The Best Microwave Steamed Broccoli Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Mar 4, 2025 
The Best Microwave Steamed Broccoli Recipe – Learn the easy foolproof method for how to steam perfectly tender and delicious broccoli in the microwave!
Why We Love This Easy Microwave Steamed Broccoli Recipe
Need to steam some broccoli for broccoli and cheese, or to stir into another recipe? Or do you just want a simple healthy side dish? This is by far the easiest way to steam broccoli in the microwave!
With our tried-and-true steps you can avoid mushy broccoli and make tender, flavorful, and fully yummy florets. You need only a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes… Actually less than that if you prep the veggies ahead!
It is also easy to customize the spices, and double or triple this microwave steamed broccoli recipe for as many servings as you like. So this will definitely be a staple of your basic recipe how-to guides!
Ingredients You Need
- Broccoli – fresh, trimmed into bite-sized florets
- Water – just a bit
- Salt and pepper – for the most flavorful steamed broccoli
- Butter – unsalted, optional but highly recommended
- Garlic powder – or other optional spices
How To Make Steamed Broccoli In The Microwave
- Set out a medium microwave-safe bowl or baking dish with a heavy lid. Trim the broccoli into the florets, approximately 1 by 2 inches in size. Place the broccoli florets in the baking dish.
- Pour the water over the top of the broccoli. Then add two large pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper.
Pro Tip: If desired, add butter and garlic powder as well. I highly recommend these easy flavor boosters!
- Cover the dish and place it in the microwave. Set on high for 3 minutes.
Carefully open the lid and toss the broccoli. If the stems still seem too firm, place them back in the microwave for 1-2 more minutes. Perfectly steamed broccoli should be bright green and the stems should still be firm, but not raw inside.
Get the Complete (Printable) Guide for How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave Below. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Spices – Want to spice things up? Consider adding crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, your favorite herb or spice blend, or seasoning salt to the broccoli before steaming in the microwave.
- Garlic And Lemon Zest – Before microwaving, toss the broccoli with a dash of garlic powder and freshly grated lemon zest. Finish off the steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Cheese – Top the hot broccoli with your favorite grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar. Cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt, creating a creamy, indulgent side dish. Or make a quick batch of our fabulous homemade Cheese Sauce for Broccoli and pour it on!
Serving Suggestions
Here are just a few ideas for what to serve with steamed broccoli to get you going:
- Instant Pot Sweet Soy Chicken Thighs
- Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Breast
- The Best Beef Wellington
- Steak Diane (Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe)
- Broiled Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
- Baked White Fish with Everything Bagel Crust
- Mean Green Buddha Bowl
- Panang Curry with Crispy Tofu
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you have a bigger microwave-safe covered dish that will fit in your microwave, you can fill it up with two or three heads of broccoli. Double and triple the ingredients as needed, then start the cooking time at four minutes on high before tossing and adding additional minutes.
For the best taste and texture, I recommend steaming the broccoli when you are ready to serve. But you can prep ahead! Wash and trim the florets and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.
Check the veggie for doneness after 3 minutes. If the stems are a bit too firm, microwave for 1 more minute and check again.
Both methods are terrific for preserving the nutrients of broccoli. Boiling broccoli is also very easy, but does take a bit more effort. Microwaving is about as effortless as it gets! This also uses less water and keeps the stovetop free for other dishes.
Looking for More Quick and Easy Side Dish Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- Roasted Red Pepper Aioli and Steamed Artichokes
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Oven Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Healthy Baked Zucchini Tots
- Roasted Lemon Asparagus
- Roasted Vegetable Melody
- Sweet and Spicy Roasted Broccolini
- Homemade Sweet Cornbread
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Easy Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
- How To Cook Quinoa
How to Steam Broccoli (in Microwave)
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli trimmed (4-5 cups florets)
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons butter + ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Set out a medium microwave-safe pot or baking dish with a heavy lid. Trim the broccoli in the florets, approximately 1 by 2 inches in size. Place the broccoli florets in the baking dish.
- Pour the water over the top of the broccoli, followed by two large pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper. If desired, add butter and garlic powder as well.
- Cover the dish and place in the microwave. Set on high for 3 minutes. Carefully open the lid and toss the broccoli. If the stems still seem too firm, place back in the microwave for 1-2 more minutes. Perfectly steamed broccoli should be bright green and the stems should still be firm, but not raw inside.
Thank you for this, I am new to cooking and this is so easy to follow! Just perfect.
This is so easy! Broccoli turned out to be so tender and tasty. Must-have!
Thank you for sharing this easy way to steam broccoli, it turned out great! I’m definitely going to be using this method from now on!
this is just what I needed to help with my quick dinners! thank you so much for sharing this recipe