Name: Microwave Steamed Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, chopped; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Making a fresh vegetables side dish is easier than you might think. This microwave steamed broccoli recipe will give you crisp, flavorful broccoli in minutes. It’s the perfect side dish for a quick weeknight dinner.

Why I love this easy broccoli recipe

I know. Microwaved broccoli seems like it’s not worth a recipe, but I really wanted to share because steaming vegetables in the microwave is one of my favorite ways to make weeknight dinners easier. Not only does it make my life easier, but I think it makes a huge difference in the quality of our dinners.

If I’m not making a one pot meal – like my ___ – I typically follow a protein, carb, veggie formula. For years we relied on frozen veggies, and while they’re totally fine and work in a pinch, but there’s just something about fresh vegetables that makes me actually want to eat them.

They’re slightly crisp and full of flavor, and a million times better than any frozen or canned vegetables.

This recipe would be great with: sweet chili salmon / lemon rosemary chicken / cauliflower alfredo sauce / turkey sloppy joes

This technique is also great for getting vegetables ready for a quick stir fry, and I use this as a step for my Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe before adding it to the cooked chicken and sauce.

Here’s what you’ll need make microwave steamed broccoli

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no added cost to you. Affiliate links will be noted as such, and I will never recommend a product that I don’t use or trust.

Chef’s knife *affiliate link
Cutting board *affiliate link
Large microwave safe bowl
Microwave

How to steam broccoli in the microwave

Prep. Start by washing and chopping your fresh broccoli. If you like the stems, they can totally stay, it’s really up to you. I like a little stem and a lot of floret, so we normally buy stemless, but do what you like. It will work either way.

I think the fastest way to prep broccoli is to chop it and then rinse it well in a colander, but you can wash and then chop if you want. It doesn’t make a difference. Just make sure you’re cutting it into bite-sized-ish pieces.

Steam. Place your chopped broccoli in a large bowl and season to taste. I like to use a drizzle of olive oil, a little garlic powder and salt & pepper. Then, put the bowl in the microwave and cook it for 3 – 5 minutes, depending on how soft you like your vegetables. You don’t even need to cover the bowl. It’s that simple.

Remove the bowl from the microwave immediately, or it will continue to cook as it sits in the closed microwave. When you remove the broccoli, it should be bright green in color and slightly tender.

steamed broccoli florets in a glass bowl

More broccoli recipes you’ll love:

More easy, dairy free sides: