Microwave broccoli is so easy to make! The microwave is the easiest and fastest way to steam veggies. Ready in about 15 minutes, it's the ultimate weeknight side dish.
I often make broccoli for my family. Roasted broccoli is caramelized and delicious, but when I have broccoli in the fridge and it's time to start dinner, eight times out of ten, I steam the broccoli in the microwave. It's quick and easy, and when freshly steamed, tender-crisp broccoli is delicious.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact measurements. Here are my comments on the ingredients.
- Fresh broccoli florets: I often buy a bag of pre-washed broccoli florets. But washing and drying the broccoli and cutting it into florets is not difficult.
- To season: Kosher salt and black pepper.
- Fresh lemon juice: It's OK to use bottled lemon juice, but freshly squeezed tastes better.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter.
Instructions
The detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included in the recipe card. Here's a quick overview.
Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup of water.
Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 4 minutes.
Add the dressing, gently toss, and serve.
This recipe worked perfectly, and the broccoli was delicious.
Lynne
Read more comments
This recipe worked perfectly, and the broccoli was delicious.Recipe Tips
- If you use a bag of broccoli, the florets will come in different sizes. Chop the biggest ones to make sure they are all about the same size and will cook evenly.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli. Microwave ovens vary. It's better to undercook the broccoli a little than to overcook it. So start checking after 4 minutes. You can add 30-60 more seconds if needed.
- When I serve it with an Asian-style meal (such as Asian meatballs or soy sauce chicken), I drizzle the broccoli with soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative) and sesame oil instead of butter.
- Another delicious option is dressing the broccoli with this thick and creamy cheese sauce.
- Storage: You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them covered in the microwave at 50% power or uncovered in a 350°F oven (lightly coat them with olive oil spray if using the oven). Or enjoy them cold like antipasti! Sometimes, I add them cold to a salad the next day for lunch. They're great in this arugula salad.
Serving Suggestions
Microwave broccoli goes with anything! It's truly versatile. It pairs well with beef, poultry, and seafood. I often serve it as a side dish to one of the following:
- Butter chicken
- Baked catfish
- Sauteed shrimp
- Tuna patties
- Lamb shoulder chops
- Oven brisket
- Grilled chicken breast, as shown in this photo:
It also makes the perfect side dish for meatless main courses. I love serving it with poached eggs, as shown in this image:
Recipe Card
Perfectly Steamed Microwave Broccoli
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt - or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons butter - unsalted, melted
Instructions
- Place the broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup of water.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
- Remove the plate carefully - hot steam will escape. Drain the broccoli in a colander, transfer it to a bowl, and season it with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- I often buy a bag of pre-washed broccoli florets. But it's not difficult to wash and dry the broccoli and cut it into florets. If you use a bag, the florets will come in different sizes. Chop the biggest ones to ensure they are all about the same size.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli. Microwave ovens vary. It's better to undercook the broccoli a little than to overcook it. So start checking after 4 minutes. You can add 30-60 more seconds if needed.
- You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, they won't be as good as when freshly cooked. They tend to become a little soggy. Reheat them covered in the microwave at 50% power or uncovered in a 350°F oven, or enjoy them cold like antipasti. Lightly coat them with olive oil spray if using the oven.
Nutrition per Serving
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Most recipes are low-carb and gluten-free, but some are not. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate. Please verify it independently. The carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Please read these Terms of Use before using any of my recipes.
Lynne says
This recipe worked perfectly, and the broccoli was delicious.
Vered DeLeeuw says
Yay! I'm so glad this was a success, Lynne!