Microwave broccoli is so easy to make. Ready in about 15 minutes and deliciously tender-crisp, it's the ultimate weeknight side dish.
I often make broccoli for my family. Roasted broccoli is caramelized and flavorful, but when I have broccoli in the fridge and it's time to start dinner, eight times out of ten, I steam it in the microwave. It's quick and easy, and when freshly steamed and drizzled with butter and lemon juice, broccoli is delightful.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact measurements. Here are my comments on the ingredients.
- Fresh broccoli florets: I often buy a bag of pre-washed broccoli florets. But washing, drying, and cutting a broccoli head into florets is not difficult.
- To season: Kosher salt and black pepper.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter.
Instructions
The detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included in the recipe card. Here's a quick overview.
Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup of water.
Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the dressing, gently toss, and serve.
This recipe worked perfectly, and the broccoli was delicious.
Lynne
Read more comments
This recipe worked perfectly, and the broccoli was delicious.Recipe Tips
- If you use a bag of broccoli, the florets will come in different sizes. Cut the largest ones to ensure they are all about the same size and cook evenly.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli. Microwave ovens vary. It's better to undercook the broccoli a little than to overcook it. Start checking after 4 minutes (3 minutes if your microwave is 1200 watts). If needed, microwave it for another 30-60 seconds.
- When I serve it with an Asian-style meal (such as Asian meatballs or soy sauce chicken), I drizzle the broccoli with soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative) and sesame oil instead of butter.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If you want something more elaborate than melted butter and lemon juice, try this delicious cheese sauce. The photo below shows the broccoli topped with this sauce and served with beef back ribs. 
Yes. Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Yes. Simply follow the package directions. If you'd like to use this recipe, the broccoli might need more time in the microwave, but I would still start checking after 4 minutes. If the florets are still cold, gently stir them and add 1-2 more minutes, then check again.
Yes, but it's best to add water. A small amount of water helps create steam, which cooks the broccoli gently and evenly. Without water, the florets can dry out as they cook.
Serving Suggestions
Microwave broccoli is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with beef, poultry, and seafood. It pairs especially well with baked or grilled chicken breast, as shown in the photo below.
It also makes the perfect side dish for meatless meals. I love serving it with poached eggs, as shown in the image below.
Storing and Using the Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture and replace them daily to prevent the leftovers from becoming soggy.
Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power, covered, or in a 350°F oven, uncovered. Lightly coat them with olive oil spray if using the oven.
You can also enjoy the leftovers cold. The two photos below show the cold leftovers dipped in blue cheese dressing and added to a charcuterie plate, which also includes leftover Scotch eggs.
Recipe Card
Easy Microwave Broccoli
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt - or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons butter - unsalted, melted
Instructions
- Place the broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup of water.1 pound fresh broccoli florets, ¼ cup water
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes (check after 3 minutes if your microwave is 1200 watts).
- Remove the plate carefully, as hot steam will escape. Drain the broccoli in a colander, transfer it to a bowl, and season it with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter.1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons butter
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Seasonings, especially salt, are guidelines. Adjust to taste.
- I often buy a bag of pre-washed broccoli florets, but it's not difficult to wash and dry a broccoli head and cut it into florets. If you use a bag, the florets will come in different sizes. Cut the largest ones to ensure they are all about the same size.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli. Microwave ovens vary. It's better to undercook the broccoli a little than to overcook it. So start checking after 3-4 minutes. If needed, add 30-60 seconds.
- You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. However, they won't be as good as when freshly cooked. They tend to become a little soggy. Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and replace them daily. Reheat the leftovers, covered, in the microwave at 50% power or uncovered in a 350°F oven, or enjoy them cold like antipasti. Lightly coat them with olive oil spray if using the oven.
Nutrition per Serving
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Most recipes are low-carb and gluten-free, but some are not. Recommended products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate - please verify it. The carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Please read these Terms of Use before using any of my recipes.
Ed says
Excellent and tasty recipe. Easy to make.
Vered DeLeeuw says
I'm so glad you liked it, Ed! It's one of the side dishes I make most often for my family.
Lynne says
This recipe worked perfectly, and the broccoli was delicious.
Vered DeLeeuw says
Yay! I'm so glad this was a success, Lynne!