How to Cook Broccoli {5 Easy Ways}
from kristineskitchenblog.comLearn how to cook broccoli so that it is crisp-tender and flavorful. This easy, healthy side dish is a family favorite! See the notes section below for broccoli seasoning ideas.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Steamed Broccoli
- 1 ½ pounds broccoli cut into florets
Roasted Broccoli
- 1 ½ pounds broccoli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Sautéed Broccoli
- 1 pound broccoli crowns
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup water
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- zest of 1 lemon
Air Fryer Broccoli
- 1 pound broccoli
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instant Pot Broccoli
- 1 ½ pounds broccoli cut into florets
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Steamed Broccoli
- Put 1-2 inches of water in the bottom of a pot. Put a steamer basket in the pot. (If you do not have a steamer basket you can cook the broccoli directly in an inch or two of water in the pot.) Bring to a boil on the stove.
- Once boiling, add the broccoli to the steamer basket (or right to the water in the pot), cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 3-4 minutes for crisp-tender broccoli or 5-7 minutes for softer broccoli.
- Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, immediately remove it from the heat and take the lid off of the pot. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Season as desired and serve.
Roasted Broccoli
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the broccoli and dry it well. Cut broccoli into bite-size florets. Cut larger florets in half or even into quarters if very large. Place broccoli florets on the baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Arrange broccoli so that any flat cut sides are facing down on the baking sheet and so that there is some space between the pieces to allow air to circulate. Sprinkle on salt and pepper.
- Roast broccoli in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Stir/toss broccoli, spread out into an even layer again, and continue roasting for 3-8 more minutes, until tender and browned on the edges.
Sautéed Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli into florets. Then cut all but very small florets in half. Quarter any very large florets. Pat dry to remove any moisture on the broccoli.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or other heavy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the broccoli to the pan. Use kitchen tongs to turn the pieces so that the flat sides are down against the bottom of the pan. Cook, without stirring, for 3-4 minutes. Then stir the broccoli and continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Pour in the water and immediately cover the pan. Cook for 2 minutes. Uncover the pan and stir in the minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper and lemon zest over the broccoli. Stir to distribute. Serve immediately.
Air Fryer Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli into florets. Cut large florets in half and very large florets in quarters. The pieces should be approximately 1-inch in size. Place broccoli florets in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the broccoli. Toss to coat. Sprinkle on salt and pepper and toss to evenly distribute.
- Add 1 tablespoon water to the bottom of the air fryer. Place broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry at 370° F for 5 minutes. Then toss broccoli and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. Air fry for 3-5 more minutes, until broccoli is crisp-tender. If cooking a second batch, add another tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer first.
- Serve immediately, seasoned with more salt, pepper and/or Parmesan as needed, to taste.
Instant Pot Broccoli
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot inner pot. Add a steamer basket to the pot. Place broccoli florets in the steamer basket. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position.
- For crisp-tender broccoli, set the pressure cook time to 0 minutes at high pressure. (If your Instant Pot will not allow you to set a 0 minute cook time, you can set it to pressure cook for 1 minute and then cancel the cooking cycle as soon as the pot reaches pressure. Then immediately quick release.) For softer broccoli, set the pressure cook time to 1 minute at high pressure.
- The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure and then the cook time will begin. As soon as the cook time ends, quick release the pressure by carefully moving the valve to the venting position.
- Once all of the steam has escaped and the pin drops down, immediately open the pot (to prevent over-cooking). Season broccoli as desired and serve.
Notes
Seasoning Ideas:
- Simple: Butter or olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Cheesy: Parmesan cheese or cheese sauce.
- Olive Oil & Lemon: Use either lemon juice or lemon zest.
- Italian: Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic Butter: Serve with garlic butter.
- Sesame: Try a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Spicy: Sprinkle on a pinch of red pepper flakes, along with your other seasonings of choice.
