Cooking Broccoli In The Microwave

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

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Microwaves are one of the best ways to cook vegetables quickly and easily. Here's the basics of steaming broccoli (or any vegetable, really) in the microwave. It's virtually foolproof!

1. Cut up the broccoli into bite-size florets. If you want to eat the stalks, make sure to cut them smaller than bite-sized and remove any really woody bits so everything cooks evenly.

2. Put all the broccoli in microwave-safe bowl and add water. We like to use a ceramic bowl. For one pound broccoli (about one head), add 2 to 3 tablespoons water.

3. Cover tightly. We avoid plastic wrap when microwaving and use a ceramic or stoneware plate instead.

4. Microwave on HIGH (regular power) for 3 to 4 minutes. Depending on your microwave's strength this should give you tender yet still slightly crispy broccoli — not mushy. Try at 2 1/2 minutes first, then check, re-cover and put back in if it's not done yet.

5. Remove lid carefully! Take the lid off so it stops steaming but be careful; the steam is hot and can burn you badly if you're not careful.

Sometimes we add a small pat of butter or a splash of soy sauce before steaming. We usually add salt and pepper after the broccoli has been cooked.

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Faith Durand

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Faith is the Editor-in-Chief of Kitchn. She leads Kitchn's fabulous editorial team to dream up everything you see here every day. She has helped shape Kitchn since its very earliest days and has written over 10,000 posts herself. Faith is also the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning The Kitchn Cookbook , as well as Bakeless Sweets . She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two small, ice cream-obsessed daughters.

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