How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave, a quick step by step tutorial.
One of the earliest recipes I shared on this blog was my Butter and Garlic Green Beans recipe. At the time, it was my ultimate no-fail lazy-bones vegetable side recipe, and I still love it. It’s also one of the most popular recipes on the site, so clearly you guys love it too.
But since then, I’ve found an even EASIER, LAZIER vegetable side, one that requires me to turn on neither oven nor stove: Microwave-Steamed Broccoli.
Yup, did you know you can steam broccoli in the microwave? Because you can, and it’s GREAT. It’s great freshly steamed, with nothing on it or even better, tossed in a little butter and sprinkled with salt and pepper.
See Also: The BEST Crispy Oven-roasted Broccoli
On many a night, it has saved me from just eating a slab of meat with nothing else on my plate, because it’s basically zero effort and takes fewer than five minutes to make.
Here’s How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave:
Place chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and pour 3 tablespoons of water over the top.
Cover with a plate and microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, until broccoli is tender.
Be careful when you remove the broccoli from the microwave. The steam will be hot!
Transfer broccoli to a serving dish and serve plain or toss with butter and a little salt and pepper.
And enjoy!
How easy was that!?
For more vegetables in the microwave recipes, try Green Beans in the Microwave, Corn on the Cob in the Microwave, and Cauliflower in the Microwave.
How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli chopped
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon salted butter optional
- Salt and pepper to taste optional
Instructions
- Place chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and pour water over the top.
- Cover with a plate and microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, until broccoli is tender. Be careful when you remove the broccoli from the microwave. The steam will be hot!
- Transfer broccoli to a serving dish. If desired, top with butter, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy!
Grace says
Quickest, easiest and most delicious way to make broccoli! This recipe hack changed my life thank you.
David says
This was so easy and delicious! I microwaved for 4 minutes and it was perfect. I will use this recipe again and again! I used to boil it in water on the stove and it would smell up the whole kitchen. Now with this method no more smell. What a great tip! Thank you!
Kara says
Thank you! I’m staying in a long term hotel and don’t have my kitchen stuff. I usually cook it the same way in a casserole dish with a lid, but I don’t have one here. I do have mixing bowls and a plate! Thanks for making dinner more than canned green beans! BTW I cook it with a couple teaspoons of butter and garlic salt (no extra water beside what drips off from rinsin it). Cook 3 min, shake, cook 3 more. I like mine tender, and not at all crunchy. Thanks again!
Brenda says
This was so easy and delicious! I microwaved for 4 minutes and it was perfect. I will use this recipe again and again! Thank you!
Carole F. says
It’s so easy and delicious this way!! I will be doing it this way from now on. Thank you!
Christine R. says
The sensor on my microwave died. This recipe was a life saver. Broccoli was the right color and tenderness.
Laurel says
1. Thank you for the recipe!
2. Tip for varying flavor – squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
3. Agree with Tim Barr: Anyone, who incorporates “lazy” into a recipe is the BEST!
Tracy says
Lol, thanks, Laurel!!
Jen says
I bought a steamer at Dollar General for 5 bucks. It totally makes cooking broccoli easy as well as asparagus!
Ricardo says
So simply can’t believe I had to google it.
Thanks Tracey
Brian says
Does all the water evaporate?
Tracy says
Some will, but there’s usually a bit left at the bottom of the bowl that you just drain away.