How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave (Step-by-step Guide & Tips)
You know that eating your vegetables is important for a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s hard to take the time to cook them. Cooking vegetables can be a hassle, but with this easy method, you can steam broccoli in the microwave in just minutes.
Broccoli is a great choice for a side dish because it’s packed with nutrients, and this simple method makes it taste great and is very easy to follow. Broccoli is a versatile and healthy vegetable that is perfect for steaming and can be enjoyed as part of the main dish or as a side dish. So why not try it out today? But how to steam broccoli in microwave oven?
When you’re short on time, steaming broccoli in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of vegetables. In just a few minutes, you can have a plate of steamed broccoli that is perfect for a side dish or addition to your dinner menu. Follow these simple steps on how to steam broccoli in microwave oven.
How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
If you’re looking for a fast and simple way to cook broccoli, the microwave is a great option. In just a few minutes, you can have steaming hot broccoli that’s perfect for side dishes or recipes. This method is simple, healthy, and perfect for busy households.
Steaming broccoli is one of the most effective ways to retain its nutrients compared to other cooking methods. So how to steam broccoli in microwave? Here are some steps on how to cook this green vegetable:
Here we’ll show you how to steam broccoli in microwave using a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Add water to a large microwave safe bowl until you have about an inch in the bottom of the bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough that it will allow for the water to boil without boiling over or overflowing.
Step 2: Cover with a microwavable lid and set aside.
Step 3: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave safe bowl. Add some salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 4: When the water has reached boiling point, carefully place the broccoli into the bowl on top of the lid.
Step 5: Microwave on high heat for one minute intervals cooking until desired tenderness is reached or between four and eight minutes total cooking time depending on how quickly your microwave heats up the food.
Cook on high power for 2 to 3 minutes or until you can easily pierce through one of the larger stems with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave oven’s wattage.
Step 6: Carefully remove the lid, stir, place back in microwave and cook again at one minute intervals until desired tenderness is achieved (usually about five minutes total).
You will know when it’s done because the broccoli should be bright green and tender yet still firm enough to hold its shape – if it falls apart you have overcooked it!
Step 7: When done cooking, remove the dish from microwave carefully using hot pads or tongs because it will be very hot due to moisture buildup inside the container during microwaving process.
Step 8: Remove from microwave and serve while hot. Enjoy!
At this point, you can either serve your broccoli as-is or top it with whatever condiments you prefer. You might also want to season it with salt or other spices before serving.
Steaming vegetables in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare vegetables without all of the work that comes from using other methods such as boiling them on the stovetop or roasting them in the microwave. In just a few minutes, you can have steamed broccoli that is perfect for any meal of the day or as a side dish.
By following these simple steps on how to steam broccoli in microwave, even people who don’t enjoy cooking can have tasty vegetables for any meal. This method is quick, easy, and makes it simple to cook vegetables without all of the hassles.
Steaming broccoli in the microwave is a fast and simple way you can cook this healthy vegetable without having to worry about how long it takes or if you will overcook it. This method is so simple that anyone can follow these steps to steam vegetables in just minutes.
How Long To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
Many people wonder how long to microwave broccoli? It takes about five minutes total to make steamed broccoli in the microwave oven.
When it comes to how long to steam broccoli in microwave, there are several variables.
✅ The size and shape of each head of broccoli will result in different cooking times.
✅ If you prefer your broccoli al dente, then the timing will be shorter than when you want it well cooked.
✅ It will also depend on the wattage of your microwave. A high-wattage microwave will cook faster than one with a lower wattage.
If you want your broccoli to be tender but not mushy, set the power of the microwave to around 40%. If you like it very soft, use 60% or higher. Also, if you prefer your vegetables crispier, then limit the cooking time to only three minutes at 40% power setting.
How To Cook Frozen Broccoli In Microwave
If you’re like many people, you might like to cook a whole bag of broccoli at one time and then store it in the freezer. This way you can grab some broccoli for a side dish or even use it as an ingredient in another recipe.
While frozen vegetables are perfect for microwaving because they are precooked, there are several things to consider when cooking them in the microwave because they have already been partially cooked before being frozen.
✅ Remember that vegetables continue to cook after being removed from the heat source, so you’ll want to take this into consideration when microwaving frozen vegetables.
✅ Also remember that foods containing ice will require longer cooking times than if the items were not frozen.
✅ Make sure to read your microwave’s manual before starting any process or cooking time.
When you are cooking frozen broccoli in the microwave, it is best to cook it on high power. This can result in overcooked vegetables if not done carefully.
Be sure that the broccoli is completely thawed and pat dry before putting it into the oven. Also, be sure that there is no excess water leftover from thawing that may cause your veggies to boil over when cooked with high heat.
If you are cooking broccoli that is frozen, then you may need to cook it a little longer. The microwaves work best when the vegetables are thawed but still cold. You also do not want to add any warm or hot ingredients to the broccoli before placing them in the microwave.
Step-by-step Instruction on How To Cook Frozen Broccoli In Microwave
Step 1: Floret or head of broccoli should be separated from stalks, since stalks require a longer time to cook. If you are cooking entire floret, simply cut into smaller sections.
Step 2: Rinse broccoli under running water thoroughly before microwaving as this reduces the chance of bacteria forming during the heating process. You can also wash them in a collander with a good brush to make sure there’s no dirt present, especially if they were frozen etc…
Step 3: Place cleaned broccoli florets in a microwave safe dish make sure that there is sufficient water to avoid it from catching fire.
You can also add a little bit of water over the broccoli before cooking to steam them simultaneously with microwaving, which will help retain their color and nutrients as well as prevent an unpleasant smell from developing during the process.
Step 4: Cook broccoli on high power for 1 minute per floret or until desired degree of tenderness is reached or as instructed in your microwave manual. Ensure that you don’t overcook them because they may lose their color and become soggy.
Other Things Related To How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
Nutrition Facts Of Broccoli
Broccoli one of the most essential healthy food items today. If you want to know how to steam broccoli in microwave, then you will find these ideas and tips very helpful and beneficial.
The fact is, broccoli has a lot of health benefits that you can get from it. You can get more vitamins and minerals from this green vegetable such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and iron.
Broccoli is a healthy vegetable that contains high levels of Vitamin A and C as well as Iron and Folic Acid which are all essential for good health.
It can be eaten raw in salads or lightly steamed to retain maximum nutrition. There are many ways to cook this low calorie veggie but remember to avoid overcooking as the nutrients will be destroyed and cooking times vary depending on how you wish to eat it.
Every 100 grams of broccoli has 35 calories, 5 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber and 2 grams protein. And also it provides 110% of Vitamin C or 137% of Vitamin A recommended daily intake. It is also an excellent source of antioxidants such as carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin which help prevent cell damage from free radicals. It is also packed with potassium, calcium, folate and phosphorus.
So how do you cook Broccoli?
Steaming broccoli in the microwave is one way to make sure that the nutrients are not destroyed during the cooking process. Here are some other facts about this vegetable:
✅ Broccoli does not provide saturated fat or cholesterol but only 0.1 g per cup.
✅ But it does provide dietary fiber at 3g per cup, which helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
✅ It also contains glucoraphanin that can boost your body’s glutathione level which is known to fight against cancer cells.
Is Microwave Broccoli Healthy?
You already know how to steam broccoli in microwave and how long to steam broccoli in microwave, but have you ever wondered if it’s healthy to microwave broccoli?
If you are looking for something different or if you want to add more vegetables to your diet, try microwaving broccoli. Of course, it is not as good as raw broccoli, which provides nutrients that would be lost in the process of microwaving.
However, steaming or microwaving broccoli helps retain some of its nutritional value and adds variety to your menu.
By removing moisture from the food, microwave cooking removes more nutrients than conventional cooking. Microwave ovens produce dry heat and destroy more of the vitamin content in vegetables than other methods.
In one study, microwaved broccoli lost up to 97 percent of its antioxidants. However, steaming or boiling also destroys some nutrients, while stir-frying retains even more because the food is only cooked briefly.
Microwave cooking has been associated with a number of health problems including an increased risk of cancer because microwave ovens use non-ionizing radiation to cook food.
Microwaves work by using extremely short electromagnetic waves that penetrate deep within the food and cause water molecules inside it to vibrate, thus heating the food.
While microwaves were not used in cooking until the twentieth century, humans have been using fire for cooking and baking since prehistoric times. Microwaves cook food quickly by bringing water molecules to a boil faster than conventional ovens do, which reduces the time needed to prepare most foods.
However, there is also concern that microwaves cause chemical changes in food and leave carcinogens behind when they are cooked at high temperatures or for too long.
One study linked microwave cooking and cancer and another linked it to cataracts; however, many of these studies involved animals rather than humans so more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about their effects on people.
The FDA has approved microwaves for use because other types of cooking are potentially more hazardous. While microwaves are convenient, they may not be as healthy as people think.
Tips on How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
There are several tips for steaming broccoli in the microwave that you will want to keep in mind when preparing this oh-so-healthy vegetable.
✅ If you have a microwave with many different power levels, use the lower settings for optimal results. This will help cook the vegetables without drying them out or overcooking them.
✅ To prevent water from boiling over, place a bowl of water in the oven while cooking or fill a dish with just enough water to come up about two inches on the side of your plate. The steam from this water helps create a moist environment for cooking and helps stop foods from drying out too quickly under high heat.
✅ Be sure to set a timer when making steamed broccoli in the microwave so you don’t forget about it and burn yourself or ruin a meal. This is a good idea even if your microwave has a built-in timer, as some ovens have been known to malfunction or turn back on after being turned off.
✅ If you are steaming broccoli with cheese on it, always be sure to sprinkle the cheese on immediately after removing your food from the oven so that the heat of the broccoli does not ruin the texture or flavor of your cheese.
✅ If you prefer a crispy exterior and tender interior when cooking veggies such as broccoli, try stirring it halfway through cooking time. It is best to use a sturdy spoon rather than tongs for this unless you want to risk losing half your broccoli by dumping it out onto a plate!
✅ Fresh broccoli works best for steaming in the microwave. Frozen vegetables can be used, but they require longer cooking times to achieve desired results due to the pre-cooking that takes place during freezing.
✅ Vegetables such as broccoli take longer to cook in the microwave than meats or other items. Keep this in mind when planning a meal that includes both microwaved and conventionally cooked foods.
After learning how long to steam broccoli in microwave, you can save time preparing vegetables for your meals by following these simple steps on how to steam broccoli in microwave to get the perfect results every time.
Whether you are cooking fresh or frozen broccoli, taking the proper precautions can result in perfectly cooked vegetables that everyone will enjoy.
What To Serve With Microwave Broccoli?
Microwave broccoli is delicious on its own and can be served as a side dish. You can also add your favorite ingredients, such as cheese or seasonings, to the vegetable before cooking it in the microwave.
Here are some ideas for things to serve with microwaved broccoli:
✅ Cheese – top your steamed broccoli with grated Parmesan cheese or other cheeses such as feta or mozzarella. Stir the grated cheese into the broccoli after cooking so that it does not lose its texture and turn rubbery from cooling too long.
✅ Bacon bits – sprinkle bacon bits over your cooked broccoli to give it a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
✅ Seasonings and sauces – pour barbecue sauce over microwaved broccoli or add seasonings such as cayenne pepper, oregano and lemon juice to your vegetables before cooking.
✅ Fresh cut herbs – chopped fresh parsley, thyme or rosemary make a flavorful addition to microwaved broccoli. You can also try sprinkling the top of steamed broccoli with Italian seasoning or other dried spices.
Here are some great recipes for side dishes that you can serve with steamed broccoli in the microwave:
✅ Cheesy Broccoli Smothered in Cheese Sauce – this cheesy dish is a yummy way to get your kids to eat vegetables. Try serving microwaved broccoli with Mexican-style dishes like tacos or burritos, too!
✅ Parmesan Garlic Asiago Broccoli Recipe – combine three different types of cheeses with garlic and seasonings for a delicious flavor combination. You can also add bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs before baking the mixture in the oven for crispy bits on top
✅ Creamy Crock Pot Cheddar Ranch Broccoli Soup Recipe – this soup recipe includes bacon bits, a creamy texture and a cheddar cheese base
✅ Buffalo Ranch Broccoli Cauliflower Slaw Recipe – use your microwave to cook the broccoli stems while sautéing buffalo sauce and other spices in a pan. Top with ranch dressing for a tantalizing meal
✅ Broccoli Feta Recipe – add feta cheese and toasted almonds for a tasty combination of flavors
After you know how to steam broccoli in microwave, but you have no idea how to make your steamed broccoli more delicious, here is for you. With these ideas, you can apply today to make meals more enjoyable for your family.
How to Store Leftover Broccoli
All you have to do is place the leftover broccoli in a container, put it in the fridge and enjoy another day. If you have a large amount of leftover broccoli then you will need to store it properly in the freezer.
Some people freeze their broccoli but cooking it that way can be dangerous because it may not always stay fresh inside when stored for long periods at minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
It is best to freeze cooked broccoli when it is still warm and use within two months. The low temperature does make the texture change and this can affect your ability to enjoy your meal even if they look fine on its surface. One trick would be to serve already frozen leftovers with melted cheese sauce over them, no one will notice anything amiss.
You don’t have to worry too much about freezing cooked broccoli, as you already know how to cook frozen broccoli in microwave above, just follow our instructions and tips, your broccoli will still be fresh and delicious.
How To Keep Broccoli Fresh For Long Periods Of Time
The best way of keeping broccoli fresh for long periods of time is to use a vacuum sealer. This is the only viable option because there are no other storage solutions that will not cause your vegetables to wilt, rot or develop mold if they are kept at room temperature for more than two days at any given time.
Another good option is to opt for the freezer especially if you have a large family or cook in bulk often. Freezing food can be dangerous because some items go bad faster inside the deep freeze which means you need to learn how to freeze food properly so it remains fit for human consumption.
How Clean And Prepare Broccoli Before Freezing
Before you clean or process broccoli you will need to wash it thoroughly. Make sure that there is no dirt on the exterior and properly dry it with a paper towel before cutting small stalks into florets.
Next, you can remove larger stalks from your florets but keep in mind that some of them might have been exposed to pesticides so you should be careful when cleaning any vegetables including broccoli.
There are three ways on how to prepare Broccoli for freezing: blanching, drying and submerging in oil.
✅ Blanching broccoli means boiling it for five minutes before transferring immediately into ice cold water after which dry the blanched food using paper towels before placing them inside freezer bags or containers of your choice.
This is the best way to preserve broccoli because it will come out great once you cook it later on. You can also use your microwave to blanch vegetables before freezing them but this might affect the final product so make sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions before attempting this option.
✅ Drying broccoli through a salad spinner is another way on how to freeze broccoli. If you don’t have a salad spinner, use rolled up paper towels to absorb moisture from the blanched veggies.
You can also use brown paper bags instead of paper towels but make sure there are no ink stains because these will leach into your vegetables and this is definitely
✅ Submerging in oil is a great way to prepare broccoli before freezing and can be done by first blanching your ingredients and then mixing them with water, half a tablespoon of olive oil and salt.
Place the mixture in freezer bags or containers before submerging said items into liquid nitrogen so it will remain fresh for as long as possible.
FAQs on How To Steam Broccoli In Microwave
Is it bad to cook broccoli in the microwave?
However, microwaving broccoli will cause its texture to change so do not use it as a long term solution for keeping veggies edible. You can use the microwave to thaw frozen broccoli before adding it to a casserole dish and cooking it in your oven so you will have a delicious meal ready by dinnertime.
How long to microwave broccoli?
How do you steam broccoli in a strainer?
Simply place the strainer in the tall pot so it sits above the water but not touching it. Add your vegetables on top of the grid after which you can cover the pot and wait until your veggies are cooked to perfection.
Steaming broccoli will only take up to five minutes so make sure not to overcook it because this can strip valuable nutrients from its composition.
How to steam broccoli in microwave without a steamer?
If there’s too much water in the microwave, simply drain it into a medium-sized bowl and then return your florets to the oven before cooking again. It is also recommended that you divide broccoli evenly between two plates so as not to overcrowd them as this can cause uneven cooking.
How do you microwave broccoli without a microwave?
1) The first one is by using a stovetop to boil water before adding broccoli florets and letting it cook for about five minutes. After this, the steaming time will be reduced to two or three minutes which makes this method ideal if you need an easy way on how to cook broccoli without a microwave.
You can also fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil and add broccoli florets to cook for four minutes before transferring them in an ice bath composed of cold water plus some ice cubes so the color is retained more easily.
2) Roasting your vegetables on high heat can also be done using a grill or oven at home so take advantage of these cooking tools to prepare broccoli for your daily meals.
Conventional methods work best with broccoli but if you want to use a microwave then make sure to use it in small doses and follow the tips above for superior results.
How do you steam broccoli in a Ziplock bag?
You can also add other things to your Ziplock bag such as spices, butter or lemon juice to enhance the flavor of your veggies even more. Note that this method is not recommended for long periods of time because microwaves tend to cook broccoli very quickly which cannot be avoided when using this cooking tool.
How do you microwave broccoli without it smelling?
Another useful tip on how to cook broccoli without it stinking up your home is by adding a little bit of lemon juice before microwaving your veggies. The acidity in this citrus fruit is known to absorb the smell of broccoli very effectively so you can also add some slices from it directly on top of the vegetable to enhance its flavor even more.
What are some good ways to cook broccoli?
You should also consider how you’re going to cook your broccoli because this will determine what tools to use. For example, boiling is best done on a stovetop or in an electric kettle while steaming is easier when using a microwave oven.
Broccoli can also be cooked in different ways such as stir-frying, grilling and baking so it can take on various sizes and shapes upon cooking. This means that you’ll get to explore different ways how to prepare broccoli so you can come up with new recipes for this healthy vegetable.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. How to steam broccoli in microwave and how long to steam broccoli in microwave. These tips should help make your microwaving experience a little easier (and hopefully a little less messy).
Steaming broccoli in the microwave is quick and easy, but there are a few tricks that can help you make sure it doesn’t come out waterlogged or overcooked.
✅ The first tip for steaming broccoli in the microwave is to use an open container like a glass Pyrex dish with high sides so that steam has room to rise.
✅ Second, don’t cover your food while cooking because this will trap too much moisture inside which could cause your vegetables to become soggy instead of tender-crisp.
✅Third, be mindful of how long to microwave broccoli! Most microwaves have preset settings for specific foods.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a healthy side dish or breakfast without having to turn on your oven or stove. Have you tried microwaving broccoli before? What tricks do you have up your sleeve for making this process even easier? Let us know in the comments below.
We hope that you found this guide on how to steam broccoli in microwave helpful. If not, be sure to check out our other cooking guides for more tips and tricks. And as always, if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to us. Thanks for reading!
Further reading
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