Steamed Broccoli Recipe

Steamed Broccoli is healthy, delicious, and has the best texture—it’s not mushy but pleasantly crisp. It is a versatile side dish that goes well with your favorite entrées. Ready in five minutes!

This may be a simple recipe, but it is anything but boring. If you love broccoli, you can make this in just a few minutes with only two ingredients and a pot of water. Drizzled with olive oil for a mild freshness that helps the seasonings stick, you then sprinkle on some red pepper flakes to give it a bit of a kick. Then, salt and pepper to taste before serving it with your favorite meal or dipping sauce. I like to eat mine while they are still warm. No dip, nothing else with them. Just the broccoli.

Steamed Broccoli is a simple but delicious side dish that is packed full of nutrients. What I love about this recipe, is how simple is to make, while being super delicious! I enjoy serving this vegetable steamed with just a little bit of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

Of course, you know that broccoli is healthy, it is one of the super veggies, full of nutrients such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium, Folate, and protein. Therefore, feel free to enjoy this side dish whenever you crave something delicious, yet healthy! This side dish goes well with a lot of main entrées like wine roasted beef tenderloin, roasted pork loin, and best ever grilled chicken!

Steaming it this way is such an easy and wholesome way to enjoy it and preserve its benefits. Since it is unseasoned, you can dress it up as you like. An option would be to add some almonds and butter right after steaming. It adds some crunchiness and flavor to it. I also give it an Asian twist sometimes, by adding soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. 

Why you will love this recipe

• Simple recipe: There are just two ingredients: Broccoli and red pepper.
• One pot: Nothing to clean. Just boil water in a pot. Easy peasy.
• Healthy no matter what: However you serve it, broccoli is healthy.
• Versatile: You can serve it in many ways for many different meals.

What you’ll need to make steamed broccoli

Special items:

• Saucepan – A large saucepan.
• Steam basket – To steam the broccoli.
• Utensils

Ingredients:

• Broccoli – I use two pounds of fresh organic broccoli cut into florets.
• Red pepper flakes – Just a tiny bit of red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness. You can leave this out if you are sensitive to spicy food.
• Olive oil—In this recipe, when I drizzle olive oil onto vegetables I am going to eat or serve, I use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

How to make steamed broccoli?

With a steamer basket

1. Prepare the pot: First, add water to a large saucepan over medium heat and place a steam basket into it.
2. Add the broccoli: Then, place the broccoli into the steam basket.
3. Boil the water: Bring water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce it to a simmer.
4. Cook: Now, cover the pot with a lid and cook for five to seven minutes or until the broccoli is barely ork-tender.
5. Serve: After, serve with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil drizzled on top.

Without a steamer basket

1. Prepare the pot: First, add water to a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Boil the water: Bring water to a boil over medium heat, add a teaspoon of salt and then reduce it to a simmer.
3. Cook: Carefully lower the broccoli florets in the water, and cook for 2-3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green, and barely tender.
4. Drain: Drain well of excess water and serve as preferred.

Expert tip

How to choose the freshest broccoli

Choosing the best broccoli can be difficult if you do not have many farmers’ markets or grocery stores in your area. I am fortunate enough to have several, but some people do not. If you like to eat or cook with fresh fruits and vegetables, I suggest making a trip further out of town to buy produce once in a while. It could be worth the trip. The best way to get your money’s worth is to get the freshest ones.

For broccoli, this usually means looking for dark green compact buds that may even be blue or purple. It should be firm and tight with crisp buds that feel full of water. Avoid yellowing florets and limp or mushy buds that are soft or wilted. The stem should be thick, sturdy, and firm when pressed. It should not have any smell except for maybe a grassy, fresh smell.

A longer stem may be a sign of older broccoli. Also, avoid rubbery and bent stems. When you get it home, wrap it in a dry paper towel and store it in an open plastic bag for no longer than three to five days. Just before using it, wash it under running water and cut off the stem. But do not throw away the stem. You can use it in stews and soups.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Add herbs: Broccoli benefits from herbs like basil, dill, cilantro, chives, parsley, sage, rosemary, and paprika.
• Give it some crunch: To make your broccoli crunchy, toss in some toasted sesame seeds and use sesame oil instead of olive oil.
• Ranch broccoli: Sprinkle a tablespoon of my ranch seasoning mix on your broccoli for a burst of ranch flavor.
• More veggies: I like to add steamed cauliflower and baby carrots to my broccoli for a veggie trio.

Serving suggestions:

Try some of these ideas that my family and I enjoy with this broccoli recipe.

• Add a bunch of this broccoli on top of a pizza with white sauce for an extra delicious topping.
• Toss these in your kids’ lunchboxes to go with their sandwiches and snacks. You can even add a little cup of dip or something special they like.
• Steamed broccoli and Asian dishes go hand in hand, I love it with this crispy orange chicken.
• Go for the classic combo of broccoli, a juicy homemade pan seared steak and some creamy mac and cheese.
• It is also incredible in this broccoli salad. It is full of delicious flavors, like pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, carrots, red onions, pecans, and pine nuts, with a homemade honey lemon dressing.
• Chop it into smaller pieces into a healthy smoothie for a boost of nutrients. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this without a steam basket?

Yes, there are a few ways you can do this. First, you can use a strainer or colander instead of a steam basket. Anything that can handle high heat and is not touching the water will work. Another way is to fill a pot with a half inch of water and then place three balls of aluminum foil in the bottom. Rest a heat-proof plate on top and cover, bringing the water to a boil. Add the broccoli to the plate and steam until tender. Or you can put them in a freezer bag seal it ¾ of the way, and cook them for several minutes. Check and continue cooking if needed.

Why is my steamed broccoli mushy?

The main reason this happens is because it is overcooked. Using a steamer basket is the best way to keep it from getting mushy. However, cooking it too long can still absorb too much moisture even if it never touches the water. Also, add only a little water. You can follow the directions in my recipe, but if your broccoli is smaller than mine or your heat is higher than mine, you may need to cook it for a shorter time. The best thing to do is to start checking it at around three minutes and every minute afterward. Take it out when it is fork tender.

Why is my broccoli bitter?

This can happen if you overcook it, too. However, it may also occur through no fault of your own. The plant’s growing conditions can cause the broccoli to go to seed too soon. Always buy from a reputable grower. If you are growing it yourself, make sure you water consistently. You can fix this by adding lemon juice, garlic, butter, herbs, and spices to tone down the bitterness. Sugar will also help.

Is steaming broccoli healthier than boiling?

Yes, steaming is healthier, as boiling broccoli and other vegetables removes folate and other water-soluble vitamins like C and B1, as well as antioxidants. These nutrients leak into the water and are lost. The longer the broccoli boils, the more nutrients are lost. Steaming retains more nutrients because broccoli is not in direct contact with the boiling water. It is also faster, so it does not have to cook for as long.

How to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Refrigerate for up to five days in a sealed container. 
• Freezing: Pack in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and you can freeze it for several months.   
• Defrost: Thaw leftovers overnight in your refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
• Reheating: You can reheat it in the microwave for one minute.

More recipes with broccoli:

Recipe tips:

• Broccoli should be dark green with compact, tight buds, a sturdy, thick stem, and a fresh smell.
• You can use a strainer or colander if you do not have a steamer basket. Just make sure it does not touch the water.
• You can also place a heat-resistant plate on top of three foil balls in the bottom of a pot of boiling water and put the broccoli on top of that.
• To steam broccoli in the microwave, please place it in a freezer bag ¾ of the way closed for three to four minutes.
• Refrain from overcooking or adding too much water; your broccoli will be mushy.
• If your broccoli is bitter, you can add lemon juice, garlic, butter, herbs, or sugar.