Do you know how to steam broccoli in the microwave? If you have been using steamer on the stovetop, this method will save you cooking time.
Whether the broccoli is fresh or frozen, microwaving broccoli is great way to prepare side dishes to make a meal complete. It is best practice to steam broccoli instead of boiling because it helps to keep more nutrients locked inside the vegetable.
How do you steam broccoli in the microwave? Wash and slice broccoli into bit-size pieces. Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl, add an ounce of water, cover the bowl with a lid, and microwave on high for 2 to 4 minutes.
Timing depends on the amount of broccoli, size of pieces and microwave wattage. Continue microwaving until the broccoli is tender and serve with salt, pepper, and butter of your choice to enjoy.
Microwaved broccoli also tastes delicious when drizzled with olive oil, melted cheese or cheese sauce over the top.
Microwave makes kitchen work so much easier and convenient, it can be used in cooking, reheating, or defrosting frozen broccoli in a minute. Following a few simple steps, microwave vegetables to quickly cook them without using a stove.
This article will teach you how to use the microwave to make quick and easy steamed broccoli! Answered below are frequently asked questions including the full instructions and experts tips to steam broccoli in the microwave.
Can I steam broccoli in the microwave?
Yes, you can steam broccoli in a microwave. In fact, steaming in the microwave is the perfect way to make sure vegetables remain crisp, retain their nutrients and ready to eat in minutes.
However, be aware of the amount of water and the length of microwave time. The more water you add to the dish, the more nutrients can leak into the water and dissolve all good vitamins and minerals out of the vegetable.
Additionally, an extended cooking time turns the broccoli mushy and loose its tender, crunchy texture.
How do you steam broccoli quickly?
There are many ways to steam broccoli including stovetop and microwave cooking. But if you are looking to cook broccoli quickly, microwave is your best bet.
Depend on the size of the prepared broccoli florets, microwaving can take between 2 to 4 minutes, while the stove may take 10 minutes to get the water boiled and start steaming the vegetable.
In order to steam broccoli quickly, use microwave to get the job done.
Always place a lid over the microwave-safe dish when steaming, this helps to retain heat and speed up the steaming process. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, but try to avoid submerging the broccoli in the water because water soluble nutrients will leach out.
If you’re not ready to eat yet, wait to the last minute to start steaming the broccoli. If you steam too far in advance, the broccoli may overcook and become mushy.
Avoid overcooking the broccoli because it makes it very mushy, bitter and unpleasant texture to eat.
If you don’t have a glass or ceramic microwave-safe plate available to use as a lid over the top, cover the dish with a wet paper towel or tightly with microwaveable plastic wrap instead.
When serving, place in a food bowl covered by an inverted plate for 1 minute before serving. This helps stop the broccoli from cooling down too quickly.
How to steam broccoli without a steamer?
When using stove to steam broccoli, it is necessary to use steamer to get the best result. However, there is two options when using microwave: with or without using a microwave steamer.
The taste and cooking time does not change very much, however this tool makes it easier to steam in the microwave.
If you are looking to steam broccoli without a steamer in the microwave, simply place broccoli and add 1” of water at the bottom of a microwave-safe container and loosely cover with a lid or inverted plate.
Microwave on high for 2 to 4 minutes. Drain the broccoli in a colander and run cold water over the broccoli to stop the cooking process.
Toss with salt, pepper, and drizzle with lemon juice to serve warm.
Tips to steam broccoli in the microwave
Steamed broccoli is a nutritious, delicious and simple side dish that goes well with chicken or steak to have a balance meal prep. Boiling water and then steaming broccoli for 5 minutes on a stove sounds like a long time.
However, microwave method lets you skip the boiling part and start steaming right away.
Here are useful microwave tips to steam broccoli quickly:
- Consider using a microwave steamer. This will help to drain any excess water away from the broccoli while it steams.
- Use a large enough bowl to prevent any splashing of hot liquid and spillage from happening.
- Sprinkle a few drops of water over the broccoli when steaming using the microwave – this helps to soften the vegetables without adding extra oil or fat.
- Try to keep residual water to a minimum. The water can absorb water soluble vitamins and minerals which are then drained away from the vegetable.
- Add a splash of lemon juice after steaming for a refreshing flavor.
- Keep the broccoli pieces about the same bite-size so they cook evenly.
- Use short intervals of cooking time and be careful not to overcook the broccoli otherwise it turns soggy, mushy and bitter.
Best way to steam broccoli in the microwave
Steam frozen or fresh broccoli in the microwave oven to save time compared to preparing on a stovetop steamer. Whether you are using a microwave steamer or not, steaming tends to maintain the most amount of nutrients.
Best way to steam broccoli in the microwave is to wash and trim the broccoli. Chop broccoli florets into bite size pieces to speed up the steaming process and allow for even doneness.
Put all of the broccoli pieces in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a microwavable lid or plate.
Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water or pour water to 1 inch at the bottom of the dish. Put the covered dish inside the microwave for 2 to 4 minutes on high power.
The cooking time may vary depending on how much broccoli you are steaming, the size of the florets and the microwave wattage. If the broccoli is frozen, ensure to defrost slightly before steaming to get the best results.
Once the broccoli is fully steamed, wait for 15 seconds before removing so the steam has a chance to carryover cook briefly .
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Steaming Broccoli in Microwave: Conclusion
Compared to boiling in water, steaming broccoli in the microwave tend to maintain the vitamin and minerals to the fullest and keep its texture crisp and tender. Whether you steam broccoli with or without a steam, the choice is yours and the difference is minimal.
Microwaving broccoli to steam takes the shortest amount of time and with less dishes to clean up afterwards.
The rule of thumb to steam broccoli in the microwave successfully is washing thoroughly and cut the broccoli into bite-size florets.
Place the small pieces into a microwave-safe bowl and pour 2 to 4 tablespoons of water. Adjust the water amount depending on the size of broccoli pieces and amount being steamed.
Cover the bowl with a microwavable plate, damp paper towel or loose plastic wrap. Start microwaving on high for 2 to 4 minutes. Check the broccoli at 1 minute intervals to verify doneness.
Carefully remove the covering to vent the steam and transfer to a serving dish. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, cheddar cheese, cheese sauce or your favorite toppings.
If you steam broccoli without a steamer and there is extra water in the bowl, drain the broccoli with colander and immediately run under cold water. This will help to crisp the texture and reduce overcooking the vegetable.
There you have it! Steaming broccoli in the microwave is quite easy and straightforward. Use these microwave tips and follow the steps to prevent from having mushy broccoli at your next meal.