How to Microwave Broccoli – Fresh or Frozen!

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!

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.

Now of course I also love to roast broccoli in the oven and the air fryer, but there’s nothing quite as easy and simple steamed broccoli, so here we go!

By far 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.

Just keep on reading to learn all the tips and tricks!

👉 And once your broccoli is cooked, I’d suggest checking out some of my broccoli-cious (get it?) recipes, like Orange Chicken & Broccoli, Sausage and Broccoli Frittata, or Orange Chicken Meatballs.

🥦 Ingredients & equipment

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.
• A microwave safe bowl. I prefer to use a wider set bowl, rather than a deep bowl.
• Plastic wrap.
• A microwave. Cook times can vary based on the wattage of your microwave, so use this method and customize the cook times slightly, if needed.

👉 Note: 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!

🔪 Step by step instructions

If you’re using fresh whole heads of broccoli, the 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!

And if you’re using frozen broccoli, do not defrost the broccoli first. If any pieces are stuck together, gently break the pieces apart.

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.

Set the bowl in the microwave and turn on high. The cooking times will depend slightly on what type of broccoli you’re using.

⏰ Cook times

• 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.

💡 FAQ

Like this recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom!