Steam Broccoli In the Microwave

A quick and simple way to steam broccoli in the microwave in less than five minutes, add extra flavor, and you don't need plastic wrap!

Want to know how to steam broccoli in the microwave—fast, easy, and without plastic? This simple method for cooking broccoli in the microwave uses just a microwave-safe bowl and a plate—no plastic wrap or steam-in-bag needed. It delivers perfectly tender, bright green broccoli in minutes and skips the chemical exposure that comes from heating plastic. As a functional medicine dietitian and mom of three, I love how it supports a lower-toxin lifestyle without sacrificing convenience—because quick and healthy is the name of the game around here.

Why Microwave Steaming Is the Best Way to Cook Broccoli

While I love roasted broccoli, microwave steaming is one of the healthiest and fastest ways to cook broccoli. It preserves more nutrients than boiling, skips the added oils of roasting, and cooks way faster than stovetop steaming. It also gives you total control—just a few tablespoons of water, no mess, no fuss.

For even better flavor, add a pinch of salt before steaming. It helps the broccoli absorb just enough sodium while cooking, and the result is absolutely delicious—no extra seasoning required.

How to Steam Broccoli In the Microwave

* This is a visual how-to section with some additional tips and tricks.  For printable recipe cards and videos, scroll to the end of the post!

I'm usually using precut broccoli florets (usually from Costco), which can vary in size.  If there are really big florets (usually there are monster ones), I break them in half or thirds (bite-sized pieces) just with my hands.  Ideally, the best thing to do would be to have 100% uniform pieces, but that's a lot of extra work for not that great a payoff. Add them to a microwave-safe dish (I use a medium Pyrex bowl), and make sure the plate or lid you’re using will cover the bowl completely to trap steam. Don’t overfill—steam needs room to circulate.

Sprinkle with salt, then add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the bowl (enough to cover one inch of the bottom.)  Cover with a plate, and microwave on high for 3–5 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage and your preferred texture. You can always cook in 30–60 second bursts after the initial 2-3 minutes to avoid sogginess and dial in your sweet spot.

Once done, drain any excess water and season to taste. We love a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, or serving it alongside roasted chicken for an easy, balanced meal. (More seasoning variations below the recipe card.) 

How to Store and Freeze

To store steamed broccoli:  store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.  Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute, uncovered.  

To freeze steamed broccoli:  eek, I wouldn't freeze cooked broccoli unless I had to. If you plan to freeze, I recommend barely steaming it and letting it cool completely before freezing to minimize the texture changes after freezing.  Reheat in the microwave until defrosted and hot.  =

Tag me if you make these! I love to see what you guys make! You can tag me on Insta @hungryhobbyRD and Facebook @hungryhobby!

 

Microwave Steaming Tips

• Use a bowl + plate combo: Choose a microwave-safe bowl that fits a plate snugly over the top to trap steam. Don’t overfill—leave room for steam to circulate.
• Salt before steaming: A light sprinkle of salt before cooking helps the broccoli absorb flavor as it steams—game changer! You may not even need additional seasonings with this method!
• Add water: Pour about 1 inch of water into the bowl (a little more if the plate doesn’t seal tightly).
• Microwave 3–5 minutes: Start with 3 minutes for crisp-tender, or go up to 5 for softer broccoli. Want more control? If it’s too firm, continue cooking in 30-second to 1-minute intervals to avoid it getting too soft.  Consider your microwave wattage here!  600 watts is going to take closer to 6 minutes where as 1200 will be closer to 2-3 minutes.  That's why you want to check it every so often until you figure out what's right for your microwave. 
• Remove plate promptly: Taking the plate off right away stops the cooking. Leave it on a bit longer if you like it softer.

Seasoning Variations to Try: 

• For a clean and simple brighten up your broccoli with lemon juice and sea salt, butter and garlic powder, or olive oil and cracked black pepper. 
• Or if you prefer bold and zesty, try lemon pepper and parmesan or chili flakes, or Tajin and lime juice.
• To make it cheesy, you can sprinkle on some nutritional yeast and garlic powder. 
• Or for a more umami/salty flavor profile, grab a bottle of soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Use this steamer method in these delicious recipes: 

• Cauliflower Rice and Broccoli Quiche
•  Broccoli Cheddar Oatmeal Bake
• Healthy Beef and Broccoli 
• Healthy 5 Ingredient Egg Muffins 

Or pair this steamed broccoli in the microwave with these really easy main dishes:

• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
• Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo 
• Garlic Dill Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter