A healthy and easy side dish can be made in minutes. I love to boil Broccoli because it gives the vegetable a crispy-tender texture and brings out all of its wonderful flavors. Boiling Broccoli involves two steps: first, boil the stems, then add the florets. This two-step method ensures that each part is cooked to perfection.
Broccoli contains a lot of fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Other options for cooking broccoli include roasting, sauteeing, and microwaving. Boiled Broccoli makes a delicious side dish to many main dishes, including Orange Chicken Pork Chops, Steak, and Baked Chicken thighs.
How to prepare Broccoli
- Buy fresh Broccoli: Avoid old Broccoli that have brown spots or florets. The florets must be tightly bundled together and the stems firm. The fresh raw Broccoli can last up to three days in the refrigerator.
- Wash your Broccoli well: Use water and vinegar (ratio 1:3 between vinegar and water). The Broccoli should be soaked in vinegar for 5 minutes to ensure that no bugs are left inside the florets. Rinse it under cold water.
- How to prepare broccoli florets: Use a sharp blade to remove the stem from the crown. Use your hands to separate the height into large florets. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Trim any leaves from the stem and peel away the thick layer of skin. Remove the bottom inch from the stem. Cut the remaining stems thinly.
How long does it take to boil Broccoli?
- Your taste and floret size determines cooking time. Broccoli is quick to cook, but it’s important to cook the stems separately from the florets.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the water in a pan on high heat. The stems or stalks should be added first and cooked for two minutes. Add the florets to the boiling water and submerge completely. Cook for 3 minutes, until crisp-tender. You can cook it for another 2 minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
- Drain with a colander. Submerge cooked Broccoli immediately in a bowl filled with cold water or ice. This will stop the cooking and give the Broccoli a crisp texture, along with a bright green color.
- When Broccoli is cooked properly, it has a neutral taste. Sprinkle with pepper and lemon wedges.
Tips for boiling Broccoli
- How do you blanch Broccoli? It’s best to blanch your Broccoli before using it in a salad or casserole. To bring out flavor and color, reduce the cooking time to just 2 minutes.
- How to Cook Broccoli Fresh in Microwave: Add the broccoli florets to a bowl that can be microwaved, and add three tablespoons of hot water. Cover the bowl with a lid, and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check to see if the Broccoli has a crispy texture. If necessary, microwave broccoli for an additional minute.
- How long can raw Broccoli be stored in the refrigerator? Raw Broccoli can be kept in the fridge for approximately three days. After that, its flavor and nutritional value will begin to diminish.
Ingredients
- One large head of Broccoli
- Salt
- Black pepper freshly ground
- Lemons are optional
Instructions
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- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil on high heat. Add a pinch of salt.
- While you are cleaning your Broccoli, cut the stem off. Remove the stem from the crown. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice off the bottom inch and discard. Slice the remaining stems thinly.
- Add stem slices to boiling water and cook for two minutes.
- Continue cooking for three more minutes or until the florets are tender.
- Drain the cooked Broccoli using a colander. Immerse it in cold water.
- Transfer the Broccoli onto a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with salt or pepper.
- Enjoy with lemon wedges!