Steamed broccoli is the very definition of easy! This healthy side dish is the epitome of simple: it turns out bright green and crisp tender every time.
Ready for what might be the easiest side dish recipe ever? OK maybe a little exaggeration, but its the closest weve come (outside of these green beans). This one has it all: its healthy, delicious, and takes only 5 minutes to cook. Steamed broccoli might sound a little drab, right? But let us assure you: a drizzle of olive oil, a few red onion slivers and salt turn this humble veggie into something stellar. Alex and I are often looking for simple sides, and this one is now in our pair with everything repertoire.
How to make perfectly steamed broccoli
Steamed broccoli is super quick and simple: the main adage is dont be temped to overcook it! Steaming it for 3 to 5 minutes results in broccoli thats bright green and crisp tender. Cooking even a few minutes past that goes from bright and crisp to faded and mushy. Here are our tips on how to steam broccoli.
Gear required: Youll need a steamer basket or steamer pan to make this recipe. Heres a steamer basket you can buy online.
Step 1: Chop the broccoli into florets.
Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Note that thicker pieces and larger florets will take slightly longer than smaller and thinner, so try to make them as uniform as possible.
Step 2: Bring water to a boil.
Rule number one of steaming vegetables: bring the water to a boil first! Dont be tempted to just throw everything in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Youll boil the water in a saucepan or pot before you add the veggies.
Step 3: Add the broccoli, cover, and steam for 3 to 4 minutes, until crisp tender.
Once boiling, add the broccoli in the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid. (If your steamer doesnt have a handle, you should place it in the pan before boiling the water, then add the brocolli once boiling.) Steam with the lid on 3 to 4 minutes until just tender: test a piece with a fork. It will be slightly different every time based on the thickness and age of the broccoli (tender, young broccoli from a farmers market will take less time).
Alex and I like our broccoli on the crisp side, so thats what youll get in this recipe. If youd like it more tender, cook 1 minute more. Just be careful not to cook much longer or the color will immediately fade and it will become mushy and overcooked!
Step 4: Drain and season.
Carefully remove the broccoli to a bowl. Toss with olive oil,kosher salt, feta cheese (optional), and red onions. As noted in the recipe below, we like to soak our red onions in water for a few minutes, which helps to reduce onion breath and remove a bit of the spice. You can do this while you cook the broccoli: it only needs a few minutes.
How to season steamed broccoli
Once your broccoli is perfectly steamed, there are many ways to season it. In this recipe, we accessorized with red onion for a little shape and color contrast. Then its mixed simply with olive oil and salt and pepper. Adding feta cheese crumbles takes it from good to great, and its one of our favorite ways to eat broccoli.
If you dont use this idea, there are literally hundreds of way to season broccoli. Here are a few more ideas:
- Olive oil and some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- A shake of rice vinegar and sesame seeds
- Drizzle of balsamic reduction
- Lemon zest
- Slivered toasted almonds
- Goat cheese or feta crumbles
- Minced garlic
- Panko and dried herbs
Want more easy side dish recipes?
And thats it! How to make the best steamed broccoli. We used it all the time to pair with everything from meatloaf to salmon to shrimp to pasta. If youre looking for other sides to add to your repertoire, a few more we might recommend:
- Our Instant Pot lemon green beans are seriously fast.
- ThisBEST kale saladreally is the best.
- These Parmesan potato wedgesare seriously good.
- Oureasy green saladsare always a hit.
- These best Brussels sprouts are salty and crispy.
This steamed broccoli recipe is
Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, omit the feta.
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Easy Steamed Broccoli
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
- Author: Sonja Overhiser
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Prep Time: 5 minutes -
Cook Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Yield: 4
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Steamed broccoli is the very definition of easy! This healthy side dish is the epitome of simple: it turns out bright green and crisp tender every time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds (2 large heads) broccoli
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced (or substitute green onion)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli into florets.
- If using, thinly slice the onion. Place it in a bowl of water while youre making the rest of the recipe, then drain. (This helps to reduce onion breath and remove some of the spicy bite. If you use green onion, skip this step!)
- Place 1 1/2 cups water into a saucepan or pot and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the broccoli in the steamer basket. Steam with the lid on 3 to 4 minutes until just tender (test with a fork). We like our broccoli on the crisp side: if youd like it more tender, cook 1 minute more. Just be careful not to cook much longer or the color will immediately fade and it will be overcooked!
- Carefully remove the broccoli to a bowl. Toss with the olive oil, kosher salt, feta cheese (optional), and drained red onions. Top with freshly ground black pepper.
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Category: Side Dish
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Method: Steamed
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Cuisine: Vegetables
Keywords: Steamed Broccoli, Easy Steamed Broccoli, Easy Side Dish Recipe