You can make perfectly crisp, steamed broccoli without a steamer. I’m sharing two different techniques you can use, both resulting in a healthy side dish that pairs with just about any meal!
A bit of butter, garlic salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice add so much flavor to your broccoli. Even my kids will eat it when I prepare it this way!
There are a lot of different ways to cook broccoli, but steaming has always been my favorite. It’s so easy to prepare, and is ready in under 10 minutes!
My kids aren’t fans of raw broccoli, but thankfully they will all eat steamed broccoli. They especially love it if I sprinkle it with a generous amount of cheddar cheese. 🙂
Broccoli’s vibrant color makes it so pretty alongside just about any meat or pasta, and it’s such a nutritious vegetable that I try to serve it as often as I can.
Follow these simple instructions for cooking broccoli without a steamer, and get perfect results every time!
STOVETOP METHOD
- PREP – Wash the broccoli in cold water and cut into bite-size pieces. Make sure to cut off the tough end of the stems.
- BOIL – Bring about an inch of water to boil in a saucepan or large pot, depending on how much broccoli you will be cooking.
- STEAM – Add the broccoli to the pot, stem side down if possible. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat down to medium or medium-high heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the florets, and the amount of broccoli you are cooking.)
- SEASON – Drain broccoli and return to the pan. Add the butter and stir until melted over low heat. Sprinkle on the lemon juice, garlic salt, and pepper to the broccoli. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the broccoli is evenly coated.
- SERVE – Immediately serve the broccoli while it is still hot.
MICROWAVE COOKING METHOD
- PREP – Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces. Wash well and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add about three tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with plastic, leaving one small edge open for steam to escape.
- COOK – Place in the microwave and steam broccoli for 3-4 minutes, or until broccoli is a vibrant green color and can be pierced with a fork. Remove from the microwave and drain off the water. (Use pot holders, the bowl will be very hot!)
- SEASON – Add the butter and stir until melted. Sprinkle the lemon juice and seasonings evenly over the broccoli.
Steamed broccoli is definitely best served hot the same day it is made. But if you do have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish for a minute or two.
PRO TIPS:
- No matter which cooking method you use, don’t overcook your broccoli. Nothing is worse than mushy broccoli! If you can pierce it with a fork, it’s done.
- If your pot doesn’t have a tight lid, you will need to add extra water. If too much hot steam escapes, the water can all evaporate and your broccoli will burn on the bottom.
- When removing the lid from the pot or the plastic wrap from the bowl, be careful not to get burned by the hot steam!
VARIATIONS:
- If you don’t want to add extra fat, you can simply omit the butter.
- My family loves the addition of garlic salt and lemon juice, but you can just season your broccoli with salt and pepper.
- You can’t go wrong topping your broccoli with grated cheese or cheese sauce.
Broccoli pairs well with so many dishes! These are a few of our favorites:
- Broiled Tilapia
- Potato Chip Chicken
- Paprika Chicken Recipe
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
- Pecan Crusted Salmon
MORE SIDE DISHES:
How to Cook Broccoli Without a Steamer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh broccoli florets about 4 cups
- 1-2 cups water
- 2 tsp salted butter
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic salt more or less
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Add about 1/2 to 1 inch of water to the bottom of a pot or saucepan . Bring to a boil.
- Add the broccoli and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat, or until broccoli is crisp tender.
- Drain well, put the broccoli back in the pan, and turn heat to low. Shake until the water evaporates.
- Add butter; stir til melted. Sprinkle with lemon juice and seasonings, stirring so the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Next time you need an easy, healthy side dish, follow these tips for steamed broccoli. It’s a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables!
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