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Learn How to Steam Broccoli in Microwave. This easy and healthy side dish takes only 3 minutes and cooks perfectly every time.

Steamed broccoli in a white dish
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My friend Kasey taught me this easy trick on how to steam broccoli in the microwave. The best part it took only 3 minutes to make which makes this the perfect side to many main dishes.

I’ve always steamed by broccoli on the stove, but not anymore. Steaming broccoli in the microwave is EASIER and takes half the time for perfectly steamed broccoli. We love serving this with Pineapple Chicken Recipe.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

Whether you want an easy side dish with lunch or an easy side dish with a crock pot recipe you are set to have a delicious vegetable on your table in under 3 minutes. This is the easiest way to cook broccoli and it’s bright green and crisp tender every time.

It is a healthy side dish that is budget friendly and easy to make. Follow these simple to and Learn How to Cook Broccoli in Microwave.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Seasoning Variations

The spices can be changed to what you prefer. Here are some of our favorite additions that change the flavor.

  • Soy Sauce
  • Garlic Powder
  • Lemon Juice
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Butter

How to Microwave Broccoli

  • Step 1 – Wash and chop your fresh broccoli to bite size pieces.
  • Step 2 – Add the fresh broccoli florets to a microwave-safe bowl and cover the bowl with a lid. I try to avoid plastic wrap in the microwave so make sure to use a microwave safe lid.
Steamed broccoli in a bowl with a plate on top
  • Step 3 – I used my trusty corningware that has lasted for years. For our family I used a 1 ½ quart dish and it worked great. If you are cooking just a single serving then use a smaller container.
  • Step 4 – Cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is the tenderness that you desire.
  • Step 5 – Remove the broccoli from the microwave, season with the salt and pepper and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Chop Broccoli – I like to chop the broccoli right when we get home from the grocery store. Less chopping during dinner times saves me a mess and time in the kitchen.
  • Microwave Safe Bowl – Make sure to use a microwave safe bowl to steam the broccoli.
  • Cooking Time – Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your broccoli. Make sure to watch closely so broccoli does not burn.
Steamed broccoli in a white dish

How Long to Steam Broccoli in Microwave

Place the lid on and microwave on high for 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender. This worked perfectly for our 1.5 quart dish that was pretty much full.

If you are cooking less adjust your time. If you are cooking one serving (about a cup of chopped) then it should just take just 1 to 2 minutes to cook.

Remove from microwave and season accordingly. We love just salt and pepper. You can also add olive oil or cheese sauce if you prefer.

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Serving Suggestions

The ideas are endless with this delicious side dish. It is so easy and we like to keep everything else simple as well.

Some of our favorites include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Add Water to Bowl?

Some recipes call for 1 inch of water to be in the bowl. The microwave brings the water to a boil to steam the broccoli. However, I have tested it and found it isn’t needed.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Frozen Broccoli usually has instructions on how to microwave it. But this recipe, we recommend using fresh broccoli as it cooks in minutes and it does not turn mushy.

How to Store Leftover Broccoli

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The broccolis does get a little softer when it’s store so I prefer fresh.
Reheat it in the microwave in 20 second intervals until heated through.

Steamed broccoli in a white dish with a piece of broccoli on a fork

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Steamed Broccoli in the Microwave, please leave us a comment or a star review.

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How to Steam Broccoli in Microwave

5 from 18 votes
Learn How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave in under 3 minutes. It just takes 3 minutes with no water to make the perfectly steamed broccoli.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 104
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place the chopped broccoli in a microwave safe bowl with a lid. If you don’t have a container, you can use a microwave safe bowl and cover it with a plate. That’s what I did and it worked great!
  • Cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is the tenderness that you desire.
  • Remove the broccoli from the microwave, season with the salt and pepper and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 104kcal, Carbohydrates 20g, Protein 9g, Fat 1g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 391mg, Potassium 961mg, Fiber 8g, Sugar 5g, Vitamin A 1894IU, Vitamin C 271mg, Calcium 143mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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5 from 18 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    Our program does that automatically so I’m not sure, because broccoli doesn’t have that many carbs in it. I will contact the developer for it to get fixed.

  2. Cindy Woods says:

    Hi. I am trying this tonight but I wondered how you came up with 20 grams of carbohydrates? My calculator says 1 serving is 4 g.
    Thanks.

  3. KP says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious. I cooked it in my old Pampered Chef steamer for 4 minutes. It was perfect. Thanks for this quick and easy recipe. My husband commented on how good it was.

  4. Carrie says:

    Yum that sounds delicious!

  5. Teresa Neff says:

    I have been cooking my broccoli in the microwave for years. Try adding a little garlic salt and fresh lemon!

  6. Paul Machtolff says:

    Broccoli worked extremely well. Any other suggestions on seasoning?

  7. Linda Hahn says:

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You are helping me so much! My daughter, her partner, and my 2 Grands are moving in with us in October. I’m used to cooking for 2 people but soon it will be for 6. I’m downloading all of your crock pot recipes and I really appreciate the 10 freezer meals that you sent. (Never tried pre -frozen meals before.) I’ll let you know how it all turns out! (3 of them are picky eaters)!

  8. Carrie says:

    Yes, I think so – Thank you!

  9. Brian & Glenda Hagerman says:

    I guess this would work for Cauliflower as well?

  10. Carrie says:

    Awesome – I’m glad it worked out.

  11. Bonnie Michaelsen says:

    This worked great!! The broccoli was nice and tender but not mushy at all. I doubted the no water but I was wrong. I just cut the broccoli into florets and put it my Pampered Chef microwave cooker that has a vented lid and it worked perfectly!

  12. Carrie says:

    Kim – No I don’t add any water to it. It’s so easy!

  13. Kim says:

    Any water added?

  14. vickie says:

    I love all your .
    recipes . Thanks

  15. Chrissy says:

    Do you put any water in it? I didn’t see any mention of water on the recipe, but I’ve only seen steaming recipes with water.