How to cut broccoli florets: right! This method produces the most beautiful buds with long stems and an elegant shape.
Wondering how to chop broccoli but not sure what the best way is? We have them. Broccoli looks deceptively easy to cut, but we have a trick to make it look better. Leave the stems long! Yes, long-stemmed broccoli florets are the prettiest shape, perfect for roasted broccoli and sautéed broccoli. Here’s what to do when you can get your hands on a head of broccoli!
Related: Knife Skills 101: How to Cut Basic Fruits and Vegetables
How to cut broccoli florets step by step
Step 1: Cut the stems of the flowers where they meet the base.
Here’s the key to the prettiest broccoli florets: keep the stems long! Take a chef’s knife and cut the broccoli floret where its stalk meets the larger stalk. If you cut off the broccoli florets where they are attached, you will end up with cut off florets. Keeping the stem long will give you the best broccoli shape!
Caution: The only caveat is if you are slicing very small pieces of broccoli like for broccoli soup, or if you want less stalk for a vegetable platter. In this case you can shorten the rod.
Step 2: Halve very large broccoli florets.
Cut the stem base of all large florets in half, then separate the florets with your fingers. Try to keep the broccoli florets as similar in size as possible, which will result in more even cooking (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
Step 3: Cut off the stem if desired.
You can eat the stalk too! Cut the uneven skin on all 4 sides to form a large rectangle. Then you can cut it into long matchsticks. You can dip them like florets in ranch dip or use them in stir-fries.
And that’s it! How to cut broccoli into perfect florets and how to cut the stalk too!
Best chef knives and cutting boards
A good knife can greatly improve your time in the kitchen and last for years. Alex and I have had our chef’s knives for over 10 years and they still work great! Here are some of the knives we recommend, non-slip cutting boards, and the best knife sharpeners. These recommendations are perfect for outfitting your own kitchen, or great gifts for a wedding registry or someone who loves to cook!
Looking for broccoli recipes?
Now that you know how to chop broccoli, here are some broccoli recipes you can try!
The description
How to cut broccoli: how it works! This method produces the most beautiful buds with long stems and an elegant shape.
- 1 1/2 pound broccoli (3 size heads)
- Using a large chef’s knife, cut the broccoli florets where their stalk meets the larger stalk. This will keep the stem long (instead of forming clipped flowers). See photos above. Caution: If you are cutting very small pieces of broccoli, such as for broccoli soup, or if you want less stalk for a vegetable platter, you can cut the stalk shorter.
- Separating very large florets: Cut the base of the stem of any large florets in half, then separate the florets with your fingers. Try to make the florets as big as possible, which will result in the most even baking possible (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
- You can also eat the stalk if you want! Cut the uneven skin on all 4 sides to form a large rectangle. Then cut the rectangle into long matchsticks.
- Category: knife skills
- Method: choppy
- Kitchen: N / A
Keywords: How to cut broccoli, broccoli florets
Last update: May 2021
