Busy weeknights call for quick, nutritious side dishes, and this recipe for microwave steamed broccoli really delivers! The convenience of not having to monitor a boiling pot makes this recipe a go-to choice for busy weeknights or anytime you need a quick and easy vegetable side dish.
Why I love microwave steamed broccoli
This recipe for steaming broccoli in the microwave has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. The broccoli comes out bright green and perfectly cooked, tender but still has a nice bite to it, not mushy at all. And even better, no need to wait for a pot of water to boil or carefully monitoring the stove!
>> Related recipe: Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
What do you need?
Microwave-safe bowl with a lid
You will need a microwave-safe dish or bowl with a well-fitting lid. You can also use a plate upside down over the top of the bowl as long as it is well-fitting enough that it will prevent the steam from escaping.
Broccoli
I normally use fresh broccoli, but you can also cook frozen broccoli florets in the microwave. If using fresh broccoli, one medium head of broccoli is usually a good amount for four servings.
A little water
You also need a small amount of water, just about an inch of depth in the bottom of the bowl as you don’t want the broccoli sitting in the water—you just want it to cook in the steam.
Optional trivet/steamer basket
The broccoli florets in the bottom of the bowl will be sitting in the water, and may get a little overcooked, but you can avoid this by raising the broccoli up out of the water using a microwave-safe trivet or steamer basket. I have this one: Joie silicone vegetable steamer*.
How to steam broccoli in the microwave
1
Prepare.
First, wash the broccoli and cut into florets. Place broccoli in the microwave-safe bowl (use a microwave-safe trivet if you have one). Add around 2cm/ 1-inch of water.
2
Microwave broccoli.
Microwave the broccoli on high for around 5 minutes (1000W microwave). It needs to boil continuously for around two minutes, and then should be left for two minutes with the lid on to allow the broccoli to finish cooking in the steam.
A note on cooking times: how long to microwave broccoli
The total length of time you will need to microwave the broccoli for depends on the power of your microwave.
The times in the recipe below are perfect for my 1000W microwave, so if you have a lower or higher wattage you will need to increase or decrease the times. You can estimate times for cooking broccoli for different wattage microwaves using the chart below:
| Wattage | Cook time | Steam time |
|---|---|---|
| 500W | 8 min | 2 min |
| 600W | 6 min 40s | 2 min |
| 700W | 5 min 40s | 2 min |
| 800W | 5 min | 2 min |
| 900W | 4 min 30s | 2 min |
| 1000W | 4 min | 2 min |
| 1100W | 3 min 40s | 2 min |
| 1200W | 3 min 20s | 2 min |
Serving ideas
Perfectly steamed broccoli is delicious on its own as a side dish, however you can easily dress it up with a few simple additions. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Keep it simple with melted butter and a light sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper
- Top cooked broccoli with cheese sauce, or for a simple version add some cream cheese on top of the broccoli while it is still piping hot and let it melt over the florets
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top
- Or for a vegan version, sprinkle broccoli with nutritional yeast
Microwave Steamed Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 1 cup water
To serve
- 1 tablespoon / 28.35 g butter
Directions
- Wash broccoli and chop into even-sized florets.
- Place broccoli florets in microwave safe bowl [Note 1]. Add water, and cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid.
- Microwave broccoli on high for approximately 4 minutes for a 1000W microwave, until broccoli is bright green and tender. [See Note 2 for other wattages]
- Leave the broccoli in the bowl with the lid on for two minutes to allow it to finish steaming. Take care when removing broccoli from the microwave, the bowl and the steam will be very hot.
- Serve topped with butter.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe trivet in the bowl if you have one.
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Wattage Cook time Steam time 500W 8 min 2 min 600W 6 min 40s 2 min 700W 5 min 40s 2 min 800W 5 min 2 min 900W 4 min 30s 2 min 1000W 4 min 2 min 1100W 3 min 40s 2 min 1200W 3 min 20s 2 min
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
