How To Cook Broccoli (The Ultimate Guide!)

Tired of the same old broccoli? Elevate your greens game with 5 different methods to prepare this nutrient-dense powerhouse. Find out how to cook broccoli perfectly, whether it’s roasting, microwaving, blanching, steaming, or sautéing, we’ve got you covered!

Broccoli is one of the most nutritious and versatile vegetables in the world! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium, fiber, and vitamin C. Plus, it adds a pop of color, texture, and flavor to a wide range of dishes.

It can be a little tricky to prepare, so we’re covering how to cook broccoli the right way in this post. And don’t forget the stalks! We also have some tips on how to make use of the edible broccoli bottoms for a zero-waste approach to cooking this delicious green veggie.

For more information on what broccoli is, types of broccoli, and nutrition facts, pop on over to our broccoli 101 post.

How to cook broccoli

Before anything else, you’ll want to rinse the broccoli and cut it into evenly-sized florets. Save the very bottom stalks for later.

Option 1: Microwaved broccoli

Microwaving is the quickest and most convenient way to cook broccoli, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Here’s how:

1. Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
2. Add about 3 tablespoons of water to the dish to create steam.
3. Cover the dish with a lid or a plate and microwave the broccoli on high for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s tender but still crisp. I suggest checking the broccoli around the 3-minute mark, then adding additional time if you think it’s needed.
4. Drain any excess water from the bowl and season the broccoli with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, spices, or sauces.

Option 2: Steamed broccoli

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps to preserve the color, texture, and nutrients of broccoli. Follow these steps to steam it:

1. Fill a pot with about an inch or so of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place a steamer insert or basket in the pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid.
4. Steam the broccoli for 4-6 minutes, or until it is tender but still has some bite.
5. Remove the broccoli from the steamer basket and season it with salt, pepper, or other spices.

Option 3: Blanched broccoli

Blanching is a fast cooking method that involves briefly boiling broccoli before submerging it in ice water. This technique preserves the broccoli’s vibrant green color and ensures a crisp, yet tender texture. Follow these easy steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the broccoli to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the florets are just tender.
3. Quickly transfer the cooked broccoli with a slotted spoon to a bowl of water and ice. This will stop the cooking process and lock in the bright green color. It’s best to submerge the broccoli for the same amount of time you blanched it for.
4. Drain the broccoli and pat it dry, then serve it immediately in salads, pasta dishes, or any other recipes you need a slightly more tender texture.

Pro-Tip! We always like to blanch before we freeze broccoli. It helps to preserve the nutrients and keep them from degrading while frozen!

Option 4: Sautéed broccoli

Broccoli is a great vegetable candidate for sautéing. It adds so much flavor, and it’s super easy! This method adds a slight crispiness to the outside while keeping the interior tender. Here’s an easy way to get started:

1. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is lightly browned.
3. Add a few tablespoons of water, then cover the skillet and let the broccoli cook for about 4-5 minutes longer, or until it is tender.
4. Once cooked, season the broccoli with salt, pepper, garlic, or other spices.

Option 5: Roasted broccoli

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli, giving it a deliciously caramelized flavor and crispy texture. Follow these steps to roast your broccoli:

1. Preheat your oven to 400F.
2. In the meantime, toss the broccoli with 2-3 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, and any of your favorite seasonings.
3. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Roast the broccoli for 15-20 minutes, or until the florets are tender and the edges are golden brown. Remember to flip the broccoli halfway through to ensure the florets are browned on all sides.

Don’t forget the stalks!

Broccoli stalks are often thrown out, but they’re just as healthy, delicious, and edible as the florets. To make use of the stalks, simply trim or peel off the tough outer layer with a paring knife or vegetable peeler and slice them into thin rounds or strips.

You can then cook the stalks using any of the above methods, but they may require a little longer to cook than the florets. You can even try making something a little more adventurous, like broccoli rice, broccoli pizza crust, or broccoli fries!

Broccoli recipes

If you need some inspiration for mouthwatering broccoli recipes now that you’re an expert at cooking it, look no further than these options:

• Grilled Broccoli Salad
• 30-Minute Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
• Lightened Up Broccoli Casserole
• Vegan Beef And Broccoli