Easy Microwave Broccoli – Served 3 Ways

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

Steaming 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.

This simple and fast recipe can be done in under 10 minutes.  

If you prep the broccoli in advance, it can be done in under 5.

And most importantly, it comes out GREAT.

Can you microwave broccoli?

Well, duh. If you noticed the title of this post, you probably accurately guessed the answer to that question.

Of course you can!

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

Steaming allows the broccoli to retain more nutrients than other cooking methods.

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

How to cut broccoli

Before steaming the broccoli, we need to cut it up.

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.

Meal-prep is your friend: you can easily cut up and wash the broccoli florets, then refrigerate in an airtight container until you're ready to use them.

How to steam broccoli in the microwave

Prep your steamer

You can find microwave steamers in any kitchen store, but I use a DIY steamer that consists of a large, BPA-free, microwave-safe bowl with a lid.

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

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

Place inside your microwave.

How long to steam broccoli in the microwave

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 steamed, 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 steamed 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.

Folks, this is SO EASY.

Three ways to enjoy your microwave broccoli

Easy peasy

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 Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, Cucumber-Onion-Tomato Salad—or check out my https://www.flippedoutfood.com/category/side-dishes/.

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

Stay safe. Stay well.

—xoxo Michelle

Continue to Content

Easy Microwave Broccoli – Served 3 Ways

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Easy Microwave Broccoli is done in under 10 minutes—under 5 if you prep the florets in advance! Plus, I share my three favorite ways to serve broccoli.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets

For the easiest broccoli:

• ½ tsp coarse salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

For Broccoli with Cheese

• ½ tsp coarse salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs (optional)

For Parmesan-Lemon Broccoli

• ½ tsp coarse salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Add 1 inch of water to a large, microwave-safe, BPA-free bowl with a lid. Set a silicone (or other microwave-safe) colander inside the bowl, and add the broccoli. Place the lid loosely on top.
2. Microwave on high until crisp-tender (or to your preference), checking every 30 seconds beginning at 2 minutes.
3. CAREFULLY remove the colander with the broccoli from the bowl. Drain the water and wipe out the bowl. Return broccoli to the bowl.
4. For the Easiest Broccoli or Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli, add the listed ingredients to the bowl, lid tightly, and shake to combine. Serve.
5. For the Broccoli with Cheese, add the salt, pepper, and butter to the bowl, lid tightly, and shake to combine. Transfer the broccoli to an oven-safe serving dish, sprinkle with the cheeses and breadcrumbs, and set under a broiler until the cheese is melted. Serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 287.5mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2.5gProtein: 2.6g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate, based on the easiest variation of the recipe. PLEASE NOTE: if you are tracking this information for medical purposes, please consult a trusted external source. Thanks!

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