Follow our easy guide for how to steam broccoli in a microwave. A quick and easy side dish, this microwave broccoli goes with almost anything. Perfect broccoli every time, in just 5 minutes.
Did you know that you can cook broccoli in the microwave, and it's actually quicker than doing it on the hob? You still get perfectly cooked broccoli, but quicker and easier.
If you are looking for other broccoli recipes, then why not try our Broccoli Pasta Bake, Broccoli and Stilton Soup, Broccoli Salad, Quick Broccoli Pasta?
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Why You Will Love It
- Quick - Cooking broccoli in a microwave is quicker than cooking it on a hob, so we think this is the best way to cook broccoli. It takes just 5 minutes.
- Easy - No need to keep an eye on this and no stirring needed. Just put it in the microwave and leave. You can then serve it in the bowl it was cooked in too.
- Cheaper - Using a microwave is cheaper than a gas hob, especially if you are just cooking small portions.
- Good for smaller portions - This is a great recipe if you are just cooking for one.
- Healthy - Cooking broccoli in the microwave is actually healthier, because boiling it removes a lot of the nutrients. Steaming broccoli in the microwave helps to hold on to the nutrients.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Broccoli - The star of this dish. To make this the best it possible can be, then try to choose the perfect broccoli. Choose a broccoli head with tight, green florets and firm stalks. Your broccoli should feel heavy for its size. Avoid broccoli with dried out or browning stem ends or yellowing florets.
- Water - This is what the broccoli steams in the microwave.
- Salt and pepper - Generously season.
Variations
We served our microwave broccoli with some butter and a generous amount of salt and pepper. However you could also add some Parmesan and red chilli flakes.
A big splash of soy sauce is a nice way to flavour it, and that is delicious on top of some noodles.
How to Make Microwave Broccoli - Step by Step
- Step 1: Put the broccoli into a microwave safe bowl. Pour the water over the broccoli.
- Step 2: Cover with a plate and microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
Why use a Microwave to Cook Broccoli
Microwaves have received a bad reputation over the years. They have been called lazy and they have been called dangerous. But, if you are looking at these recipes then I am guessing that you don't believe either of those, and neither do we. Let's dispel those myths.
Firstly, there is no real evidence that shows that microwaves are dangerous to your health. You will find a lot of information on the internet to say they are, but nothing scientifically proven. Studies have shown that using a microwave might be better at preserving nutrients than other cooking methods.
Microwaves are for lazy people? Nope! That is such an ableist thing to say. There are many reasons why people might use a microwave as a convenient method of cooking, such as not being able to stand at the cooker for any length of time.
Also, microwaves tend to cook things much quicker, which is perfect for those with less time in the kitchen and you also don't usually need to do any stirring, which is perfect if you need something you can just put in and leave.
Sometimes the microwave can be a bit of a life saver. If your oven breaks, or you are having your kitchen renovated, you need to be able to make meals with just a microwave. Maybe you are living in accommodation with no/limited cooking facilities like a hotel/studio/student halls. We want to show just what you can do with a microwave. We also love them for smaller portions.
We have a full section of microwave recipes for you to try.
Serving Suggestions
This is a really quick and easy side dish that is perfect alongside so many of our favourite recipes. Here are some for you to get started with:
- Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Perfect Roast Chicken
- The BEST Roast Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chasseur
- Salmon Casserole
You could also just enjoy these as a delicious snack dipped into our Healthy Ranch Dressing. When it comes to what to put on top of them, we like a sprinkling of red chilli flakes or butter, however you could also add some Parmesan and some pine nuts. Why not add a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley to lighten it up a little?
Storage
Store: You can store leftover microwave broccoli in an air tight container in the fridge for up to a day. It wouldn't be very fresh any longer than that.
Freeze: We wouldn't recommend freezing this.
Reheat: To reheat, put it back in the microwave for about a minute until heated through.
Extra Tips
- We used fresh broccoli for this recipe. If you are using frozen then you will need to use less water and cook for longer.
- You don't want overcooked and mushy broccoli. Every microwave varies, so cook it for 4 minutes and then cook for 30 seconds at a time more until the desired doneness.
- When placing the plate over the bowl, make sure it is the right way up. This will prevent moisture from escaping.
- Serve with butter or olive oil on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the size of the head of your broccoli. Ours was fairly large, so we cut florets off and then quartered each of them. If you were using a smaller head of broccoli, then you might just need to halve them.
Yes, you can, but the texture won't be great. You will need to use less water, and cook it for longer.
Cooking time will depend on how soft you like your broccoli and how powerful your microwave is. This took 5 minutes, as we still like a little bite left in ours.
More Microwave Recipes
If you’ve tried this microwave broccoli recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Microwave Broccoli
Ingredients
- 300 g (10.5 oz) Broccoli - cut into florets
- 3 tablespoon Water
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Put the broccoli into a microwave safe bowl. Pour the water over the broccoli.
- Cover with a plate and microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- We used fresh broccoli for this recipe. If you are using frozen then you will need to use less water and cook for longer.
- You don't want overcooked and mushy broccoli. Every microwave varies, so cook it for 4 minutes and then cook for 30 seconds at a time more until the desired doneness.
- When placing the plate over the bowl, make sure it is the right way up. This will prevent moisture from escaping.
- Serve with butter or olive oil on top.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Tara says
Oh wow! I love how easily this broccoli comes together in the microwave. I often forget about a side until last minute so this is definitely perfect.
Shadi Hasanzade says
Thank you for this easy recipe and useful tips. Can't wait to add more broccoli to our weekly meals!
Andrea says
This quick and easy to make broccoli is a perfect side dish for any meal.
Gina Abernathy says
Broccoli makes an appearance on our table at least once a week. Yes, I use fresh broccoli as well. This is a quick method.
kushigalu says
I love broccoli in any form. I will have to try it this way soon. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy says
Easy way to make broccoli and comes out tender
Lima Ekram says
Simple and delicious!
Kerri says
What a simple yet delicious dish! This side is so versatile! Can't wait to try it!
Dana says
Sometimes you just need a simple and quick way to get a side done and this is it. Still comes out tasty and crisp!
Aimee Mars says
This is exactly the recipe I need! I always mess up broccoli in the microwave and you've laid it out perfectly. I'm going to bookmark this one.
Savita says
So quick to make, and an easy vegetarian side dish. Loved it!!!