How to Steam Broccoli
How to Steam Broccoli Bright green, crisp-tender steamed broccoli in five minutes with or without a steamer basket.
Servings 4
Calories 51.7kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli about 1½ lb, cut into 1½-inch florets
- 1 inch water for the pot
Seasoning and optional Add-ons
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or add to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets. Trim and slice the stems if using.
- Add about 1 inch of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Set a steamer basket inside the water. It should not touch the basket.
- Add the stems first if using, then the florets in a loose layer. Cover.
- Steam 4–5 minutes, until a fork slides into a stem with slight resistance.
- Remove from the pot immediately so it stops cooking.
- Toss with butter or olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- No steamer basket? Use a metal colander in a covered pot, or put the florets in a wide skillet with 2–3 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes.
- For frozen broccoli, steam 3–4 minutes straight from frozen.
- Steam 3 minutes if you're meal-prepping and will reheat it later.
Nutrition
Calories: 51.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.1g | Protein: 4.3g | Fat: 0.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Sodium: 50.2mg | Potassium: 480.3mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2.6g | Vitamin A: 947IU | Vitamin C: 135.6mg | Calcium: 71.5mg | Iron: 1.1mg