Steaming Broccoli: Using An Aroma Steamer For Perfect Results

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and simple way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is also a great way to preserve the vegetable's vibrant green colour, fresh flavour, and nutrients. To steam broccoli, you will need a steamer basket, a pot or skillet, and about an inch of water. First, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and, if desired, peel and cut the stalk. Next, add the water to the pot or skillet and place the steamer basket inside. Put the broccoli in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as this will turn it a dull olive green. Finally, season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to taste, and enjoy!

Preparing the steamer and broccoli

First, you'll want to prepare your broccoli. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and set the stalks aside—you can either save them for another use or peel, dice, and steam them alongside the florets. If you're steaming the stalks, trim off the tough outer skin with a vegetable peeler, then cut them into quarters lengthwise.

Next, fill your steamer with around an inch of water and place it on the stove. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large saucepan or skillet with a lid, or even a microwave-safe bowl. Just make sure you have a way to cover the container to trap the steam. Bring the water to a boil.

While you're waiting for the water to boil, arrange your broccoli in the steamer basket. Place the stalks in an even layer first, then top with the florets. Make sure the water isn't touching the steamer basket; you want the broccoli to be cooked by the steam, not by boiling in the water.

Once the water is boiling, place the steamer basket in or on your steamer, reduce the heat to medium, and cover. If you're using a microwave, place the bowl of broccoli (with a plate or loose-fitting lid on top) inside and set it to high heat.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steaming broccoli in an aroma steamer are fairly consistent across different recipes. Here is a detailed guide:

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for steaming broccoli varies from 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the size of the florets and the desired level of tenderness. Smaller florets of young, fresh broccoli may only need 5 minutes, while larger florets of more mature broccoli might require up to 6 minutes. It is important to note that broccoli cooks very quickly, and overcooking can turn it from a vibrant green to a drab olive green. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.

Temperature:

The temperature for steaming broccoli is achieved by bringing water to a boil in the bottom of the steamer. The water level should be around 1 inch (or enough to cover the bottom of the pan) to ensure the broccoli is steamed and not boiled or submerged in water. Once the water is boiling, the heat is reduced to medium, creating a steady stream of steam. The broccoli is then placed in the steamer basket and covered. It is important to ensure that the steamer basket is not touching the water, as this can lead to soggy broccoli.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if the broccoli is done, use a fork to pierce the stems and florets. The broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crispness to it. It should not be limp or have a brownish hue. The vibrant green color is an indicator of perfectly cooked broccoli.

Timing Tips:

• Get the steaming water hot and steamy before adding the broccoli to the steamer basket.
• Set a timer for 5 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.
• Check the broccoli with a fork after 5 minutes to see if it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Be mindful that broccoli can overcook quickly, so keep an eye on the time and don't let it steam for more than 7 minutes.

Seasoning and toppings

While steamed broccoli is delicious on its own, with just a little salt and pepper, there are endless ways to season and top this healthy side dish. Here are some ideas:

• Olive oil and lemon juice or lemon zest
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic butter
• Soy sauce and sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes
• Feta cheese crumbles
• Rice vinegar and sesame seeds
• Balsamic reduction
• Slivered toasted almonds
• Goat cheese
• Panko and dried herbs
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Mayonnaise
• Black pepper
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Alfredo sauce
• Warm bacon dressing
• Avocado dressing
• Honey mustard dressing
• Romesco sauce
• Lemon vinaigrette
• Vegan ranch

How to serve steamed broccoli

Steaming broccoli is a fast and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It is an excellent side dish that can be paired with almost anything. Here are some tips on how to serve steamed broccoli:

Seasoning

A simple way to dress up steamed broccoli is to season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Other seasonings you can use include red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seeds, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Sauces

Steamed broccoli goes well with various sauces. You can drizzle it with cheese sauce or serve it with lemon vinaigrette, vegan ranch, honey mustard dressing, or romesco sauce. For something different, try a garlicky aioli or serve it with a side of mayonnaise.

In a casserole

Steamed broccoli can be added to almost any casserole or pasta recipe. It is a great addition to recipes like broccoli rice casserole, chicken Alfredo, or mac and cheese. You can also use it to make a cheesy broccoli casserole.

In a soup

Steamed broccoli goes well in soups, especially those with cheddar or ham. It adds colour and texture to vegan broccoli soup and can be added to lunch salads and grain bowls straight from the fridge.

With grains

Steamed broccoli can be added to grain bowls or tossed with noodles. Try it in dishes like Cashew Broccoli Soba Noodles or a Macro Veggie Bowl. It can also be stirred into risotto or pasta.

As a side

Steamed broccoli is a delicious and healthy side dish on its own. It can be served with a simple baked potato or sweet potato, vegan meatballs, or a hot bowl of soup. It pairs well with pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo, or Classic Mac and Cheese.

Other tips

• Steamed broccoli is best served crisp-tender to retain its vibrant green colour and fresh flavour.
• When seasoning, dress the broccoli to taste and toss it with the seasonings to coat evenly.
• If you want to add a crunchy texture, top the steamed broccoli with toasted slivered almonds or sesame seeds.
• For a more indulgent option, top the broccoli with finely grated hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, or Asiago.
• Steamed broccoli is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and dishes to find your favourite way to enjoy it.

Storing steamed broccoli

Firstly, it's important to let the broccoli cool down after steaming. Place the broccoli on a clean plate or bowl and leave it at room temperature until it reaches room temperature. Do not cover the broccoli, as it needs air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.

Once the broccoli is cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it securely in aluminium foil. Make sure it is sealed properly to prevent air from entering, which can cause the broccoli to dry out. You can also use plastic wrap to cover the broccoli, ensuring it is tightly wrapped.

Place the wrapped broccoli or the airtight container in the refrigerator. Steamed broccoli should always be stored in the fridge, as it helps maintain its freshness and slows down bacterial growth.

Properly stored steamed broccoli will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It's important to consume it within this timeframe to ensure optimal taste and texture. Check the broccoli for any signs of spoilage before consuming it after storage.

Additionally, you can also freeze steamed broccoli for longer-term storage. Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Put the sheet in the freezer until the broccoli is frozen solid, then transfer the pieces into a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen steamed broccoli can last for about a year.

Frequently asked questions