The best way to cook broccoli in the microwave is to steam it! This is a super simple recipe for microwave steamed broccoli for the next time you need a quick and easy side dish!
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How to steam broccoli in the microwave
Microwave steamed broccoli makes a great side dish for many meals. Steaming it in the microwave is super quick and easy, and a great option if you are short on time.
You need to take a little care to ensure that the broccoli retains its flavor and texture (no one wants over-cooked broccoli!).
How to Prep and What do you need?
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.
You just need a small amount of water, just about half an inch of depth in the bottom of the bowl as you don’t want the broccoli sitting in the water – we just want it to cook in the steam.
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 long to Microwave Broccoli
You will need to microwave the broccoli until the water is boiling and the bowl has filled with steam.
It need to boil continuously for around 3 minutes, and then should be left for at least minute with the lid on to allow the broccoli to finish cooking in the steam.
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 may need to increase or decrease the times a little.
You can estimate cooking times for a different wattage microwave using the chart below:
| Wattage | Cook time | Steam time |
| 400W | 8min | 2 min |
| 500W | 7min 30s | 2 min |
| 600W | 7min | 2 min |
| 700W | 6min 30s | 2 min |
| 800W | 6min | 2 min |
| 900W | 5min 30s | 2 min |
| 1000W | 5min | 2 min |
| 1100W | 4min 30s | 2 min |
| 1200W | 4min | 2 min |
You may need to use a little trial and error to get it exactly right. I would recommend printing off the recipe card below and making a note of how long worked for your microwave to make it easier next time!
Microwave Broccoli
How to steam broccoli in a microwave.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash broccoli and chop into chunks.
- Place chopped broccoli into a microwave safe glass bowl, in trivet if using.
- Add water, and cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid.
- Microwave broccoli on high for approximately 5 minutes, until broccoli is bright green.
- 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.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve topped with butter.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 47Unsaturated Fat: 0g
You may also like:
- Microwave steamed green beans
- Microwave steamed carrots
- Microwave corn on the cob
- Quick and easy cooking
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