Steaming is one of the most popular cooking methods in that you boil water and use the steam to cook the vegetables until they are soft. Fresh broccoli will taste delicious when steamed, but incorrect steaming will cause the broccoli to fade in color and become mushy in texture. This article will show you how to steam broccoli, either on the stove or in the microwave. In addition, this article also provides instructions on how to season broccoli.
- Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
- Cooking time: 4-5 minutes
- Overall time: 20 minutes
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparation for Steaming Broccoli
Step 1. Choose fresh broccoli with dark green heads and light green stems
Look for broccoli that is not brown in color and avoid broccoli that is wilted or bruised. The buds should be tightly closed.
You can also steam frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli doesn't need to be thawed before steaming
Step 2. Wash the broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly in water, and use your fingers to scrub the dirt off.
Packaged frozen broccoli does not need to be washed, because it has been washed before being packaged
Step 3. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces
Place the broccoli on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut each broccoli floret. Consider including broccoli stems and also cut them into bite-size pieces; Broccoli stems are very healthy and have a nice contrasting texture to the broccoli heads.
Frozen broccoli is usually already chopped. Check the frozen broccoli to make sure it's the size you want it to be. Cut into smaller pieces if you want
Method 2 of 4: Steaming Broccoli on the Stove
Step 1. Fill the pot with 2.5 cm of water
You will be using this pan to steam the broccoli, so make sure it is large enough to accommodate both the broccoli and the steamer. Put the pan on the stove.
Step 2. Place the steamer basket in the pot
The bottom of the basket should not be exposed to water.
- If you don't have a steamer basket, use a basin with small holes.
- If you don't have a basin with small holes, you can put the broccoli directly into the water. You only need a few tablespoons of water. Make sure the water doesn't completely cover the broccoli.
Step 3. Bring the water to a boil slowly
Turn on the stove and use medium-high heat. Wait until the water starts to boil slowly.
Step 4. Place the broccoli into the steaming basket
Try to arrange them evenly in the basket. At this point, you can also lightly season it with salt, pepper, or butter.
Step 5. Cover the pot and steam for 4-5 minutes
Watch the broccoli so it doesn't overcook.
If you want to check and see if the broccoli is done, you can pierce the broccoli with a fork; if the fork is easy to stick into the broccoli, it means it's done
Step 6. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the broccoli to a serving plate
Be careful when opening the pan; do not tilt it as the steam can hit your face and burn you.
Consider seasoning broccoli with salt, pepper, or garlic
Method 3 of 4: Steaming Broccoli in the "Microwave"
Step 1. Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl
The broccoli florets should be easy to place in the bowl and not over the rim.
Consider seasoning broccoli with salt, pepper, or butter
Step 2. Pour the water into the bowl
You need two or three tablespoons of water for every pound of broccoli.
Step 3. Cover the bowl
Make sure the lid of the bowl does not contain metal. If you don't have a lid, you can cover the bowl with a plate; make sure the plate fits snugly over the bowl.
- Do not use plastic wrap. Although harmless, plastic wrap can melt; the plastic holes will allow steam to escape, preventing the broccoli from overcooking.
- Do not use foil to cover the bowl. Aluminum foil is not a microwave safe material.
Step 4. Steam the broccoli in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes
You can check the broccoli for doneness after 2.5 minutes by removing the bowl from the microwave and piercing the broccoli with a fork. If the broccoli is soft and tender, then it is ripe; if it's still firm, you'll need to steam it for a few more minutes.
Step 5. Remove broccoli from microwave
Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot; Do not leave it in the microwave as the color will fade.
Consider seasoning broccoli with salt, pepper, or garlic
Method 4 of 4: Seasoning and Flavoring Broccoli
Step 1. Give flavor to the cooking water
Before you start heating the water, consider flavoring it with lemon juice or soy sauce. The steam from the water will give the broccoli a little flavor.
Step 2. Season the broccoli before steaming
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss broccoli with this mixture before steaming.
Step 3. Add butter to broccoli before or after steaming
Be sure to stir the broccoli before serving so that each piece is coated with melted butter.
Step 4. Season the broccoli with herbs and spices after steaming
You can sprinkle garlic powder, salt, or pepper over the broccoli before serving. You can also add fresh herbs, such as fennel, parsley, or thyme.
Step 5. Give the unsalted broccoli a slightly sharper taste with garlic
Try adding chopped or sliced garlic to broccoli before or after steaming. You can also toss steamed broccoli with minced garlic that has been sautéed in olive oil.
Step 6. Add a sensation of taste and freshness with lemon
After the broccoli is steamed, try tossing it with the grated lemon zest or lemon wedge.
Step 7. Sprinkle grated cheese over the steamed broccoli
Let the cheese melt a little, then stir in the broccoli to combine everything. Consider using parmesan cheese and a little garlic powder.
