Learn how to steam broccoli without a steamer with these simple and easy-to-follow steps. All you need is a pot, a colander, and some water. Enjoy perfectly steamed, crisp, and bright green broccoli in just 10 minutes!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- An easy recipe that can be eaten as a side dish or used in a variety of recipes.
- Quick to make in under 10 minutes!
- No steamer basket is needed.
- Best cooking method steamed broccoli with perfect texture - no mushy broccoli here!
- Tastes better than microwaving or boiling.
- Healthy veggie side dish full of fiber! High in Vitamin K according to Healthline.
- Great baby-led weaning recipe for babies or toddlers.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Broccoli: You can purchase either the crowns (the heads of the stalks with shortened stems) or prepared broccoli florets at your grocery store.
- Olive Oil: Coconut oil, butter, sesame oil, or ghee are all excellent substitutions for olive oil.
How to Cook This Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Chop the broccoli into equal-sized florets and rinse under cold water to clean.
Bring 1 inch of water to boil in a 5-quart stock pot.
Carefully add raw broccoli to boiling water.
Cover the stock pot and steam for 4-5 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.
Drain the broccoli in a colander.
Return steamed broccoli to the warm stock pot and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- This steamed broccoli is a simple recipe with just salt, pepper, and olive oil for seasoning. You can add additional seasonings or toppings such as minced garlic, onions, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, lemon, ranch seasoning, soy sauce, and more!
- Be sure broccoli florets are in one layer in the stock pot and the stalks are down. This will help to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating not recommended: Steamed broccoli is best eaten the same day and leftovers are delicious to eat cold.
Recipe FAQs
You don't need a steamer pot to steam broccoli. You can simply use a stock pot filled with 1 inch of water and a lid to steam it.
This is the best way to make steamed broccoli without a steamer basket and still have great texture without creating overcooked or mushy broccoli.
Yes, you can make steamed broccoli without a steamer by placing the florets directly into 1 inch of boiling water and covering the cooking pot.
The cook time for steamed broccoli without a steamer basket is 4-5 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.
Yes, cover the stock pot to ensure the steam does not escape.
According to Livestrong, steaming broccoli is healthier than boiling broccoli due to more nutrients being preserved during steaming.
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Steamed Broccoli without a Steamer Basket
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli cut into florets
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean and prepare broccoli by cutting into florets.2 heads broccoli
- Fill a 5-qt. stock pot with 1 inch of water. Cover and heat water to a boil.
- Carefully spoon broccoli florets into the water and use a spoon to evenly space them with the stalk down.
- Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes before draining in a colander.
- Return to stock pot and drizzle olive oil over the top of the broccoli. Season with salt and pepper to taste.2 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
Jessica
Can you make this with frozen broccoli too?
Lyndsey
I haven't tried this recipe with frozen broccoli yet. Let me know if you do!
Victoria
I love the versatility to this recipe, whatever seasoning that you need to use up or have on hand. Tonight, I used Italian seasoning and the crispiness was perfect!
Lyndsey
I agree!! So easy to make with whatever you have on hand. Thanks for trying the recipe and for leaving your review and feedback!