Best Way to Steam Broccoli

Broccoli is a much maligned vegetable, and many kids simply refuse to eat it because they find it bland. But broccoli is high in vitamin C and minerals, and growing children and even adults should consume broccoli regularly. One of the major reasons that people find broccoli quite unappetizing is because we don't cook it by the right method. Although stir frying broccoli is a good way to eat it, steaming broccoli is a better way to eat it since all the broccoli nutritional value are preserved. The best way to steam broccoli is of course in a steamer, where only the steam comes in contact with the vegetable. However, if you don't have a steamer, there are other ways to steam to broccoli and still retain its color and flavor. Here we are going to discuss some of the best ways to steam broccoli.

How to Steam Broccoli

If you want to know how to steam broccoli, there are basically two ways to do so. One is to use a streamer over the stove top, and the other is to use the microwave. If you have a steamer, them you can steam any vegetables and they will turn out to be delicious and full of flavor. However, if you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot and place a colander over it and then place a lid upon the pot. This type of homemade steaming station also works quite well for steaming vegetables or even dumplings. The other method is to use a microwave. Unlike what many people might tell you, microwaving is an excellent way to steam vegetables quickly and efficiently. Many healthy broccoli recipes and broccoli salad can be made with steamed broccoli. Here we are going to explain to you both these methods for steaming broccoli.

Steaming Broccoli in a Steamer

If you have a steamer, then you are very lucky as you can steam your broccoli in a jiffy. If you don't have one, then I would suggest that you purchase a steamer. They are not too expensive and it is one of the best investment for any kitchen, if you are into healthy cooking. So to steam broccoli, you need to first wash the broccoli and then cut them into small florets. The stalk of the broccoli should not be discarded and they too can be used, after you have cut off any tough bits. Make sure that all the broccoli florets are even sized, or the smaller florets will turn mushy on cooking. Arrange the florets on the top rack of the steamer in a single layer. Pour in about 4 - 5 centimeters of water in the bottom pan of the steamer and then place the rack with the broccoli florets over it. Now cover the steamer with its lid and then cook the broccoli florets over medium heat. How long does it take to steam broccoli? Broccoli does not take too much time to cook, and after about 4 - 5 minutes you can switch off the flame. Your steamed broccoli is ready.

If by mistake, you steam the broccoli florets for more than 5 minutes, then there is no need to throw it away. Just take it out of the steamer rack and place the florets into a bowl of cold water. This will stop the broccoli from cooking any further and will leave it with a bit of crunch and color. You can also add various herbs to the steaming water to infuse the broccoli with a delicious smell and flavor.

Steaming Broccoli in a Microwave

One of the best way to steam broccoli is in the microwave. To steam broccoli in the microwave, wash broccoli in running water and cut them into small florets, taking care to trim the stalks. You can also peel off the tough outer layer of the stalk with a vegetable peeler. Now place the broccoli florets into a microwave safe dish in a single layer. Do not try to stuff the dish with too many florets or the bottom layer won't cook evenly. Now add a tablespoon of water for every ½ pound of broccoli. Cover this dish with a cling film and make sure that you make a vent on the cling film to allow the steam to escape. Place the dish on the microwave, and microwave it on high for about 3 - 4 minutes. Remove the dish from microwave and take off the cling film. The broccoli florets should be tender, yet have a bit of crunch in it. Add seasonings before serving.

Always buy fresh broccoli which is bright green in color. Choosing fresh and seasonal produce is the secret of cooking tasty vegetables that is full of flavor. Try to buy organic broccoli from your local farmers market and avoid steaming frozen broccoli. Now that you know how to cook broccoli, how about preparing it for dinner.