I’ll show you how to steam broccoli that’s perfectly tender-crisp every time – no steamer required! It’s a 5-minute nutritious side dish to serve with your favorite weeknight dinner.
There’s almost nothing worse than mushy, gray broccoli (AKA the vegetable that felt like punishment as a child). But don’t give up just yet! Steamed broccoli gets a glow-up with my foolproof, 5-minute method.
Perfectly tender, vibrantly green, and full of nutty-sweet, earthy flavor, you’re about to become a broc-star with this recipe. Don’t forget to check out all my topping and seasoning ideas in this post to change up your broccoli game into the coolest side dish ever.
Prefer to sauté, roast, or sneak your broccoli in via scrumptious sauce? My Sautéed Broccoli loaded with garlic and lemon, my Skillet Bake with broccoli rabe, and Broccoli Pesto are A+. Simple Sautéed Broccolini is another favorite that’s simple yet packed with flavor.
How to Steam Broccoli
Here’s the easiest way to steam broccoli in just three steps, with no special equipment!
Step 1: In a medium pot, add 1 inch of water and broccoli florets.
Step 2: Bring to a low boil. Then cover and let steam (maintaining that low boil), for 4-6 minutes. Toss halfway.
Step 3: Use a colander or slotted spoon to drain.
Best Toppings and Seasonings for Steamed Broccoli
Looking for some simple ways to dress up your broccoli? Outside of salt and pepper, here’s are my favorite ways to serve steamed broccoli:
- Olive oil or Homemade Butter
- Soy sauce and sesame oil
- Lemon juice
- Avocado Pesto, Gremolata, or Tonnato Sauce
- Balsamic glaze
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha
- Parmesan or feta cheese
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic or onion powder
- French Fried Onions
- Cajun seasoning or chipotle powder
- Toasted nuts
Serving Suggestions to Pair With Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is such a blank slate vegetable, so you can really serve it with just about anything you want! Here are some of my favorite main dishes to pair with broccoli:
- Baked Pork Chops or Orange Chicken
- Tossed into Lemon Pasta or Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Fish Chowder or Black Bean Soup
- Honey Glazed Salmon or Coconut Shrimp
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If you’ve tried this Steamed Broccoli or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
How to Steam Broccoli (Perfect Every Time!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound similar-sized medium broccoli florets
- Water, to steam
- Toppings of choice, (optional) lemon juice, butter, olive oil, seasonings, etc.
Instructions
- In a medium pot, add 1 inch of water. Add in broccoli florets.
- Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Then cover and let steam (maintaining that low boil), for 4-6 minutes. Gently toss halfway through. Broccoli is done when it’s tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- Use a colander or slotted spoon to drain steamed broccoli. Enjoy with toppings of choice!
Video
Notes
- This recipe works for more or less broccoli! Use a smaller or larger pot for less or more florets than a pound.
- Make sure the florets are all about the same size for even cooking.
- To cut broccoli florets (if you don’t buy them pre-cut), rinse, pat dry, and then slice off the large stem. Cut through the base of each floret where it connects to the stem, breaking them into even, bite-sized pieces.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So simple and delicious! Never knew broccoli could be such a beautiful green color and still be fully cooked. 🙂
🙂 So glad I could help!
My kid normally hates broccoli, but I tried making it this way and topping it with your avocado pesto, and he ate it all! What a healthy new snack for him. Thank you!
Ahh love this!! Thanks for sharing the good news!
This recipe may sound like how to boil an egg, but if you want perfectly cooked broccoli try it!
Thanks!
Totally agree – but it’s so worth it, right? Thanks for sharing!
Grace
so incredibly simple and now I can finally say I didn’t make soggy and soft broccoli. THANK YOU FOR THIS.
It’s the best trick, right? Thanks for sharing your experience!
Grace