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Microwave Broccoli

A simple recipe for microwave broccoli, the easiest way to prepare the vegetable, simply dressed with melted butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Microwave Broccoli

Microwave broccoli is by far the easiest way to prepare broccoli.

I have quite a few broccoli recipes on this blog, some more elaborate than others. I make all of them – I really like broccoli.

But I’ll be honest with you. When I have a head of broccoli in the fridge or a bag of broccoli florets, and it’s time to start dinner, 8 times out of 10 I use this recipe. Part of it is that, just like you, I’m lazy 😉 . Another part is that freshly steamed, tender-crisp broccoli is so delicious!

How do you microwave fresh broccoli?

It’s easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. But basically, you place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little water. Cover, and microwave on high for 4 minutes.

I dress the broccoli with the simplest dressing. A squeeze of lemon juice, a little melted butter or a drizzle of olive oil, coarse salt and black pepper. As long as the broccoli isn’t overcooked, it’s delightful – tasty, fresh, and crisp.

Is it bad to cook broccoli in the microwave?

On the contrary! A clear advantage of cooking broccoli in the microwave is that it’s a healthier cooking method compared to boiling in water. No nutrients are lost in the cooking water.

What to serve with microwave broccoli?

With anything! It’s such a versatile side dish. It goes with beef, poultry and seafood. It can also make a great side to vegetarian dishes. I often serve microwave broccoli as a side to baked catfish, butter chicken, spicy shrimp, and cheeseburger casserole.

Can I keep the leftovers?

You can keep leftovers for 3-4 days in the fridge, in an airtight container. But they won’t be as good as when served fresh. They tend to become soggy.

Microwave Broccoli
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5 from 42 votes

Microwave Broccoli

A simple recipe for microwave broccoli, the easiest way to prepare the vegetable, simply dressed with melted butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: broccoli
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 84kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Place the broccoli in a large microwave safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup 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. Season the microwave broccoli with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice and melted butter. Serve immediately.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Watch the video - see how easy it is to make microwave broccoli, and how gorgeous the broccoli turns out, vibrant green and perfectly tender-crisp:
NUTRITION INFO Nutrition info is calculated using the SparkPeople.com recipe calculator. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. These numbers are approximate. Please feel free to make your own calculations.
Nutrition Facts
Microwave Broccoli
Amount Per Serving
Calories 84 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 311mg 13%
Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 2g
Protein 3g 6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Microwave Broccoli

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