Easy Microwave Broccoli makes a lightning-quick, healthy side dish. Cooked 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 microwave broccoli 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?
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, steaming 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 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 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 cooked 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:
- Chimichurri Pasta Salad
- Easy Microwave Brussels Sprouts
- Green Beans with Bacon and Onions
- Cucumber-Onion-Tomato Salad.
I hope this broccoli recipe becomes a go-to favorite!
Stay safe. Stay well.
—xoxo Michelle
Easy Microwave Broccoli – Served 3 Ways
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.
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
- 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.
- Microwave on high until crisp-tender (or to your preference), checking every 30 seconds beginning at 2 minutes.
- CAREFULLY remove the colander with the broccoli from the bowl. Drain the water and wipe out the bowl. Return broccoli to the bowl.
- For the Easiest Broccoli or Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli, add the listed ingredients to the bowl, lid tightly, and shake to combine. Serve.
- 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 cupAmount 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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About Michelle F, PhD
Hi there! I'm Michelle, a former scientist turned food blogger and consultant. Throughout my career, I have run up against the challenge of cooking food in as little time as possible during stressful times. I have learned strategies that help me cook good food without the stress, and I'd like to share them with you! Plus, I draw upon my science background (PhD in Physiology, with lots of lab-rat work in biochemistry and microbiology) to inject my writing with nutritional/ biochemical geekery.
Brianna says
Such an easy way to prepare one of my favorite veggies!
Michelle says
Thank you, Brianna! I agree: it's so great to have an arsenal of easy veggie recipes for busy times!
Soheila Hakimi says
Gotta love an easy recipe and I appreciate all the inspo for ways to dress it! Definitely going to try the lemon parmasan idea as its my usual go to for asparagus so i'm sure id also love it on broccoli
Michelle says
Thank you, Soheila! Yes, that dressing is also my favorite way to enjoy asparagus. Thanks for the reminder!
Lillie says
These ideas are very welcome, as we get a giant bunch of broccoli every week in our farm share, and have been running out of ways to prepare it! Love the parm-lemon flavor.
Michelle says
Thank you, Lillie! I love the idea of farm shares: you've just reminded me that I was planning to try one this year!
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious says
I love broccoli and I love how you shared the different ways to serve it!
Michelle says
Thank you, Genevieve! I hope your family enjoys it!
Liz says
I didn't know you could microwave broccoli!! Definitely, something I can teach my husband to do haha!
Michelle says
Ha, exactly, Liz!! This is a husband-friendly side for sure. 🙂
Fiona Maclean says
I love broccoli - actually I think it's better made in the microwave most of the time - less chance of overcooking it
Michelle says
Thanks, Fiona! I agree. I've walked away from a simmering saucepan so many times...and came back to mush. This way, the microwave just turns off!
Dolly @ Little Home in the Making says
Love this idea! Great way to make sure you get a veggie on the table without all the extra time and work needed.
Michelle says
Thank you, Dolly! It has definitely saved my bacon more than once. 😛