How to Cut Broccoli

Yumna Jawad

Updated Sep 26, 2025

5 from 16 votes

This tutorial shows a simple method for how to cut a broccoli the correct way so you waste less stem and end up with long broccoli florets!

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
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How to Cut Broccoli.
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How to Cut Broccoli like a pro

I used to find it so difficult to cut broccoli, but I finally learned this easy method and I’m sharing below an easy tutorial for how to cut broccoli so you waste less. The florets are not the only edible part! This tutorial shows you how to knife through that big head of broccoli in a way that creates florets with long stems.

Happy Cooking!
– Yumna

How to Cut Broccoli

Cutting a few inches off the end of the broccoli stalk.
Step 1: Start by cutting a few inches off the end of the broccoli stalk.
Step 2: Then, stand the head of broccoli up on the cut edge of the stem and place your knife in the divet where the floret stem meets the main stalk.
Broccoli head-up on cutting downwards.
Step 3: Make a cut downwards at the stem’s intersection.
Long stem being cut off.
Step 4: This will give you a floret with a long stem that includes a slice of the main stem. Continue this until your reach the top of the head of broccoli. You can slice it in half or quarters depending on the size.
How to Cut Broccoli.

How to Cut Broccoli

Author: Yumna Jawad
5 from 16 votes
Learn how to cut broccoli into florets, stalks, and slices with this easy step-by-step guide – great for prepping broccoli for cooking, roasting, or snacking.
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Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings2 servings

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 head broccoli

Instructions

  • Holding the head of the broccoli on its side, remove about two inches of the stem
  • Stand the head of broccoli up on its stem. At the base of each floret, where the floret stem meets the main stem, make a cut downwards at the stem’s intersection. This will give you a floret with a long stem that includes a slice of the main stem.
  • Continue this until you reach the top of the head of broccoli and slice it in half or quarters depending on the size.

Equipment

Notes

Storage: Cut broccoli can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days before use.
Freezing: Freeze the cut broccoli solid on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 10 months.
Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 961mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1894IU, Vitamin C: 271mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

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Tutorial Video

Recipe Tips

  1. Save the stem. Broccoli stem can be peeled and steamed, roasted or stir fried just like florets. You could also chop it up and add it to a vegetable soup!
  2. Look for discoloration. If any of the florets or stems are discolored, use a peeler to peel off anything you wouldn’t want to eat.
  3. Aim for evenly sized florets. This way they will all cook at the same rate.
  4. Minimize mess. By cutting through the stems rather than the ‘tree tops’ you will avoid all the pesky broccoli mess that usually winds up all over the kitchen!

Recipes to Make with Broccoli

Cut broccoli in large bowl

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