🥦 Steamed broccoli (7 min): perfectly cooked – Neary
Want to know how long to steam your broccoli 🥦 so it's crisp, green, and full of flavor? Good news: it's super simple! Follow this guide to never mess up broccoli cooking again, with chef's tips, a handy chart, storage advice, and answers to all your questions. 👩🍳
Broccoli Steaming Time Chart 🥦
| Type & cut | Steam time | Texture | Advice | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florets (3-4 cm) | 7 min | Crisp, bright green | Boiling water, lid closed | Salads, bowls, side dishes |
| Very small florets | 5 min | Very crunchy | Monitor from 4 min | Babies, purees, finger food |
| Cut stems (sticks) | 8-9 min | Soft, tender fiber | Peel lightly before cooking | Wok, gratins, warm salad |
| Whole broccoli | 12-14 min | Melting to the heart | Cut the base in a cross shape | Presentation to share |
How to Steam Broccoli (Easy Steps) 🚿
- Prepare your broccoli: cut the florets into uniformly sized pieces (3 to 4 cm). Also keep the stems, peeled and cut into sticks: they are delicious! 🥗
- Bring water to a boil in your saucepan/steamer/casserole. Place a steamer basket on top, without letting the broccoli touch the water.
- Place the florets (and stems) in the basket. Cover tightly with a lid to retain all the steam.
- Allow 7 minutes (or 5 for mini-florets). No more, or the broccoli will turn gray and limp.
- Remove and immediately plunge into cold water or ice cubes to stop the cooking and set the color. Drain thoroughly.
- Season to taste: olive oil, lemon juice 🍋, salt, pepper, seeds, fresh herbs... let's party!
FAQ — Steamed broccoli: cooking, tips & variations
Why does my broccoli turn yellow when cooked?
Often, you let it cook too long or the water wasn't hot enough. To keep broccoli green, start with intense steam and stop cooking immediately under ice water. 🟩
Can you steam broccoli without a steamer basket?
Yes! Improvise with a metal colander or a strainer placed over a saucepan (be careful of stability). Cover well to keep the steam in. 🥄
How do you know if broccoli is cooked?
Pierce a floret with the tip of a knife: it should go in easily but offer a little resistance. The broccoli should not be squashed. 👌
Can you flavor steam cooking?
Of course! Add a sprig of thyme, a bay leaf, or a slice of lemon to the water. You can also sprinkle the broccoli with sesame seeds or spices right after cooking. ✨
Storage: How long can you keep steamed broccoli?
In the refrigerator, for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Refrigerate it well after cooking to prevent it from becoming flaccid. You can also add it cold to your salads the next day. 🥡
What recipes with steamed broccoli?
Try it as a warm salad, veggie bowl, quick gratin, omelet, homemade pizza, or as a healthy side dish for steamed fish or roast chicken. For more ideas, see our broccoli guide ! 🍴
Steamed broccoli for babies: is it possible?
Yes, it's perfect when you start diversifying! Adjust the size of the pieces and cook them a little longer for more tenderness. Let them cool before serving. 👶
Useful links & inspirations :
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