How Long Do You Cook Broccoli For In The Microwave

April 27, 2021 Last Modified: July 20, 2021 By

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There is simply no easier cooking method than to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for perfectly cooked broccoli in a flash! It's a great go-to side dish when you need to get something on the table quickly! Plus, the broccoli turns out wonderfully!

Perfectly cooked steamed broccoli served after cooking in the microwave. — Your vegetable side dishes get a whole lot easier when they are steamed to perfection in the microwave like this broccoli!

Perfectly Tender Microwave Steamed Broccoli in Minutes

Just because a recipe is simple does not mean it is less than perfection. Just like my amazing microwave carrots and microwave acorn squash, microwave steamed broccoli is a quick and easy way to get a plate of veggies prepped in a flash!

After all, why have a microwave oven if you are not going to make the most of it? Life is hectic, so cut down your cooking time when you can!

Jump to:

🥘 Ingredients
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
🍴 What to Serve With
🥡 Storing & Reheating
📋 Recipe

There is nothing more delightful than broccoli cooked just right . Sure, some of my more advanced recipes have that gourmet edge and excitement but sticking to the basics can be just as rewarding!

When I simply do not have the time or energy to experiment or get too involved in something consuming, my go-to steamed broccoli in the microwave never disappoints and it is always delish! It's so easy and it retains enough texture that it's not turned to mush - like what happens when you steam broccoli on the stove top for too long.

If you also have family that prefers their broccoli served a little softer, do what I do! Set your serving aside and return the rest of the broccoli to your microwave for a quick additional 1 or 2-minute heating and everyone's happy!!

🥘 Ingredients

If you have a microwave oven and a microwave-safe dish, you are pretty much set in terms of equipment needed. As far as ingredients go, this one's a winner, as there are just a few items you will need to make microwave broccoli. Simple but fantastically tasty!!

Broccoli (yields about 3 ½ cups of florets plus 2 cups of stems) – This amount should make about 4 servings.
Water – The steaming element makes the broccoli so light and tasty.
Butter (salted butter optional) – A pat of butter always adds a special touch.
Salt & Pepper – To taste. Liven it up or stick to the natural flavor of the veggie.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

This steamed broccoli recipe is a cinch! Plus it is the FASTEST way to get veggies on the table!

Place the washed and trimmed broccoli florets in your microwave-safe dish with 3 - 4 tablespoons of water.
Cover the dish with its fitted lid or set a microwave-safe plate over the top of the dish. You can also use plastic wrap. This will keep the steam in. Microwave on high for 2 ½ minutes, give it a stir and check for tenderness. Cook the broccoli a while longer if you like your florets more tender, for about a minute. Go longer if you want them even softer. I like mine to still have some firmness or 'bite' to them. *If using plastic cling film to steam your broccoli in the microwave, I like to leave a small 'vent' spot where the steam can escape.
Remove the broccoli from the microwave, drain off the excess water, toss with the butter, salt, and pepper if desired, and serve. What a snap!

🍴 What to Serve With

Broccoli goes with just about anything, so enjoy it with your favorite main dishes. Serve it as a side for my smoked beef roast, grilled chicken fettuccine alfredo, reverse sear tomahawk steak, or cast iron pork chops for a delicious meal!

You can also top a baked potato with cheese, bacon bits, and broccoli, use it as a homemade pizza topping or toss it into pasta, soups, or salads. Enjoy!

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Store any remaining steamed broccoli in an airtight container for up to 4 - 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure that your microwave steamed broccoli is fully cooled before storing it in the fridge.

Freezing Cooked Broccoli

To freeze cooked broccoli leftovers, make sure that the broccoli is fully cooled. Then store it in an airtight freezer container or plastic freezer storage bag.

The frozen cooked broccoli lasts for up to a year with great results (however, it can last longer). I always find that my best results are yielded when I use the stored broccoli within the first 9 - 10 months.

📋 Recipe

Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 77 kcal

Prep 2 minutes

Cooking 5 minutes

Total Time 7 minutes

Pin Recipe

▢ 1 large broccoli (1 large head of broccoli yields about 3 ½ cups of florets plus 2 cups of stems)
▢ 3-4 tablespoon water
▢ 1 tablespoon butter (salted butter - optional)
▢ each, salt & pepper (to taste - optional)

Place washed and trimmed broccoli florets into microwave-safe dish with water.
Cover your dish with a fitted lid, or set a plate over the top of your broccoli. Microwave on high for 2 ½ minutes, then stir and check for doneness. Continue cooking in 1-minute increments until the broccoli reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Remove from your microwave when done. Toss with optional butter and seasoning then serve immediately.

Course vegetable side dish

Cuisine American

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Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

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