HOW TO MAKE STEAMED BROCCOLI IN THE MICROWAVE
Steaming broccoli is a great way to make flavorful and fresh vegetables to complement your main course or add flavor to a new recipe. Using a microwave cuts down on cooking and prep time, allowing you to spend more time innovating the most delectable dishes. Discover how to steam broccoli in the microwave and get inspired to try new methods of seasoning and utilizing this versatile, nutritious vegetable.
HOW DO YOU STEAM BROCCOLI WITHOUT A STEAMER?
Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and add about 2-4 tablespoons of water. You can add more or less water depending on the portion of broccoli you are cooking. Cover the bowl with a loose lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes for ventilation. Microwave 2-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
If you’re cooking without a stove or want to spend more time perfecting your main dishes, use your microwave to easily steam flavorful vegetables without a steamer.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO STEAM BROCCOLI IN THE MICROWAVE?
The recommended time to cook broccoli in the microwave ranges from 2-4 minutes and depends on the type of bowl, the amount of broccoli and the power of your microwave. Select KitchenAid® microwaves are equipped with a sensor technology which automatically adjusts the steaming time based on the food type and desired level of doneness.
SIMPLE MICROWAVE STEAMED BROCCOLI
The microwave is a versatile appliance for steaming broccoli and for other kitchen creations. Read on to learn how to simply steam broccoli using a microwave to leave you more time to experiment in the kitchen.
YIELDS
6 servings
INGREDIENTS
Broccoli (2 pounds)
Water (2-3 tablespoons)
TOOLS
Microwave-safe bowl
Bowl cover or microwave-safe plastic wrap (with ventilation holes)
PREP TIME
2 minutes
COOK TIME
4 minutes
TOTAL TIME
6 minutes
STEP 1: PREPARE BROCCOLI
Thoroughly wash the broccoli and chop it into bite-sized pieces that are about 1 inch long. If you are using frozen vegetables you can add them directly into the microwave-safe bowl without chopping.
STEP 2: ADD WATER
Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl of broccoli.
STEP 3: COVER
Place your clean broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a loose-fitting microwave-safe lid. If you choose to use microwave-safe plastic wrap instead, be sure to poke holes for ventilation.
Always check the label on the back or bottom of your dishes for a microwave-safe label or symbol to see if it’s safe to use in the microwave. If you are unsure if your dish is microwave safe, carefully test it by adding a cup of water to the bowl and microwaving it for one minute. If the dish becomes hot but the water stays cool, avoid using the dish in the microwave oven. If the water is hot and the dish is merely warm, it is likely safe to use that dish in the microwave. Always handle these “test” dishes carefully, especially if you’re unsure whether they will become hot.
STEP 4: MICROWAVE
Put the bowl full of broccoli inside the microwave and cook it for 2-4 minutes, depending on the amount of broccoli in the bowl. If you are using 2 pounds of broccoli, it’s recommended to cook it for 3 minutes.
STEP 5: REMOVE
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. You can check to ensure the broccoli is fully cooked by piercing it with a fork. It should be tender but not mushy and the fork will easily slide through it.
STEP 6: SEASON AND SERVE
You can simply season your broccoli with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and olive oil. Or, explore new ways to season your broccoli like mustard infused broccoli or with a Thai peanut sauce.
SHOP KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES FOR MAKING STEAMED BROCCOLI
TIPS FOR SEASONING STEAMED BROCCOLI
With the right seasonings, steamed broccoli can add a pop of fresh flavor to complement your meal. With its tender texture and earthy taste, it’s also an ideal base for a wide variety of sauces and dips. You can experiment by adding soy sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, lemon pepper, red pepper flakes, sesame oil or a drizzle of tahini. You can also dip steamed broccoli in your favorite salad dressings.
Grinding your own spices like coriander, cumin, or black peppercorns can help increase the rich flavor of your meal.
Steamed broccoli can be prepared as a delicious side dish to accompany a main meal. It also complements entreés like a sesame tofu stir fry, sweet and spicy roasted salmon or fresh pasta with mushroom cream sauce.
WHAT DISHES CAN BE MADE WITH STEAMED BROCCOLI?
Steamed broccoli can be incorporated into a multitude of dishes and pairs well as a side with almost any protein. It’s also a great way to add fresh vegetables to your meals. Try making steamed broccoli alongside roasted chicken with a spicy maple glaze, soba noodle salad or Cuban grilled pork chops.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES
Whether you’re steaming broccoli or other fresh produce, KitchenAid® microwaves can help you save time as you experiment with various recipes in the kitchen. Select models are equipped with a variety of settings and modes like the Sensor steam cycle, which streamlines the steaming process. Just place broccoli in the KitchenAid steamer vessel, select the type of food and the desired level of doneness, and the microwave will estimate and adjust the cook time accordingly.
