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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Microwave Broccoli

    Published: Nov 8, 2022 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

    24 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegan

    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.

    A bowl of cooked broccoli florets with butter melting over it.

    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?

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make microwave broccoli - Step by step
    • Why use a microwave to cook broccoli
    • Variations
    • What to serve with Microwave Broccoli
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More microwave recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    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

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • 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.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to make microwave broccoli - Step by step

    One: Put the broccoli into a microwave safe bowl. Pour the water over the broccoli.

    Broccoli florets in a glass bowl.

    Two: Cover with a plate and microwave on high power for 5 minutes.

    A bowl of broccoli covered with a plate in a microwave.

    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.

    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.

    A spoon lifting up come cooked brocoli and some melting butter.

    What to serve with Microwave Broccoli

    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.

    A plate of cooked broccoli, mashed potato and chicken nuggets.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is broccoli healthy?

    It's a great source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and K, as well as iron, zinc and fibre, which can support digestive health.
    Did you know that broccoli is also a good source of protein, although an incomplete one.

    How to cut broccoli

    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.

    Can you microwave frozen broccoli?

    Yes, you can, but the texture won't be great. You will need to use less water, and cook it for longer.

    How long does it take to microwave broccoli?

    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.

    heart icon

    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.

    More microwave recipes

    • Microwave fried eggs on slices of toast.
      Microwave Fried Eggs
    • A bowl of microwave Brussels sprouts.
      Microwave Brussels Sprouts
    • A plate of microwave pasta in a tomato sauce topped with cheese.
      Microwave Pasta
    • A bowl of microwave rice.
      Perfect Microwave Rice

    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 in a bowl with a spoon.

    Microwave Broccoli

    By: Dannii
    A quick and easy side dish, this microwave broccoli goes with almost anything. Perfect broccoli every time, in just 5 minutes.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    the words low fat in a white circle.
    Low Fat
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant in a pot.
    Vegan
    5 from 12 votes
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: British
    Prep: 1 min
    Cook: 5 mins
    Total: 6 mins
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 51kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 300 g (10.5 oz) Broccoli - cut into florets
    • 3 tablespoon Water
    • 1 pinch Sea salt and 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.

    Notes

    • 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

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 935IU | Vitamin C: 134mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg
    DisclaimerThe 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.

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tara

      November 16, 2022 at 2:26 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    2. Shadi Hasanzade

      November 13, 2022 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this easy recipe and useful tips. Can't wait to add more broccoli to our weekly meals!

      Reply
    3. Andrea

      November 13, 2022 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      This quick and easy to make broccoli is a perfect side dish for any meal.

      Reply
    4. Gina Abernathy

      November 13, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      Broccoli makes an appearance on our table at least once a week. Yes, I use fresh broccoli as well. This is a quick method.

      Reply
    5. kushigalu

      November 13, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      I love broccoli in any form. I will have to try it this way soon. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    6. Nancy

      November 13, 2022 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      Easy way to make broccoli and comes out tender

      Reply
    7. Lima Ekram

      November 11, 2022 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and delicious!

      Reply
    8. Kerri

      November 11, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      What a simple yet delicious dish! This side is so versatile! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    9. Dana

      November 11, 2022 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      Sometimes you just need a simple and quick way to get a side done and this is it. Still comes out tasty and crisp!

      Reply
    10. Aimee Mars

      November 11, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    11. Savita

      November 11, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      So quick to make, and an easy vegetarian side dish. Loved it!!!

      Reply

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