Steamed broccoli on the stove top doesn't need to be complicated. This simple recipe makes perfectly cooked steamed broccoli. Made with fresh broccoli florets, water, salt, and a bit of butter. A simple and versatile veggie side dish.
How to Make Steamed Broccoli Step-by-Step
To start, prep your broccoli. Wash a head of fresh broccoli, then cut into florets. Making sure the cut broccoli is all the same size as best you can.
Once the broccoli is prepared, set it aside.
In a skillet, add in the water and allow it to come to a boil.
Once boiling, add in the prepared broccoli, place the lid on the skillet and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes. The broccoli should be tender yet bright in its green color.
Once the broccoli is done, remove it from the heat so it doesn't keep cooking.
Season it with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips to Make Steamed Broccoli
- Cutting the broccoli into evenly sized pieces will ensure that it all cooks evenly and gets done at the same time.
- If you have a steamer basket, that will work great for this recipe as well!
- For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of lemon on the steamed broccoli. This will help it keep its color as well.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the pan. We want evenly cooked broccoli.
- Season the broccoli while it is hot. Broccoli absorbs best when it's hot.
Ingredients for Steamed Broccoli
Broccoli
Water
Salt
Pepper
Butter
Tools You Will Need
Medium to large skillet
Cutting board
Knife or kitchen scissors
Measuring Spoons
Why You'll Love This Steamed Broccoli Recipe
One reason you will love this recipe is for its simplicity. There are no unique steps or ingredients. It is a simple and straightforward recipe that leads to great results.
Another reason you will love this recipe is for how tender the broccoli gets. With just a bit of water and a short cooking time, this broccoli turns out perfectly cooked with a fork tender finish.
Thirdly, this stovetop steamed broccoli recipe is quick. Whenever I need a quick, last minute veggie side dish, steamed broccoli is always my go to. I know it will be done in no time. This recipe takes 5 minutes on the stovetop and that's all!
Lastly, our steamed broccoli recipe is versatile. Whether you are having it with sticky chicken, our homemade meatloaf, or salmon patties, this broccoli will be a lovely pairing. It can really go with just about anything.
Steamed Broccoli FAQs
How do you add flavor to steamed broccoli?
There are many different ways to add flavor to steamed broccoli. You can keep it simple by adding some salt, pepper, and a bit of butter. You can also jazz it up a bit by adding lemon zest or juice, sauteed garlic, or some chili flakes for spice.
How long are you supposed to steam broccoli for?
Steaming broccoli is a very quick process. Steam it for about 4 minutes. This gives you broccoli that isn't too mushy, yet it isn't overly firm. A perfect meet in the middle for tender broccoli.
How do you steam broccoli on the stovetop without a steamer?
Thankfully, to achieve perfectly steamed broccoli, you don't need a steaming basket. Simply, put about a half inch of water in a large skillet, bring to a boil, then add in your broccoli and put the lid on. Allow to steam for about 4 minutes or until fork tender.
Steamed Broccoli
This steamed broccoli is a quick and simple recipe that makes perfectly tender broccoli. It starts with adding broccoli florets to boiling water then finishes with seasoning it with butter, salt, and pepper. In this recipe, simple is enough.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli
- ½ Tablespoon of butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black better
- ½ inch of water, see notes
Instructions
- To start, add a half inch amount of water into a large skillet and place on high heat on the stove top with the skillet lid on.
- While the water is getting ready, prepare the broccoli head. Cut the broccoli into evenly sized broccoli florets.
- When the water is boiling, add in the prepared broccoli florets, turn the burner down to medium, and place the lid back on.
- Steam the broccoli for 4 minutes or until the broccoli is fork tender.
- Once the broccoli is fork tender, immediately remove it from the heat and rain any excess water.
- Season the broccoli with butter, salt, and pepper and serve immediately!
Notes
The amount of water that is needed to steam the broccoli in will depend on the size of your pan. You want to put about a half inch in the pan. Enough to cook the broccoli but you don't want the broccoli fully submerged in the water.
Cutting the broccoli into even florets is important. This will ensure that all the broccoli cooks evenly and is done at the same time.
For other ways to season the broccoli besides butter, salt, and pepper, see above under "how to add flavor to steamed broccoli."
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