• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Side Dishes » Microwave Steamed Broccoli

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli

    Leave a Comment

    33 Shares
    Pin32
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. This easy side dish takes just minutes to prep and even less time to cook. Broccoli florets go from crunchy to unbelievably tender when steamed in the microwave. You may never cook broccoli any other way again!

    Learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave and add in just a few pantry staples to enhance the natural flavor of the broccoli even more. It’s so easy you won’t mind making it several times a week! Your whole family will fall in love with this microwave broccoli.

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com

    Why You'll Love Microwave Steamed Broccoli

    • It makes for a speedy, (mostly) hands-off side dish. Chopping the broccoli is the most labor-intensive part of this recipe. After that, the microwave will take care of the cooking! All you have to do is drain the excess water off and stir in the butter and seasoning at the end.
    • No stovetop or oven needed! This incredibly easy recipe doesn’t require you to fire up a single burner or preheat anything. Just add the ingredients, pop into the microwave, and stir when it’s done.
    • Easy way to add a vegetable to any meal. Keep this recipe for how to steam broccoli in the microwave in your back pocket (or simply memorize the few easy steps and ratios!) to use any time you need it, whether you’re in a pinch and need to add something green to your child’s plate or you’re making a recipe that calls for steamed broccoli.
    • It cooks fast. When you’re quickly whipping up dinner between work and running errands, every minute counts — which is why this recipe for steamed broccoli in the microwave is the perfect dish for busy schedules. It tastes so great, you wouldn’t know it only took a few minutes in the microwave!
    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredient Notes

    To make easy Steamed Broccoli in the microwave, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

    • broccoli florets - this recipe calls for freshly chopped florets of broccoli, but you can also use frozen broccoli florets if you’re in a pinch! You may have to adjust the amount of water and the cooking time to account for the extra moisture and starting temp.
    • water
    • butter - using unsalted butter will ensure you don’t over salt it in the next step, but if you use salted butter, just make sure you taste it before adding more salt. You can also use a vegan butter alternative if you prefer.
    • salt and pepper - fresh ground pepper offers the most favor and you can use whatever size grain of salt you want—larger flakes will add a crunchy texture and smaller flakes will offer a more even distribution. It’s up to you!

    You will also need measuring spoons and a microwave-safe bowl and cover.

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Steamed Rice in the Microwave

    1. Microwave. Place broccoli florets in a large microwave-safe bowl. Pour water on top. Cover the bowl with a microwave cover or microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Drain. Carefully remove the hot bowl (watch for the hot steam) and carefully drain the steamed broccoli in a colander if there is any water is leftover.
    2. Season. Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving dish and top with butter, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Serve

    Serve Microwave Steamed Broccoli any time you need to add a veggie to a meal. Grilling chicken, steak, or fish? Serve this broccoli. Making spaghetti? Steamed broccoli makes a great side! Grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni for lunch? Toss some broccoli in the microwave while you’re browning bread and serve. Because this steamed broccoli is so simple and easy, it pairs well with just about anything.

    Some of my favorite entrees to serve this with are:

    • Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
    • Homemade Potato and Cheese Perogies
    • Garlic Butter Salmon
    • Oven Baked Chicken Breast
    • Creamy Parmesan Risotto
    • Creamy Garlic Shrimp

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    How to Store

    Once cooled, place any leftover broccoli in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe dish and cover. Microwave on high for 45-75 seconds until warm.

    How to Freeze

    Steamed broccoli can also be frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Recycle leftover broccoli. Leftover steamed broccoli is one of the most versatile ingredients. Chop up leftover broccoli and toss in pasta, reheat and serve with rice and a protein, or cut into small pieces and add to an omelet. Devise your own method of reusing the leftovers!
    • Add your favorite sauces or seasonings. Though this recipe is pretty basic, it’s still got great flavor. However, if you want to kick the flavor up a notch, you can add your favorite seasonings and tailor it to the main entree or theme of the meal.
    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Broccoli Recipes

    • Air Fryer Broccoli
    • Broccoli Cheese Casserole
    • Creamy Broccoli Slaw Salad
    • Roasted Broccoli Grilled Cheese
    • Broccoli Cheese Soup
    • Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli


    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 2 servings
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. 


    Ingredients

    • 1 pound broccoli florets (approximately from one large head broccoli)
    • 3 tablespoons water
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)

    Instructions

    1. Place broccoli florets in a large microwave-safe bowl. Pour water on top.
    2. Cover the bowl with a microwave cover or microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
    3. Carefully remove the hot bowl (watch for the hot steam) and carefully drain the steamed broccoli in a colander if there is any water is leftover.
    4. Transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving dish and top with butter, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and serve immediately.

    Notes

    How to store: Once cooled, place any leftover broccoli in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe dish and cover. Microwave on high for 45-75 seconds until warm.

    How to freeze: Steamed broccoli can also be frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

    • Prep Time: 2 minutes
    • Cook Time: 3 minutes
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Microwave
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: microwave steamed broccoli, how to steam broccoli in the microwave, microwave broccoli, broccoli in the microwave

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Microwave Steamed Broccoli is tender, buttery, and delicious. With just 4 ingredients, this easy side dish takes minutes to prep and even less time to cook. | aheadofthyme.com
    Microwave Steamed Broccoli
    33 Shares
    Pin32
    Yum1
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    « Caramel Apples
    Pumpkin Cornbread »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2021 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated