Name: How to Microwave Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 Head of Broccoli; 2 tbsp Water; Olive Oil or Butter, to Serve; Salt and Pepper, to Taste

Ingredients

1 Head of Broccoli
2 tbsp Water
Olive Oil or Butter to Serve
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Quick Summary

To microwave broccoli, cut into equal-sized florets then place in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water. Cover the dish then microwave for 3-4 minutes on high at 900w.

Method

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Rinse the broccoli under cold water. Cut it into equal-sized florets as this will make it far easier to get an even cook. You can also peel and slice the stem into thin pieces. You don’t need to completely dry the broccoli as this will help with steaming it.

Cutting broccoli up into florets on a wooden chopping board

Step 2: Add to Dish

Place the broccoli florets and stems in a microwave-safe dish. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the dish. This will help steam the broccoli. You’re looking to just about cover the base the dish you’re using with water.

Pouring a little water over broccoli on a black plate

Step 3: Cover

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or cling film. If using cling film, pierce a few holes to allow steam to escape.

Wrapping a black plate with broccoli in cling film for the microwave

Step 4: Microwave

Cook the broccoli on high power for 3 to 4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the florets and your microwave. Start with 3 minutes, check for tenderness, and add more time if needed.

These timings are based on a 900w microwave. Add 1 minute to the timing for lower wattage microwaves and reduce the time by 1 minute for higher wattages.

Step 5: Check

Carefully remove the cover (watch out for hot steam) and check if the broccoli is cooked through. It should be bright green and slightly crisp. If it’s not done, microwave in additional 30-second increments.

Removing hot cling film from a plate after microwaving broccoli

Step 6: Drain and Season

Drain any excess water once cooked to your liking. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter. Toss to coat evenly and serve.

Seasoning broccoli from a height with freshly ground black pepper

Tweaks

Infuse with Herbs Instantly add flavour to the broccoli by cooking it with a sprig of thyme, rosemary or mint.
Dress Once Cooked Treat the cooked broccoli like a salad and gently toss it in a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
Grill Afterwards Give the broccoli charred edges by popping it under the grill or on the BBQ.

Substitutes

Use Cauliflower Instead This exact method works just as well with cauliflower. Swap out all or even just half of the broccoli for cauliflower.
Make It Vegan The only thing you’ll need to do to ensure it is vegan is to avoid using butter. Use olive oil.
Use Other Liquids Water is the go-to option for steaming veg in the microwave but you could use stock, broth or even wine!

Storage

In the Fridge Allow the broccoli to cool to room temperature then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or eat cold in salads.

In the Freezer Spread the cooked and cooled broccoli out on a baking sheet then freeze. Once solid, bag up and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before reheating.

Other Types

How to Microwave Broccoli Stalks

To microwave stalks, peel off the tough outer layer then slice them into even pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water, cover, and microwave on high for about 2-4 minutes. We’ve got a delicious microwave broccoli stalks recipe you could try here.

How to Microwave Tenderstem Broccoli

Wash and trim any tough ends. Place the Tenderstem in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, and cover. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes. You may need to drain the excess water off at the end.

How to Microwave Purple Sprouting Broccoli

Trim the broccoli into even-sized pieces then place it in a microwave-safe dish, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover. Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes or until it’s tender but still crisp. The time will differ depending on the thickness of the stalks.

FAQs

Can you Microwave Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can microwave frozen broccoli. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave for about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to add water for frozen broccoli.

Does Microwaving Broccoli Reduce Nutrients?

Microwaving broccoli can reduce some nutrients, like vitamin C. However, it’s one of the better cooking methods for retaining nutrients, especially compared to boiling.

Can You Reheat Broccoli in the Microwave?

Yes, you can reheat broccoli in the microwave. Put the cooked broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes.

Why Does Broccoli Spark in the Microwave?

Broccoli can spark in the microwave due to the high mineral content in its cut edges and florets, which can create tiny electric arcs. To avoid this, sprinkle water all over the broccoli and avoid chopping it into very small pieces.

Tips

Use Uniform Pieces To get an even cook across each floret, make sure they’re approximately the same size. They don’t have to be precisely the same weight and dimensions but around the same size by eye.

Infuse the Liquids Steaming broccoli with plain water is fine but you could either use a different liquid or infuse the water with herbs and spices such as star anise, bay or cardamon.

Include the Stalks They’re often thrown out, but the broccoli stalk is both delicious and loaded with goodness. You’re paying for the broccoli, so make sure you’re getting as much out of it as possible.

Season Afterwards Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper after microwaving. I prefer to do this after cooking as it’s easier to control. You’ll often find much of the seasoning gets diluted in the steam