Easy Microwave Broccoli – Served 3 Ways

This Microwave Broccoli recipe makes a lightning-quick, healthy side dish. Cooked in under 10 minutes. Plus, three serving variations you'll love!

Cooking broccoli in the microwave is a time saver for family dinners during the work week. 

Any little time saving hacks that also produce great results are always welcome…am I right?

I can't tell you how many times I've been minutes away from serving dinner and then realized that I forgot to make a vegetable side-dish.

Microwave broccoli to the rescue!

This microwave broccoli recipe can be done in under 10 minutes.  Or done in less than 5 minutes if you prep the broccoli in advance.

And most importantly, the broccoli comes out GREAT. No loss of texture or flavor when compared to steaming the old fashioned way.

Guess what? This microwave hack can be used to steam asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower too. Or, try it on this vegetable medley!

Can you microwave broccoli?

Yes you can! It is actually the preferred way my family wants it.

Lots of broccoli recipes involve roasting, boiling, or pan-frying—but cooking broccoli in the microwave is incredibly easy and quick.

Added benefit, microwaving broccoli retains more nutrients than other cooking methods.

BONUS: you don't sacrifice on texture or flavor.

How to cut broccoli

Before cooking the broccoli in the microwave, we need to cut it into serving size portions.

My goal is always to make the broccoli florets look as appealing as possible.

As they say, you first eat with your eyes. And broccoli is...BROCCOLI. It needs all the help it can get to make your family want to dig in.

Cut the florets close the base or stem of the broccoli head.  I think that long stems on the florets look the best.

You're welcome to also slice up the main stalk of the broccoli, but you should peel it first. This part is fairly tough.

I save my broccoli stalks for making stocks and soups (like Crockpot Turkey Stock and Instant Pot Vegetable Pho Noodle Soup).

Cut the larger florets in half.  Cut through the stem only then pull apart from the two stem halves so that the top florets can separate naturally.

The goal is to have broccoli pieces that are similar in size so that you ensure even cooking.

Finally, wash your freshly cut florets.

Want to work ahead? Just cut up and wash the broccoli florets, then refrigerate in an airtight container until you're ready to use them.

How to cook broccoli in the microwave

Prep your steamer

You can find microwave steamers in any kitchen store, but I use a DIY steamer. It consists of a large plastic container with a lid and a rubber colander. Make sure that both are microwave safe

I add an inch of water to the bottom of the bowl.  Then set the rubber colander inside of it.

Add the broccoli florets and set the cover loosely on top of the bowl.

Place inside your microwave.

How long to microwave broccoli

My broccoli comes out perfectly when I microwave on high for 3 minutes.

But keep in mind that microwaves are variable so until you figure yours out, I would suggest checking every 30 seconds starting at 2 minutes.

Everybody has their preference for doneness: some like their broccoli completely soft, while others like more of a crunch. We like ours crisp-tender.

I check for doneness by inserting a paring knife into the stem. it should slide in and out easily, but the broccoli should still be a beautiful, vibrant green color. 

Seasoning Broccoli

Once the broccoli is cooked, carefully remove the colander of steamed broccoli from the bowl and discard the remaining water inside. Wipe out with a paper towel.

I prefer to dump the microwaved broccoli back into the same bowl to finish with whatever seasoning or sauce I want.

Then it's a simple matter of lidding the bowl and giving it a few good shakes to mix everything together.

Below are three of my favorite broccoli seasonings.

Folks, this is SO EASY.

Three ways to enjoy your microwave broccoli

Easy peasy . . . Butter, Salt & Pepper

My family's favorite way to eat broccoli is the simplest: tossed in butter, salt and pepper. 

Simple buttery broccoli taste.

Broccoli and cheese

Grate some cheese (I suggest a mix of cheddar and Parmesan) and sprinkle over top of broccoli prepared according to the Easy Peasy method above.

I also love to mix in some panko bread crumbs for additional texture, but this is optional.

Lemon-Parmesan broccoli

My personal favorite riff on broccoli is to toss it with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Experiment with your own broccoli creations!

That's all there is to it! If you're looking for for more variety in your repertoire of easy side dishes, check out:

- Chimichurri Pasta Salad
- Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts
- Green Beans with Bacon and Onions
- Cucumber-Onion-Tomato Salad.
- Keto Ham Salad Spread
- Egg Salad with Relish

I hope this microwave broccoli recipe becomes a go-to favorite!

Stay safe. Stay well.

—xoxo Michelle

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