Ah, steamed vegetables. They’re the healthy side dish we all know and love and it’s hard to imagine a hearty meal without them. The dozens of options available out there make the possibilities nearly endless and this is why it’s so important to learn how to steam each veggie the right way. Broccoli might not be our favorite of the vegetable family, but it’s certainly a popular little guy we should know about. Here at Oola, we have you covered and we’re going to show you how to steam broccoli in more ways than one.
How To Steam Broccoli
The Classic Steamer Basket
One of the more popular ways to steam broccoli — and probably the only way for most — is to use a steamer basket. There’s a good reason why this is at the top of the list: it’s one of the easiest ways to do it.
- Wash your broccoli thoroughly.
- Fill the pot with about one inch of water and place the steamer basket on top.
- Stick your washed broccoli into the steamer basket and cover the pot until the water starts to boil. Steam the veggies for about 6-8 minutes or until they’re tender.
A cool tidbit of information about this method is that you don’t necessarily need a steamer. If you have a colander that fits into the pot nicely then you can use it the same way you would a steamer basket and steam for the same amount of time.
The Unconventional Microwave
When people think of how to steam broccoli, using the microwave is probably the last thing on their minds. But microwaves are a powerful tool that can be used to make a lot of traditional dishes, like eggs or steamed vegetables. It can even be used to make a variety of snacks, so don’t be so quick to turn your back on it.
- Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly.
- Stick your pieces into a microwave-safe bowl (that comes with a lid) and add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
- Cover the dish and steam your broccoli in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Depending on the power of your microwave and how much broccoli is inside, you may need to steam them a bit longer. After 1-2 minutes, if things aren’t to your liking, try microwaving them in increments of 10-20 seconds until the desired tenderness is achieved.
- Be careful when you’re dealing with the dish and testing out the tenderness. You don’t want to burn yourself from the steam.
Once things are all done, be sure to clean out your microwave properly to avoid any lingering odors or bacteria inside.
The Trusty Pan
When all else fails nothing will help steam broccoli quite like the trusted pans in our kitchens. In fact, this is a more commonly used method than the microwave, so you should really try your luck with this one first.
- Wash your broccoli thoroughly.
- Add 1/4 – 1/3 cups of water into your pan and bring to a boil.
- Once the water is bubbling, stick your broccoli inside and cover the pan. Let things steam on low heat for 3-5 minutes.
You’ll want to make sure that you add enough water to create a decent amount of steam. Unlike other side dishes, steaming vegetables also doesn’t bring about any residue or burnt remnants on your pan that you need to worry about cleaning.
Gone are the days of you worrying about how to steam broccoli. These simple methods are the go-to for just about everyone and there’s a method that will help everyone live to their tastes. None of the routes requires a ton of equipment and so long as you have running water or a kettle in your place, you’ll be good to go.
