Fitness / March 26, 2024

Microwave Broccoli Recipe

A quick way to perfectly cooked broccoli every time.

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My family loves broccoli. I feel lucky about this since broccoli is considered a superfood and it tastes delicious. Sometimes I saute it, sometimes I roast it in a hot oven tossed in a bit of olive oil, but sometimes I need a fast, easy, healthy side dish that requires very little fuss or muss and that’s why I love this Microwave Broccoli. In minutes, I can have a bright, vibrant, oh-so-good-for-you veggie that goes with nearly every main course.

The microwave has a pretty interesting history. The core of microwave technology was first invented in England in 1940 and used to detect enemy aircraft during World War II; but then, in 1945, an American engineer discovered its ability to heat foods. By the 1980s, nearly one in four American households owned a microwave oven. Obviously, this appliance has only become more streamlined and modernized as the decades have gone by and now we can cook almost anything in it, including delicious broccoli.

Crisp and tender, Microwave Broccoli could not be easier to make. Once you’ve chopped the broccoli into florets and the stems into chunks (yes, eat the stems–they taste wonderful and are very good for you!), it’s just a matter of a few tablespoons of water and a few minutes and it’s done. Perfectly every time.

One of the things I love best about broccoli is the way it keeps its texture and flavor no matter how I sauce or season it. In this recipe, we recommend butter, salt, and pepper (and it is delectable that way) but one way I love to serve it is with Eggs Benedict because the Microwave Broccoli is spectacular dipped in that homemade Hollandaise Sauce.

Is Microwave Broccoli Healthy?

Broccoli is one of our most healthy vegetables. Not only is it a great source of fiber, but it contains many essential vitamins (like C and K), antioxidants, and phytonutrients that studies have shown possess anti-cancer properties. Microwaving broccoli is one of the healthiest ways to prepare it because the short cooking time preserves nutrients that can break down when heated. Some studies have shown that microwaving broccoli preserves higher levels of Vitamin C than boiling or traditional steaming.

What are the most microwave-safe dishes?

The best dishes for microwaving are made of glass or ceramics. By now, most people know never to put metal or stainless steel in the microwave; these materials can cause sparking or fire or, in the most extreme cases, the microwave can explode. The jury is still out regarding whether plastics, such as Tupperware, are safe for cooking or even reheating in the microwave, as some plastics when exposed to heat can transfer harmful chemicals into the food. So the best bet is to stick with glass and ceramic dishes, and to always look for the designation “microwave-safe.”

INGREDIENTS

1 large head broccoli, chopped
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon salted butter (optional)
Salt to taste (optional)
Pepper to taste (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Chop the broccoli and place it in a bowl with water, ready for steaming.

Microwave

Steam the broccoli by microwaving it covered for a few minutes until tender.

Serve

Carefully remove the hot broccoli, add optional butter, and season to taste.

Enjoy

Serve the perfectly steamed broccoli!

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

You can chop the broccoli and place it in a storage bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before microwaving. Cooked broccoli will last in a airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; to freeze the cooked broccoli, pat it dry and it will last in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Sizing things up

To ensure even cooking, it’s a good idea to cut the broccoli into pieces that are all the same size

salt

Salting the water you use to microwave your broccoli is a good way to add flavor during the cooking process (taste it before adding more salt after it’s done)

Can you microwave broccoli without water?

No…and the reason? Microwaving the broccoli is similar to steaming it on top of the stove, and you need the water to create the steam. But it’s much less water and much less work (no steamers or pots to clean!)

Can other vegetables be microwaved using this recipe?

Absolutely. If you love broccoli and cauliflower together (we do!), you can microwave them together (just make sure to cut both vegetables into the same size pieces). Some vegetables will require longer cooking times in the microwave (ie-Brussels Sprouts) or shorter (ie–Zucchini) but all veggies lend themselves well to this fast and easy cooking method.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, I can’t think of anything that doesn’t go really well with Microwave Broccoli. A family favorite is serving it alongside Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders and Mashed Potatoes, but we also love it with Slow Cooker Beef Brisket and Honey Garlic Insta Pot Noodles (what would I do without all of my amazing appliances?). But the thing about this Microwave Broccoli is that it can be seasoned in so many ways…you could toss it in soy sauce with garlic and ginger and serve it with Asian Salmon or brighten it up with fresh lemon juice for a perfect pairing with Lemon-Pepper Chicken. And don’t forget that classic combo: Microwave Broccoli on top of Vegan Mac and Cheese.

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

Course side

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 3

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 154kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli chopped
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon salted butter optional
Salt to taste optional
Pepper to taste optional

Instructions

Place the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add water.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, using oven mitts to avoid steam burns. Transfer the broccoli to a serving dish.
If desired, add butter to the broccoli, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
DEVOUR!