccoli florets: 4 minutes
- Frozen broccoli florets: 5 - 5.5 minutes
- Fresh riced broccoli: 3 - 3.5 minutes
Once the broccoli is steamed, make sure to wait about 2-3 minutes before handling the bowl, then very, very carefully, peel back the plastic wrap.
The broccoli should be bright green and tender, ready to eat. But if you find the broccoli isn't quite soft enough, microwave it again for 1 minute at a time, until it's exactly the way you like it.
Last, drain the water and enjoy the steamed broccoli exactly as it is, or if you'd like, add a pat of butter or ghee and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
What to Serve with Steamed Broccoli
Once your broccoli is cooked and steamed through, I'd suggest checking out some of my favorite broccoli-cious (get it?) recipes. Steamed broccoli is a wonderful side dish that works with low carb, Whole30, WW, vegan and vegetarian ways of eating, so it's a very healthy, versatile side!
It goes really well with hearty proteins like roasted chicken, pork tenderloin and grilled fish. You can even cook it for breakfast in a sausage and broccoli frittata!
You can also serve it alongside sandwiches, hot dogs and burgers. (My family would suggest a dipping sauce like ranch!)
Broccoli is also great in Asian dishes like this beef and broccoli stir fry and orange chicken meatballs.
Storage
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, per USDA. Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute.
FAQ
One method isn't objectively better than the other, however if you like your broccoli tender with a little crispness, I'd recommend microwaving. If you prefer broccoli very soft, boiling is the way to go.
There's no evidence to point to microwaves causing harm, and there's some evidence that suggests it preserves nutrients better than other methods of cooking, according to Healthline. This is a common question and a personal choice, but I've read enough information on the subject to allow me to personally feel comfortable microwaving my food.
Like this recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom!
Microwave Broccoli
Equipment
- microwave
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli or 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen; or 1 cup fresh riced broccoli
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- If using fresh broccoli: Either dice the broccoli into bite sized florets or use a food processor to make riced broccoli, setting aside or discarding the large stems.
- If using frozen broccoli: If you’re using frozen broccoli, do not defrost the broccoli first. If any pieces are stuck together, gently break apart the pieces.
- Next, transfer the broccoli a wide, microwave safe bowl. Add about 1/4 cup water to the bowl, so that the bottom of the bowl is covered with water, and cover tightly with a piece of plastic wrap. Alternatively, add the broccoli and water to a food grade silicone bag.
- Set the bowl in the microwave and turn on high. See "Notes" section below for cook times, and keep in mind that microwaves may vary.
- Once the broccoli is steamed, make sure to wait about 2-3 minutes before handling it. Carefully peel back the plastic wrap or open the silicone bag.
- Drain the water and enjoy the steamed broccoli exactly as it is. If you’d like, add a pat of butter or ghee and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Notes
- Fresh broccoli florets: Cook for 4 minutes
- Frozen broccoli florets: Cook for 5 – 5.5 minutes
- Fresh riced broccoli: Cook for 3 – 3.5 minutes
