Steamed broccoli is an easy and healthy side dish that turns bright green and tender every time. This is how you cook broccoli… best!
Ready for what might be the simplest side dish recipe already? OK, maybe a bit lengthy, but that’s the closest we got to it. This one packs a punch: it’s healthy, delicious, and only takes 5 minutes to cook. Steamed broccoli might look a little lackluster, right? But rest assured: a drizzle of olive oil and a good sprinkling of salt will make something out of this humble vegetable terrific. Alex and I often look for simple accompaniments: this is now part of our “mix with everything” repertoire! Here’s how to cook broccoli and the best way to season it with every meal.
Other favorite ways to cook broccoli? Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Broccoli, and Roasted Broccoli and Carrots. Go to How to Cook Broccoli to learn more.
How to cook broccoli (a tutorial)
What is the best way to prepare this nutritious vegetable? Muted! Steamed broccoli is super quick and easy: the main saying is Don’t be tempted to overcook it! Steaming it for 3-5 minutes produces broccoli that is light green and crispy tender. Even a few minutes after cooking, it goes from shiny and crispy to wilted and mushy. Here are our tips for cooking broccoli with a steamer basket.
Equipment needed: You will need a steamer or steamer basket for this recipe. Here is a steam basket that you can buy online.
Step 1: Divide the broccoli into florets.
Cut the broccoli into small pieces. Note that thicker pieces and larger florets will take a little longer than smaller, thinner ones, so try to make them as even as possible.
Step 2: Bring the water to a boil.
The most important rule when steaming vegetables is: First bring the water to a boil! Don’t be tempted to throw everything in the steamer and boil the water. You boil the water in a saucepan or saucepan before adding the vegetables. If you are using a steamer basket without a handle, place it in the pot now: the water surface should be just below the basket.
Step 3: Add broccoli, cover and steam until tender and crispy, 3-4 minutes.
Once the broccoli is cooking, add it (into the steamer basket if it has a handle) and cover the pot with a lid. Cook, covered, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Test a piece with a fork and see if it’s done. The cooking time varies each time depending on the thickness and age of the broccoli (tender young broccoli and thinner broccoli take less time).
Alex and I love our crunchy broccoli, so you’ll get it in this recipe. If you want it softer, cook 1 minute longer. Just be careful not to cook much longer or the color will immediately fade and it will become mushy and overcooked!
Step 4: Drain and season.
Carefully remove the broccoli into a bowl. Toss with olive oil, kosher salt, feta cheese (optional), and red onions. As mentioned in the recipe below, we like to soak our red onions in water for a few minutes, which helps reduce onion breath and remove some of the “spice.” You can do this while you’re cooking the broccoli: it only takes a few minutes.
How to season steamed broccoli
Once your broccoli is steamed to perfection, there are many ways to flavor it. In this recipe, we used red onions for some shape and color contrast. Then it is simply mixed with olive oil, salt and pepper. Adding feta crumbs takes it from good to great, and it’s one of our favorite ways to eat broccoli.
If you don’t use this idea, there are literally hundreds of ways to flavor broccoli (and many other broccoli recipes). Here are some additional ideas:
- Olive oil and some grated parmesan or pecorino
- A mixture of rice vinegar and sesame seeds
- A web of balsamic reduction
- Lemon peel
- Roasted almond slivers
- Goat cheese or crumbled feta
- Chopped Garlic
- Panko and dried herbs
Want easier side dish recipes?
And that’s it: how to cook this better steamed broccoli! We’ve used it all along to accompany everything from meatloaf and salmon to shrimp and pasta. If you’re looking for more side dishes to add to your repertoire, we recommend a few more:
This steamed broccoli recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten free. For vegans, plant-based and dairy-free, omit the feta.
The description
Steamed broccoli is an easy and healthy side dish that turns bright green and tender every time. This is how you cook broccoli… best!
- 1 1/2 Pound (2 large heads) broccoli
- ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced (or substitute spring onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup Feta Cheese (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Cut the broccoli into florets.
- If using, finely chop the onion. Place it in a bowl of water while you prepare the rest of the recipe, then drain. (This helps reduce onion breath and takes away some of the flavorful bite. If you’re using green onions, skip this step!)
- Pour 1 ½ cups of water into a saucepan or saucepan. If you are using a steamer basket without a handle, place it in the pot now: the water surface should be just below the basket. Boil the water.
- Once the broccoli is cooking, add it (into the steamer basket if it has a handle). Cover and sauté until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, testing with a fork to see if they’re done. We love our crispy broccoli: If you like it tender, cook 1 minute longer. Just be careful not to cook much longer or the color will immediately fade and it will be overcooked!
- Carefully remove the broccoli into a bowl. Toss with olive oil, kosher salt, feta cheese (optional), and drained red onions. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper.
- Category: garnish
- Method: subdued
- Kitchen: Vegetables
Keywords: Steamed Broccoli, easy steamed broccoli, easy side dish recipe
