If you want to learn how to steam broccoli, then you’re in the right place! There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a piece of perfectly steamed broccoli. The crisp, tender stems, the burst of flavors, and the bright green color are both healthy and delicious. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and you've got a dish that's as delicious as it is nutritious.
Steamed broccoli is a simple, wholesome dish that can be effortlessly made at home. It is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins like chicken and cheese. With its low calories and gluten-free nature, it is the perfect choice for health-conscious foodies.
What makes this steamed broccoli recipe special is its use of a rice cooker for steaming. This method guarantees that the broccoli is cooked to a crisp, tender texture, retaining all its vital nutrients. The recipe also offers various ways to enjoy the dish - as a side, in a salad, or topped with low-fat ranch and Parmesan cheese.
Want to learn how to steam broccoli? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What is Steamed Broccoli?
- What Makes This Steamed Broccoli Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Steam Broccoli at Home
- How to Steam Broccoli (Step by Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Steamed Broccoli
- Serving Suggestions for Steamed Broccoli
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Steamed Broccoli
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Steamed Broccoli
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- How to Steam Broccoli Perfectly (Easy Rice Cooker Method)
- Comments
What is Steamed Broccoli?
Steamed broccoli is a simple yet delicious dish that is bursting with flavor and nutrients. The recipe involves using fresh broccoli florets, which are then steamed until they reach a crisp tender texture.
This method of cooking allows the broccoli to retain its vibrant green color and its natural, slightly sweet flavor. The process is relatively quick, with a prep time that is usually no more than a few minutes, making it an ideal choice for a healthy side dish.
Plus, it is low in calories and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those watching their diet. So the next time you're looking for a quick, nutritious, and tasty dish, why not give this steamed broccoli recipe a try?
What Makes This Steamed Broccoli Recipe Special?
Easy to make: This steamed broccoli recipe is incredibly straightforward. With just a bunch of broccoli, a rice cooker, and a bit of water, you'll have a delicious and easy side dish ready in no time.
Quick: From prep time to plate, this recipe takes less than ten minutes. Simply rinse your broccoli, slice up the florets, steam for five minutes, and you're done!
Family favorite: The simplicity of this recipe doesn't compromise on flavor. Steamed to crisp tender perfection, the broccoli retains its vibrant color and nutrients, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
What You Need to Steam Broccoli at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to steam broccoli at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Broccoli: The star of the dish, broccoli is a high-fiber, low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamins. In this recipe, we'll be using broccoli florets which are the top part of the broccoli. They steam up nicely and become crisp tender, while still maintaining their bright green color.
- Water: A key component for steaming, an inch of water in the pot provides the necessary moisture to steam the broccoli to perfection without making it soggy.
- Rice cooker: This is where the magic happens! The rice cooker is used to steam the broccoli to a crisp tender. Make sure it has a steam function or a steam rack or steamer basket included.
How to Steam Broccoli (Step by Step)
Making this incredible steamed broccoli is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
Prepping the Broccoli
Firstly, make sure that your broccoli is clean. Rinse the broccoli under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
Once cleaned, it is time to cut the broccoli into florets. These are the tree-like parts of the broccoli.
Don't discard the stems though, they're full of flavor and nutrients. Slice each floret into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating and even cooking.
Pour a third of a cup of water into your rice cooker. This small amount of water is enough to create the steam we need to cook the broccoli.
Next, arrange the sliced broccoli on a steaming rack. This rack is designed to hold the broccoli above the water level, allowing it to cook in the steam produced when the water heats up. Once your broccoli is neatly arranged, insert the steaming rack into the rice cooker, and close the lid securely.
Stimming Process
Now, it is time to steam the broccoli. Set the timer and turn on the rice cooker simultaneously. Allow the broccoli to steam for about five minutes. This will guarantee that the broccoli is crisp and tender, maintaining some bite while being cooked through.
Once the timer goes off, turn off the Rice Cooker and unplug it. It is important to note that leaving the rice cooker on a 'warm' setting will continue to cook the broccoli, which we want to avoid to maintain that perfect crisp tenderness.
Transfer the steamed broccoli to a plate. At this point, you can enjoy the steamed broccoli as a simple, healthy side dish, or you could toss it into a salad for some added crunch. Alternatively, for a bit more flavor, drizzle the broccoli with low-fat ranch dressing, and sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese.
Your delicious Steamed Broccoli is ready to be served!
Tips for Making the Best Steamed Broccoli
Wash the Broccoli Thoroughly: Before you start with the steamed broccoli recipe, make sure to rinse the broccoli under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. This helps to guarantee that your vegetables are clean and safe to consume.
Right Amount of Water: Remember to add just a third of a cup of water to the rice cooker. Too much water can make your broccoli soggy, while too little can lead to it being undercooked.
Use a Steaming Rack: To get that perfect crisp tender texture, place the sliced broccoli on a steaming rack in the rice cooker. This method allows the steam to circulate evenly, cooking the broccoli perfectly.
Proper Steaming Time: Steam the broccoli for just five minutes. Oversteaming can lead to loss of nutrients and a mushy texture, while under-steaming can leave it too hard.
Turn Off the Heat: Once done, turn off your rice cooker and unplug it. Leaving it on the "warm" setting will continue to cook the broccoli, which could lead to overcooking.
Seasoning: Don't forget to season your steamed broccoli. A drizzle of low-fat ranch, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a burst of flavor and make your side dish even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions for Steamed Broccoli
- Looking for a simple yet nutritious side dish? Toss your steamed broccoli florets in olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and serve alongside a juicy grilled chicken. The flavors perfectly complement each other. It is packed with proteins and fiber!
- Add a zesty twist to your steamed broccoli recipe by drizzling it with fresh lemon juice and sprinkling some lemon zest on top. It is a refreshing and low-calorie addition to your meal!
- Steamed broccoli can be a great addition to your salad bowl. Just chop it up, toss it with other vegetables, drizzle some light sauce, and you have a gluten-free, fiber-packed meal ready!
- For cheese lovers, sprinkle some grated cheese on your steamed broccoli while it is still hot. The cheese will melt and coat the broccoli, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- You can even add some melted butter on top of your steamed broccoli for an indulgent way to have veggies! Drizzle some soy sauce for an umami flavor.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Steamed Broccoli
This delicious steamed broccoli recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Give it a Lemon Twist: If you're a fan of citrusy flavors, this variation is for you. Simply squeeze a fresh lemon over your steamed broccoli florets. The lemon juice will add a tangy note to your broccoli, making it irresistibly delicious. You can also add some lemon zest for an extra punch.
Make it Cheesy: For cheese lovers, this variation is a must-try. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over your steamed broccoli just before serving. The melted cheese will add a creamy texture and enhance the flavor of the broccoli.
Add a Garlic Punch: If you're a garlic lover, intensify the flavor by adding some minced garlic to your steamed broccoli. Sauté the garlic in a drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil until it is golden and fragrant, then toss it with your broccoli. This will give the broccoli a rich, aromatic garlic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to add about a third of a cup of water to your rice cooker for steaming the broccoli.
After placing the sliced broccoli on the steaming rack in your rice cooker, let it steam for about five minutes.
Once the broccoli is done steaming, turn off the rice cooker and unplug it. You can then place the steamed broccoli on a plate and serve it as a side dish, in a salad, or drizzled with low-fat ranch and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
How to Store Leftover Steamed Broccoli
After enjoying a delicious meal, you might find yourself with leftovers. So, how do you properly store this nutritious side dish to maintain its crisp tender texture and flavors? Here are some simple steps to help you store and reheat your steamed broccoli.
To store steamed broccoli in the fridge, allow it to cool completely. Once it is cool, place the broccoli florets in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days.
Now, when it comes to reheating your steamed broccoli, you have a couple of options. If you're in a hurry, simply put the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of water, and cover it with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it for about one minute or until it is hot.
Alternatively, if you have some extra time, you can reheat the broccoli on the stovetop. Place the broccoli in a pot, add an inch of water, and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let the broccoli steam until it is hot.
Thawing your steamed broccoli is as simple as moving it from the freezer to the fridge. Allow it to thaw overnight, and then follow the reheating instructions above.
Unfortunately, steamed broccoli doesn't freeze well. The freezing process can make the broccoli become mushy and lose its crisp tender texture.
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Recipe Card
How to Steam Broccoli Perfectly (Easy Rice Cooker Method)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch – broccoli
- ½ cup - water
Steamed Broccoli Toppins
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ranch
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
Applience You'll Need
Instructions
How to Steam Broccoli
- Firstly, make sure that your broccoli is clean. Rinse the broccoli under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Once cleaned, it is time to cut the broccoli into florets. These are the tree-like parts of the broccoli.
- Don't discard the stems though, they're full of flavor and nutrients. Slice each floret into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating and even cooking.
- Pour a third of a cup of water into your rice cooker. This small amount of water is enough to create the steam we need to cook the broccoli.
- Next, arrange the sliced broccoli on a steaming rack. This rack is designed to hold the broccoli above the water level, allowing it to cook in the steam produced when the water heats up. Once your broccoli is neatly arranged, insert the steaming rack into the rice cooker, and close the lid securely.
- Now, it is time to steam the broccoli. Set the timer and turn on the rice cooker simultaneously. Allow the broccoli to steam for about five minutes. This will guarantee that the broccoli is crisp and tender, maintaining some bite while being cooked through.
- Once the timer goes off, turn off the rice cooker and unplug it. It is important to note that leaving the rice cooker on a 'warm' setting will continue to cook the broccoli, which we want to avoid maintaining that perfect crisp tenderness.
- Transfer the steamed broccoli to a plate. At this point, you can enjoy the steamed broccoli as a simple, healthy side dish, or you could toss it into a salad for some added crunch. Alternatively, for a bit more flavor, drizzle the broccoli with low-fat ranch dressing, and sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese.
- Your delicious Steamed Broccoli is ready to be served!
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This recipe was originally posted on November 7, 2014 (original picture below). I updated the pictures and the post for a better user experience. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Annabelle says
I just received a Rice Steamer...but there are no instructions. I loved reading how to do the broccoli and can't wait
to give it a try.
I sure would like to know how to do rice (can you believe a rice steamer owner not knowing how to do it correctly?)
Any other recipes you use would be greatly appreciated. You are my saving angel for this appliance. Thank you.
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
Hmm..., that is weird. It should have an instruction and recipe book. Usually, no instruction indicates that it was purchased and returned before. I would exchange it if I were you. Thank you for sweet comment 😀
K.Delp says
Depending on the brand...You can probably contact the company and get another booklet for free. Look them up on google. Try searching it under "the product's brand name, then rice cooker instruction booklet." See what comes up. Sometimes, you'll find a number to call. Worth a try.
Natasha says
My son new favorite vegetable after celery. Will try this to see if he likes it. Thanks:)
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thanks Natasha! Let me know how it goes.