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- Steaming is a quick and healthy cooking method that yields bright and crisp broccoli.
- If you don't have a steamer, you can still steam broccoli in a skillet or the microwave.
- Check for doneness often to avoid overcooked, mushy broccoli.
- Visit Insider's Home & Kitchen Reference library for more stories.
Broccoli is beloved and reviled in equal measure, but it's undeniable that the vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse. It's a versatile add-on that can get roasted, boiled, or sautéed – but the easiest, quickest, and healthiest preparation is steaming.
"Steaming broccoli preserves more of the nutrients compared to boiling. It's an easy and fast way to make the broccoli tender without needing to add any oil," says Liz Thomson, cookbook author and blogger behind I Heart Vegetables.
There are few different set-ups you can use to steam, so don't fret if you don't own a steamer basket. Use one of the following methods for perfectly cooked broccoli.
On the stove
A steamer basket on the stovetop is the most common method used for steaming broccoli florets. Any kind of steamer will work, as long as it fits inside your pot and allows the lid to close. "Stainless steel steamer baskets are a good option because they're durable and easy to clean," says Thomson. Plus many models are collapsible, making them easy to store.
Using a skillet
If you don't own a steamer, Thomson says you can quickly and easily cook broccoli in a skillet. "The results won't be quite as crisp as traditional steaming, but it's an easy way to cook broccoli with minimal equipment." All you'll need is a skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
In the microwave
If you'd rather not turn on the stove at all, turn to your trusty microwave. It'll provide results similar to the skillet method.
Tips and tricks for steaming broccoli
- For crisp steamed broccoli: Thomson warns against overcooking the vegetable and recommends periodically checking the doneness with a fork. You should be able to pierce the broccoli with a fork but with resistance - if it easily slides through, you've already gone too far. For extra crispy florets, start checking before the cook time is up. Using a steamer basket is the easiest way to achieve crisp-tender broccoli.
- For soft steamed broccoli: If you like softer broccoli, steam for a little longer. Thomson recommends adding one or two minutes on to the cook time. "I don't recommend cooking it for more than seven minutes, as it will become too soggy." Steaming broccoli in a skillet or in the microwave tends to produce softer results.
- Don't forget to season: Steamed broccoli can be a bit bland if left to its own devices. You can amp up the flavor by incorporating some simple additions, like salt and pepper. Thomson notes "steamed broccoli is delicious paired with strong flavors like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese."
- Store in the fridge: Steamed broccoli will keep for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge. If you're meal prepping and plan to reheat, undercook the broccoli a bit so that it doesn't turn to mush at lunchtime.
- Skip frozen: While frozen broccoli is convenient, Thomson doesn't recommend steaming it. It's best reserved for adding directly to soups and casseroles. "It's difficult to achieve a crisp texture when steaming frozen broccoli. If you like a little crunch, I'd recommend sticking to fresh broccoli," says Thomson.
Insider's Takeaway
Steaming is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare fresh broccoli. While a steamer basket is convenient, you can also steam the veggie in a skillet or the microwave with good results - just avoid overcooking or you'll end up with mush. Season well and enjoy as a side dish, in a salad or stir-fry, and more.