This delicious quick cook broccoli recipe is the perfect healthy side dish, ready in minutes! It goes well with any roast or pan fried meats and fish, stews, pies and casseroles.
As well as being a great source of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, broccoli is also a very versatile vegetable that can be steamed, microwaved and roasted (see FAQs below).
Tips
- Add other vegetables - sugar snap peas, mangetout, asparagus and green beans all cook in 3 minutes too, so can be added to the broccoli for a mix of green vegetables. If you want to add carrots, cook them first for 3 minutes, then add the broccoli and any of the other green veg, if you like.
- Herbs and spices - for extra flavour, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, parsley or rosemary, or spices like garlic powder, chilli flakes or lemon zest.
- Cheese and toppings - for added texture and flavour, try adding grated parmesan, nutritional yeast or toasted nuts.
- Leftovers - chop leftover cooked broccoli and add it to salads, stir-fries, a frittata or quiche, or toss it into a grain bowl.
- This quick cook broccoli recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
To avoid overcooking, keep a close eye on the cooking time, especially if you’re steaming or boiling broccoli. You want it to be tender but still crisp. For extra green, vibrant broccoli, blanch it in ice water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process.
Steaming is one of the best methods to retain the nutrients in broccoli, as it prevents the loss of vitamins and minerals that can occur during boiling. Add the broccoli florets to a steamer basket, and place it in a saucepan filled with 2.5cm of water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pan. Let steam for 5 minutes.
Microwaving is also an excellent method, as it cooks broccoli quickly with minimal nutrient loss. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and add about 2 to 4 tbsp of water. You can add more or less water depending on the portion of broccoli you are cooking. Cover the bowl with a loose lid or cling film with holes for ventilation. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Yes - roasting broccoli is a great way to bring out its natural sweetness. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it at 200C fan for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s golden and crispy on the edges.
Place leftover cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or sauté it for a quick side dish.
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HOW TO MAKE THIS QUICK COOK BROCCOLI
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into equal sized florets (see Tips)
- cooking salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the broccoli florets to a saucepan of boiling water and add some cooking salt. Cover the pan with a lid, bring back to the boil and cook on a continuous simmer for 3 minutes.
- Drain well in a colander, transfer to a serving bowl and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
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Quick Cook Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli cut into equal sized florets (see Notes)
- cooking salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the broccoli florets to a saucepan of boiling water and add some cooking salt. Cover the pan with a lid, bring back to the boil and cook on a continuous simmer for 3 minutes.
- Drain well in a colander, transfer to a serving bowl and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add other vegetables - sugar snap peas, mangetout, asparagus and green beans all cook in 3 minutes too, so can be added to the broccoli for a mix of green vegetables. If you want to add carrots, cook them first for 3 minutes, then add the broccoli and any of the other green veg, if you like.
- Herbs and spices - for extra flavour, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, parsley or rosemary, or spices like garlic powder, chilli flakes or lemon zest.
- Cheese and toppings - for added texture and flavour, try adding grated parmesan, nutritional yeast or toasted nuts.
- Leftovers - chop leftover cooked broccoli and add it to salads, stir-fries, a frittata or quiche, or toss it into a grain bowl.
- This quick cook broccoli recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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