How to Microwave Broccoli
Say hello to a fast, easy, and healthy side dish! Steaming broccoli in the microwave preserves its brilliant green color and nutrients. The stalks turn tender, yet retain the perfect amount of bite. Who knew eating more veggies could be this easy and delicious? For the best results, steam your broccoli in the microwave using Anyday dishes. Anyday's silicone-lined lid creates an airtight seal, steaming the florets to crisp, tender perfection without the need for boiling or draining.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Large Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups (100g) broccoli florets
Preparation
- Place the broccoli in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
- After straining, cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until broccoli is vibrant green and tender, but not mushy.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Crunchy spice: Mix with chili crisp and sesame seeds.
- Cacio e Pepe: Mix with parmesan cheese, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic brown butter: Top with melted brown butter, garlic salt, and chopped parsley.
- Sweet umami: Mix with fish sauce, chili flakes, and maple syrup.
Recipe notes
- After rinsing the broccoli, don’t dry it before microwaving! The leftover moisture helps the broccoli steam.
- For the most even cooking, stir halfway through the cook time.
- For frozen broccoli, add 1 teaspoon water per cup of broccoli to quickly boost the steam. You shouldn’t need to change your cook time.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Broccoli: 4 Ways
Customize your microwaved broccoli with these recipe ideas.
Cacio e Pepe
Black Pepper + Parmesan
Tangy Chili
Chili Crisp + Soy Sauce + Rice Vinegar
Lemon Butter
Lemon Zest and Juice + Butter
Sesame-Soy
Soy Sauce + Sesame Seeds
Microwave Match Up: Broccoli
See for yourself— microwaving broccoli is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 3-4 mins |
| Oven* | 20 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 20 mins |
Step-by-Step: Microwaving Broccoli
Everything You Need to Know About Microwaving Broccoli
How long does broccoli take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 cup broccoli florets | 1-2 mins |
| 2 cups broccoli florets | 3-4 mins |
| 4 cups broccoli florets | 5-6 mins |
| 6 cups broccoli florets | 6-7 mins |
Not long at all! Fresh broccoli florets take about 3-4 minutes to steam in the microwave. After the broccoli cooks, make sure to remove the lid from the dish. If you keep the lid on the dish, the broccoli will continue cooking and can result in mushy, overcooked florets. Not what we want!
How to cook frozen broccoli in the microwave?
Frozen broccoli florets take about 3-4 minutes to steam in the microwave. This is about the same time it takes to cook fresh florets. When cooked in the microwave, add 1 teaspoon of water to the frozen broccoli to quickly boost the steam.
How to tell when broccoli is cooked through?
Properly cooked broccoli florets are bright green and tender, with a crisp (not mushy) stem. To check if the broccoli is done to your liking, pierce the stem of a broccoli floret with a fork. If the broccoli is resistant, it may need an extra 1-2 minutes in the microwave. For softer, more tender broccoli that is safe for babies and people with trouble swallowing, microwave the broccoli for a minute or two longer.
How to freeze microwaved broccoli?
Like most vegetables, broccoli must be par-cooked before freezing. This will keep the integrity of the vegetable when you’re ready to use it later. First, cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Steam florets for 1-2 minutes in the Anyday, and then lay the cooked florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely, about 5-10 minutes. Pat dry any excess moisture (nobody wants ice-clad broccoli florets!). Freeze the broccoli on the baking sheet for at least 4 hours, and then transfer the frozen florets to a freezer-proof storage bag or portion the broccoli out in an Anytime Freezer Tray. Frozen broccoli should be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
