Learn how to cook broccoli in this step-by-step guide. Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of cooking broccoli like a pro. From choosing the freshest broccoli to mastering these 4 different cooking methods, sautéing, roasting, steaming, and blanching.
HOW TO SELECT THE PERFECT BROCCOLI
Start with the freshest broccoli you can find. Look for vibrant green color, firm stalks, and tightly closed florets. Freshness is key to ensuring optimal taste and nutrition in your dish.
HOW TO PREP BROCCOLI FOR COOKING
Trim the broccoli stems and cut the florets into uniform-sized pieces. This not only ensures even cooking but also enhances the presentation of your dish. Don’t discard the stems; they can be peeled and sliced for a delicious addition to your meal.
HOW TO COOK BROCCOLI – 4 DIFFERENT METHODS
Each of the methods we will be using to cook the broccoli will have a different flavor profile. Choose the appropriate method for the appropriate application. If you are using broccoli in a salad, steaming, blanching, or raw should be your go to. If you are using it as a side dish, sautéing or roasting are the best options.
HOW TO SAUTE BROCCOLI
This method imparts a rich flavor to the broccoli, making it a delectable side dish. Experiment with garlic, lemon, or a sprinkle of parmesan for an extra flavor kick.
Ingredients
- 11 ounces broccoli florets or 1 full head of broccoli
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic, optional, but adds a lot of flavor
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional, but also adds a delicious flavor
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
Directions
- To sauté the broccoli, start by mixing the broccoli along with the salt, pepper, and olive oil directly in your cast iron pan with the heat off. You can use a wooden spoon for that. I prefer to use my hands because it spreads the seasoning more evenly.
- Sauté on medium high for 5 to 6 minutes, or until desired tenderness is achieved. Stir once every one minute to ensure that each side of the broccoli gets cooked.
- Add in the garlic and butter (if using butter). Sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add in the lemon juice, stir to coat, and remove from heat.
- You can now serve and enjoy as an amazingly flavorful and healthy side dish, or just on it’s own!
HOW TO ROAST BROCCOLI
For a more caramelized and crispy texture, try roasting broccoli in the oven.
Ingredients
- 11 ounces broccoli florets or 1 full head of broccoli
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic, optional
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425
- Mix the broccoli with the salt and pepper on a 13×9 baking sheet.
- Bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve as is as a flavorful, roasty, earthy side dish. Or if you choose to, you can season with the 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor a bit.
HOW TO STEAM BROCCOLI
Steaming is a fantastic option if you want to preserve the maximum nutritional value of your broccoli.
Ingredients
- 11 ounces broccoli florets or 1 full head of broccoli
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic, optional
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions
- Fill a steamer pot half way with water, or about an inch below the steamer basket. Heat on medium high heat until it comes to a rolling boil.
- Add the broccoli to the steamer basket while spreading it evenly. Cover and allow it to steam for 3 – 5 minutes, or until desired tenderness is achieved.
- Remove from heat.
- If you are using your steamed broccoli for a salad, rinse it under cold water and drain it, or allow it to cool naturally.
- If you are not using your steamed broccoli for a salad, place in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, butter (optional), and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Serve your delicious and healthy broccoli, and enjoy!
HOW TO BLANCH BROCCOLI
For that vibrant green color and optimal crispness, consider blanching your broccoli.
Ingredients
- 11 ounces broccoli florets or 1 full head of broccoli
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic, optional
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions
- Fill a 3 quart stainless steel pot with 2 quarts water. Bring it to a boil.
- Carefully add the broccoli to the boiling water. Allow it to blanch for 2 to 5 minutes or until desired tenderness is achieved.
- Strain and rinse under cold running water until the broccoli is cool to the touch. Or, strain and place into a prepared ice bath.
- You can now use your blanched broccoli in a salad, drain it well and store it in the freezer in an air tight bag, or season it with salt, pepper, olive oil, melted butter and lemon juice.
- Enjoy your freshly cooked broccoli as a wonderful side dish.
WHAT CAN YOU SERVE COOKED BROCCOLI WITH
These are some of our favorite dishes to serve broccoli with as a side dish:
Gluten Free Peanut Chicken Recipe
Salmon Recipe With Soy Sauce In The Oven
Gluten Free Tuna Cakes Recipe With Mackerel
And of course Rice! Check out this blog post, How To Cook Rice: A Comprehensive Guide For Perfectly Fluffy Grains, to see how you can make the fluffiest rice you can imagine.
Tell Us What You Think!
Cooking broccoli is not just about boiling it until it’s soft. With these versatile cooking methods, you can enjoy broccoli in various dishes, each showcasing its unique texture and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of cooking broccoli will undoubtedly add a healthy and delicious touch to your meals. Try out these methods today and savor the goodness of perfectly cooked broccoli on your plate!
Tells us which one is your favorite method of cooking broccoli.
Let us know if you have any comments or questions down in the comment section below.
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How To Steam Broccoli – Recipe
Equipment
- Steamer pot with a lid and steamer basket
- Serving bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 11 ounces broccoli florets
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic optional
- 1 tablespoon melted butter optional
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Fill a steamer pot half way with water, or about an inch below the steamer basket. Heat on medium high heat until it comes to a rolling boil.
- Add the broccoli to the steamer basket while spreading it evenly. Cover and allow it to steam for 3 – 5 minutes, or until desired tenderness is achieved.
- Remove from heat.
- If you are using your steamed broccoli for a salad, rinse it under cold water and drain it, or allow it to cool naturally.
- If you are not using your steamed broccoli for a salad, place in a medium bowl. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, melted butter (optional), and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Serve as a flavorful and healthy side dish for salmon and rice, or for your picky eaters with our stove top mac and cheese. The options are endless.
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