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Learn How to actually Cook Broccoli!
I used to think broccoli was just a basic, boring side dish, but once I learned how to cook broccoli properly, it quickly became a staple .
This simple, basic tutorial is great if you’ve ever wondered how do you cook broccoli for incorporating into other dishes such as broccoli salad or broccoli chicken Alfredo so it comes out crisp-tender, but also soft and buttery.
And if you’re looking to mix things up, I’ve also got delicious recipes for roasted broccoli and air fryer broccoli that are definitely worth trying!
How to Cook Broccoli (Video Tutorial)
How to Cook Broccoli
Before you start cooking broccoli, check out this tutorial on how to cut broccoli into florets. This method shows you how to cut long broccoli florets to minimize wasted stems and also helps them look great on the plate. Plus, I show you how to use every part of the broccoli including the stalk which means less food waste and more flavor! After you cut the broccoli, choose one of these two easy methods on how to cook fresh broccoli: stovetop or oven-roasted.
How to Cook Broccoli on Stovetop
How to Cook Broccoli in Oven
Recipe Tips
- Consider the size of the florets. Gauge the cooking time by the size of your florets. The smaller, the less time is needed for crisp tenderness.
- Don’t overcook. Do you prefer crisp-tender or soft-cooked broccoli? Use a small sharp knife to test for doneness and check as often as needed. Personally, I like when broccoli still has a bite, especially if you add it to other recipes where you’ll cook it more. Overcooking it makes it mushy and dulls the flavor.
- Do not cover. Whether you’re boiling or roasting, there’s no need to cover the broccoli in the pot or in the oven. To keep that bright green color, cover with water but do not cover the pot, which can turn the broccoli into a dull brown-green.
- Cook right on the sheet pan. For crispier edges, ditch the parchment paper and aluminum foil. You want to pan-roast the broccoli against the bare metal of the sheet pan.
Serving Ideas
- Grilled Chicken Broccoli Wraps
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Broccoli and Cheese Quiche
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Broccoli Pizza Crust
- Vegan Broccoli Soup
- Broccoli & Cheese Hand Pies
- Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Recipe Help & FAQs
Store cooked broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave (which can make it mushy) and, instead, warm it in a pan with a splash of water or broth. You can also lightly roast it in the oven or a dry skillet for better texture.
Yes, you can freeze cooked broccoli, but to keep the color, texture and nutrients, it’s best to blanch the broccoli instead of cooking it fully. Blanching is a quick cooking method where you briefly boil the broccoli, then immediately transfer the florets to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. But if you’re freezing fully cooked broccoli, I recommend just letting it cool, then spread it on a baking sheet to flash freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When broccoli cooks in hot water, plant acids release and mix with the chlorophyll, causing the vibrant green color to fade and the naturally bitter taste to become stronger. To keep both the fresh color and milder flavor, boil broccoli in an open pan and avoid overcooking, as both of these factors make it bitter and fade in color.
More Cooking Tutorials:
- How to Cook Asparagus
- How to Cook Brown Rice
- How to Make Breaded Chicken
- How to Roast Frozen Vegetables
- How to Cook Caramelized Onions
- How To Cook Pasta
- How to Cook Frozen Chicken in Instant Pot
- How to Cook Cauliflower Rice
- How to Make Vegetable Stock
- How to Make Pesto
If you try this tutorial for How to Cook Broccoli or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
How to Cook Broccoli
Video
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets
Stovetop Method
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons salt
Oven Method
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Bring a pot of water and salt to a boil.
- If serving the broccoli cold or reheating, prepare an ice bath to shock the broccoli when done.
- Carefully place the broccoli in the boiling water and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
- Once tender, carefully remove or strain the broccoli.
- Place in the ice bath if needed or serve warm immediately.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired (but not necessary)
- Toss broccoli in the olive oil, salt and black pepper
- Place the broccoli on a roasting pan, and roast in the oven until tender and slightly colored, about 7-10 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Was just looking for a time and a temperature – couldn’t find either.
If you click ‘jump to recipe’ at the top of the page it will give you the full instructions.
Surely 2 Tablespoons of salt for your stove method to cook fresh Brokkoli, can’t be right? 🤔
Yes, it’s 2 tablespoons for 8 cups of water.
So nice
So glad you found it helpful!