How, Exactly, Do You Steam Broccoli In The Microwave?

One could argue that there are precious few things a side of broccoli doesn't go with. It's accessible, affordable, and adds a nutrient-rich dose of greenery to just about any imaginable dish. It provides the perfect quick, delicious, healthy side. It can accompany everything from meat and potatoes to mac and cheese or can be added into a bowl of noodles. Broccoli has also been the MVP for busy parents feeding picky eaters since forever, and is just the thing to whip up when you're setting the table and realizing your dinner could use a dose of greenery — and fast. 

Everyone's favorite cruciferous veg is delicious no matter how you prepare it. We love broccoli roasted in the oven, raw or cooked, baked or steamed, or even pureed into sauces and broccoli pesto for a dose of hidden veggie. But when it comes to ease and time-saving tactics, nothing beats the microwave. If you didn't know, you don't even need the time required to boil a pot of water or need to have any cooking oil to perfectly steam broccoli for a side that's ready in minutes. All you need are some washed and chopped florets and a few tablespoons of water, plus a couple of minutes in the microwave. Start slow and add on additional time until your broccoli is perfectly soft but not mushy, and add more time as needed. You can add your seasoning before cooking or leave plain to later douse with your choice of salt, pepper, soy sauce, or hot sauce post-microwave.

For one head of broccoli, use around 2-3 tablespoons of water — not enough to submerge the broccoli in liquid, but just enough to produce steam. Add the broccoli to a microwave-safe container, cover with a lid or plate, and start the timer at two minutes. Check the florets after this point and if they're still too crunchy, continue to microwave in 15-second spurts to avoid overcooking. 

If you don't have a lid that fits your microwave-safe bowl, never resort to using aluminum foil. And if the idea of microwaving plastic gives you pause, an even easier alternative is to skip adding the tablespoons of water. Instead, thoroughly wet and ring out paper towels and drape them over the top of your bowl. The water in the paper towels will provide enough moisture to perfectly steam the florets for the perfect bowl of fresh but well-cooked veggies.

And if you've got a bag of frozen broc — a cost-effective way to keep veggies on hand without the risk of it going bad in the produce drawer — you can follow the same exact steps. (No need to only buy the type that's in ready-to-stream bags.) Simply pour the broccoli straight into a microwave-safe container, topping with either a lid or wet paper towels, and zap. Expect it to take a few additional minutes — around five total — to perfectly thaw and reach the perfect, ready-to-eat texture.