The simplest side dish that goes with literally everything
Steamed broccoli is one of those side dishes I come back to over and over, because honestly? It goes with everything.
Not only is it pretty good for you, it’s also SO affordable and ready in about 5 minutes flat.
Simply prep the florets, pop them in a steamer basket, and you’ve got a bright green, perfectly tender side dish. (And did you know you can also steam broccoli in the microwave??? Motherhood quickly taught me that shortcut. LOL)
So next time you need a quick vegetable to round out dinner, whether it’s my Olive Garden Chicken Marsala or a simple Air Fryer Fish, this is the move!
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- All you need is one large head of broccoli and a pot with a steamer basket. That’s it! If you don’t have a steamer basket, no worries. You can place the broccoli florets directly in the pot with about an inch of water. (Just be sure to drain them well after cooking so they don’t get soggy.)
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Cut the broccoli into florets.
Cut the broccoli crowns off of the large stems, then cut them into bite-sized florets.
Rinse them thoroughly to remove any visible dirt or debris. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Save time by grabbing a bag of pre-cut broccoli florets at the store. They work just as well and cut the prep to zero!
Bring an inch of water to a boil.
Fill a pot large enough to fit a steamer basket with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
No steamer basket? Place the broccoli directly in the boiling water instead. Just drain well when it’s done so the florets don’t get waterlogged.
The steamer basket I use!
I use this OXO steamer basket for pretty much ALL my steamed veggies. (The plastic handle is a lifesaver – you can grab it right out of a hot pot without burning yourself!)
It fits inside most pots and collapses for easy storage.
Steam for 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket and place it in the pot. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and let the broccoli steam for 5 to 6 minutes.
Don’t overcook it! The broccoli should be bright green and just fork-tender. If it turns olive green and mushy, it’s gone too far. (Trust me, I’ve done it.)
Check for doneness and serve.
You’ll know the broccoli is done when it turns bright green and can be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove it from the pot right away to stop the cooking process.
Serve immediately with a little salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. SO simple and SO good.
FAQs
If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place the broccoli directly in the boiling water in the pot. Just be sure to drain it well after cooking so the florets stay nice and firm, not waterlogged.
The simplest way is with a little salt and pepper. But you can also dress it up with soy sauce and sesame oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, garlic butter, your favorite herbs and spices, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce!
Store leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 6–8 months.
What to serve with it?
Steamed broccoli is an easy side that pairs with just about anything. Here are some of my favorites:
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How to Steam Broccoli
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli
Instructions
- Cut broccoli crowns off of the large stems and then cut them into bite-sized florets. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any visible dirt or debris.1 large head broccoli
- Fill a pot large enough to fit a steamer basket with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil. (If you don’t have a steamer, you can always place the broccoli directly into the pot.)
- Add broccoli to the steamer basket and then place it in the pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium, and steam for 5-6 minutes. You’ll know the broccoli is done when it turns bright green and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pot to stop the cooking process and serve immediately.
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Video
Notes
- Prep-ahead: Cut the broccoli into florets up to 1 to 2 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Storage: Keep leftover steamed broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Flash freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for a couple of hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 months.
- Reheating: Warm the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- No steamer? Place the broccoli directly in the boiling water and drain well after cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Broccoli Recipes
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