Place the broccoli florets and stems in a microwave-safe dish and pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of water over top. Cover with a dinner plate and microwave on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the lid carefully and check if the broccoli is tender. Microwave in additional 1-minute bursts if necessary.
How do you soften broccoli quickly?
Instructions
- Place chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and pour water over the top.
- Cover with a plate and microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, until broccoli is tender. Be careful when you remove the broccoli from the microwave.
- Transfer broccoli to a serving dish.
- Enjoy!
How long does broccoli take to be cooked?
To boil, place in a pan of boiling water and cook the florets for 6-8 minutes. To steam, place in a steamer over boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes. Broccoli to be stir-fried should be separated into bite-sized florets, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan and add the florets, cook for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
Is it better to steam or boil broccoli?
Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It preserves broccoli’s vibrant green color and fresh flavor without the addition of oil. While boiled broccoli is often soggy, steamed broccoli is characteristically crisp-tender.
How long does it take to soften broccoli?
Place 3/4 to 1 inch of water in a saucepan with a steamer and bring to a boil. (Note that if you don’t have a steamer, you can simply put the broccoli directly into an inch of boiling water.) Add broccoli, steam 5 to 6 min: Add the broccoli to the steamer and cover; reduce heat to medium and let cook for 5-6 minutes.
Is it healthy to microwave broccoli?
Is microwave broccoli healthy? Yes, it is healthy to microwave broccoli. Like most other foods, broccoli needs to be cooked for the nutrients to become available for digestion, the microwave is a safe and effective way to cook it.
Will boiling broccoli soften it?
Ways to Prepare Broccoli
Broccoli can be eaten raw, but blanching it quickly in boiling water helps give it a more crisp-tender texture and bring out its flavor. Broccoli can also be steamed, sautéed, and roasted. You could even throw long spears on the grill!
What is the healthiest way to cook broccoli?
Steamed broccoli may be one of the healthiest ways to cook broccoli because it’s quick and nutrients and vitamins won’t be lost in the cooking water, as can be the case with boiled broccoli.
How long to boil long stem broccoli?
Put a little water into a pan and bring it to a boil. 2. Put the broccoli into the pan, cover and turn down to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 mins or until you can pierce the stem easily with a sharp knife.
How do I know when my broccoli is done?
Harvest the main broccoli head when it stops growing. You’ll know broccoli heads are ready when they’re deep green with small, tightly packed buds. Harvest broccoli right away if it starts to flower or turn yellow. Side shoots will continue growing after the main head is harvested.
How long does it take to steam broccoli?
Add the broccoli florets to a steamer basket, and place it in a saucepan filled with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pan. Let steam for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green.
What can I add to broccoli to make it taste better?
7 Ways to Upgrade Boring Old Steamed Broccoli
- Broccoli with Orange-Chile Oil.
- Broccoli à la Catalan.
- Broccoli with Garlicky Tapenade.
- Steamed Broccoli with Miso Butter.
- Bay-Steamed Broccoli.
- Steamed Broccoli with Ginger and Sesame Seeds.
- Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan.
Why is steamed broccoli so good?
Broccoli is high in many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It also boasts more protein than most other vegetables. This green veggie can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, but recent research shows that gentle steaming provides the most health benefits ( 1 , 2 ).
How do you steam broccoli without it getting mushy?
Bring one inch of water to a boil in your pot. While you’re waiting for your water to boil, use a knife to cut the head of broccoli into florets. Add your steamer basket to the pot and place the broccoli florets on the steamer. Reduce the heat to medium, add lid and steam for 5-6 minutes, for tender crisp broccoli.
How can I cook my broccoli so it’s not mushy?
Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a tablespoon of salt and then add the broccoli and cook until just crisp-tender, 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately add to the ice water to stop the cooking process.
How do you soften vegetables quickly?
Use Your Microwave (The Right Way)
Chop your veggies into even pieces and place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid, plate, or plastic wrap. Add a small splash of water to the dish and microwave in 30-second increments for 90 seconds to 4 minutes, depending on size and vegetable.
Is it better to boil or microwave broccoli?
Boiling leaches the nutrients out. What is this? Microwaving turns out to be the best way to cook broccoli.
Is it better to steam or microwave vegetables?
Does microwaving vegetables destroy nutrients? Water is the enemy when it comes to nutrient losses during cooking. That’s why steaming is one of the best methods to preserve easily damaged nutrients, such as vitamin C and many B vitamins.
Is it better to microwave or boil vegetables?
Microwaves enhance vegetables
But microwaves have three other major nutritional advantages: The short cooking time helps preserve heat-sensitive vitamins (like vitamins C and B9). The internal temperature also goes no higher than boiling which helps preserve the flavor of the vegetable.
Do you rinse broccoli after boiling?
To extend its life, blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes, rinse with cold water, or dunk in an ice bath, then drain and dry well.
How do you boil broccoli to eat it?
How to Boil Broccoli
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Meanwhile, prepare your broccoli.
- When the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high and add your broccoli pieces to the pot.
- Boil for about 5 minutes and test a piece of broccoli to see if it’s cooked enough for you.