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    Meals » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Apr 13, 2021 · Modified: Jul 5, 2021 by Dee

    Learn How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for a quick, easy and healthy side dish that takes just a few minutes to make. You only need 2 ingredients for this simple recipe! via @meamel

    Learn How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for a quick, easy and healthy side dish that takes just a few minutes to make. You only need 2 ingredients for this simple recipe!

    Jump to Recipe -
    bowl of microwave broccoli with serving spoon

    Broccoli is one of my family's favorite side dishes. It goes with just about anything, and it's super easy to make. Sometimes I make air fryer broccoli, but I probably cook broccoli in the microwave more often than anything.

    A lot of people frown on this cooking method, but this busy mama would be absolutely lost without a microwave! I use it daily to reheat leftovers and cook vegetables, like microwave baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and asparagus, carrots and cauliflower.

    They all cook so fast in the microwave, and they turn out perfect every time. What's not to love about that?!

    How to Microwave Broccoli

    First, you want to rinse broccoli under cold running water. Then, you need to cut it into florets. I like to trim as much of the stem off as possible since it's the toughest part.

    You can leave the stems longer if you like. Or, you can save the stems to add to Broccoli Cheese Soup and other soups and stews.

    chopped broccoli florets on cutting board

    Next, add the florets to a microwavable bowl or serving dish. That's the other thing I love about this cooking method -- fewer dishes!

    Now, add a couple tablespoons of water. Usually, I just eyeball the water, but it's about 2 tablespoons. These are the only ingredients you really need to steam broccoli in the microwave!

    add water to chopped broccoli in bowl before cooking

    Of course, we like extra flavor. So, I add a little butter and a pinch of salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sometimes, I'll even sprinkle in some soy sauce for extra flavor, especially if Asian food is on the menu.

    Cover the dish with a clean paper towel, plastic wrap (with an opening) or a microwave-safe cover. I have a cover that fits over most dishes -- super convenient!

    broccoli-in-microwave-with-cover

    How Long to Cook

    How long to microwave broccoli depends upon how much broccoli you're cooking and how tender you want it. I usually cook at least 4 heaping cups of broccoli -- sometimes more. We like broccoli tender crisp, so 4 minutes is perfect for us.

    If I'm making more than that, I'll cook it for 5 to 6 minutes. If you only need a couple of servings, say 2 cups of broccoli, try cooking it for 2 ½ to 3 minutes.

    Keep in mind that when microwaving vegetables, they will continue to cook after you take them out. So, try a lower cook time first. You can always cook them longer if you need to.

    cooked broccoli in white serving bowl on table

    How to Store and Reheat

    If you have leftover cooked broccoli, store it tightly covered in the fridge. It should keep for about 4 to 5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave by cooking it for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until it's warm. Total time depends on how much you're reheating.

    cooked broccoli on a serving spoon
    bowl of microwave broccoli with serving spoon

    Steam Broccoli in Microwave

    Published by Dee
    Learn How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for a quick, easy and healthy side dish that takes just a few minutes to make. You only need 2 ingredients for this simple recipe!
    5 from 5 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 4 mins
    Total Time 9 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 56 kcal

    Equipment

    • microwave oven

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups raw broccoli 1 to 2 heads
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1 tablespoon butter optional
    • pinch sea salt, garlic powder, pepper optional

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse broccoli, and chop into florets
      chopped broccoli florets on cutting board
    • Add broccoli florets to microwavable bowl, and add water, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder and 1 tablespoon butter if desired
      add water to chopped broccoli in bowl before cooking
    • Cover with vents for steam, place in microwave, and cook for 4 minutes. Carefully remove cover, stir and serve
      broccoli-in-microwave-with-cover

    Notes

    If you like crisper broccoli, cook for 3 minutes, and add another minute if needed.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 654IUVitamin C: 81mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mae says

      April 20, 2021 at 8:16 pm

      Yay! Great side dish idea!5 stars

      Reply
    2. katerina @ diethood.com says

      April 16, 2021 at 9:06 am

      I love this! SO easy and delicious! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    3. betimicevska @ easyweeknightrecipes.com says

      April 16, 2021 at 9:05 am

      Such a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing!!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Amanda Livesay says

      April 15, 2021 at 4:38 am

      The easiest way to do broccoli! My kids love it.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      April 15, 2021 at 1:56 am

      This Steam Broccoli is absolutely delicious! Yummy!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Krystle Smith says

      April 14, 2021 at 10:52 am

      Yummy this is going to be perfect for the busy weeknights we have coming up.5 stars

      Reply
    7. Joanna says

      April 14, 2021 at 7:13 am

      It came out great! Thanks for this brilliant idea for a quick side dish!

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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