Broccoli is one of the most nutritious and versatile vegetables in the world! It’s packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium, fiber, and vitamin C. Plus, it adds a pop of color, texture, and flavor to a wide range of dishes. It can be a little tricky to prepare, so we’re covering how to cook broccoli the right way in this post. And don’t forget the stalks! We also have some tips on how to make use of the edible broccoli bottoms for a zero-waste approach to cooking this delicious green veggie. For more information on what broccoli is, types of broccoli, and nutrition facts, pop on over to our broccoli 101 post.
How to cook broccoli
Before anything else, you’ll want to rinse the broccoli and cut it into evenly-sized florets. Save the very bottom stalks for later.
Option 1: Microwaved broccoli
Microwaving is the quickest and most convenient way to cook broccoli, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Here’s how:
Option 2: Steamed broccoli
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps to preserve the color, texture, and nutrients of broccoli. Follow these steps to steam it:
Option 3: Blanched broccoli
Blanching is a fast cooking method that involves briefly boiling broccoli before submerging it in ice water. This technique preserves the broccoli’s vibrant green color and ensures a crisp, yet tender texture. Follow these easy steps: Pro-Tip! We always like to blanch before we freeze broccoli. It helps to preserve the nutrients and keep them from degrading while frozen!
Option 4: Sautéed broccoli
Broccoli is a great vegetable candidate for sautéing. It adds so much flavor, and it’s super easy! This method adds a slight crispiness to the outside while keeping the interior tender. Here’s an easy way to get started:
Option 5: Roasted broccoli
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli, giving it a deliciously caramelized flavor and crispy texture. Follow these steps to roast your broccoli:
Don’t forget the stalks!
Broccoli stalks are often thrown out, but they’re just as healthy, delicious, and edible as the florets. To make use of the stalks, simply trim or peel off the tough outer layer with a paring knife or vegetable peeler and slice them into thin rounds or strips. You can then cook the stalks using any of the above methods, but they may require a little longer to cook than the florets. You can even try making something a little more adventurous, like broccoli rice, broccoli pizza crust, or broccoli fries!
Broccoli recipes
If you need some inspiration for mouthwatering broccoli recipes now that you’re an expert at cooking it, look no further than these options:
Grilled Broccoli Salad 30-Minute Broccoli Cauliflower Soup Lightened Up Broccoli Casserole Vegan Beef And Broccoli
