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!