7 Best Ways To Cook Broccoli

There are several kinds of broccoli, ranging from the bitter rapini (broccoli rabe) that is often used in Italian cookery to the lush gai lan (Chinese broccoli) that is popular in Chinese cooking. 

To select broccoli, it is recommended to look for heads that are firm, compact, and uniform dark green florets and avoid those that have yellowing or open flowers as they signify overmaturity which is possibly bitter.

The stem should not be woody or rubbery but rather firm and freshly cut, moreover, its cut end should be moist instead of dry. Furthermore, check for any signs of blemishes or dark spots as well as mold mostly between the florets, and ensure there’s no strong smell which could mean rotting.

However, size does not amount to quality so pick one that is appropriate according to individual preferences but if there are any leaves attached they must be crisp and leafy green without wilting or yellowing. Choosing between organic and conventional could depend on your taste and budget.

Before cooking, it’s essential first to properly prepare broccoli. To start, wash the whole veggies under cold running water, rubbing the florets lightly to get rid of dirt and debris. In case of small insects especially organic ones, soak the bulb in cold salted water for around 15 minutes and then rinse it off again. 

With a sharp knife, get rid of the end of the stem that is hard and woody, about an inch from the bottom. If you are cooking with its stalk (which is full of nutrients and taste), use a vegetable peeler to remove its outer layer.

After that, by cutting through the stems that join the primary stalk, separate the head into single florets. To ensure even cooking, try to maintain similar sizes for all the florets, cutting bigger ones into two pieces if needed.

In the case of steaming or boiling methods, it is recommended to cut thick stalks lengthwise so that they can cook together with their florets. While stir-frying, for instance, you might want to blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water before shocking it in ice water. This will ensure that its bright green color is retained.

If roasting vegetables, be sure that the florets are dry to achieve browning. The stalks take longer than the florets to cook, thus adjusting cutting or cooking time will help you get all sections cooked according to how tender you want them.

Among more than 10 ways to make Broccoli, there are 8 very quick and easy ways as follows:

Like boiling, steaming retains more vitamins and minerals as compared to boiling which often results in healthier and tastier broccoli, still having a nice snappy bite.

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Knife
3. Tongs
4. Cutting board
5. Water
6. Steamer basket
7. Seasonings of your choice

Steps to steam Broccoli:

• Select a pot or a steamer basket that is large enough to accommodate the veggies comfortably
• Add about 1 inch of water into the pot making it doesn't touch the basket's bottom
• Bring the water to boil while you rinse and cut the broccoli
• Once the water boils, drop it into the basket
• Carefully place the basket into the steamer
• Cover the pot with an airtight lid
• Steam them for 3-5 minutes
• After 3-5 minutes, check for the doneness
• Pierce it with a fork or any pointy object and make sure they are still bright in color when pierced
• Once done, remove it immediately to avoid overcooking
• Add seasoning of your choice and enjoy 

This is probably one of the easiest ways of cooking broccoli, and many people have probably had boiled broccoli more than a few times throughout their lives. Boiling broccoli maintains its clean, pure flavor and is also the healthiest way of preparing it. 

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Large pot
3. Strainer
4. Knife
5. Cutting board 
6. Water
7. Steamer basket
8. Seasonings of your choice

Steps to Boiling Broccoli:

1. Wash the Broccoli, dry them with a cloth, and cut them as desired
2. Boil enough water to submerge broccoli in a pot
3. After the water comes to a boil place the broccoli in it 
4. Boil the broccoli on a medium-high flame for 2-3 minutes
5. Pierce it with a fork or any pointy object and make sure they are soft when pierced
6. Once done, strain the broccoli and separate it from the water 
7. After all the water has been drained, place broccoli on a plate and add some salt and pepper or any seasoning of your choice

Roasting broccoli is the least engaging method of preparing this veggie. Roasting brings out broccoli's best flavors. Blanching the broccoli pieces beforehand will cut down on the cooking time.

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Parchment paper or aluminum foil
3. Baking tray
4. Knife
5. Cutting board 
6. Tongs
7. Seasonings of your choice

Steps to roasting Broccoli:

1. Wash the Broccoli, dry them with a cloth, and cut them as desired
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Add some seasoning like salt, pepper, oil, garlic powder, and others for marination
4. Place the parchment or baking paper on a baking tray
5. Spread some oil on the parchment or baking paper
6. Place the broccolis aligned for even distribution of the heat
7. Place the baking tray into the preheated oven 
8. Roast the broccoli for a total of 20-25 minutes, tossing them in between
9. Check the doneness by poking it with a fork, they should be soft
10. Serve it with some herbs on top

Broccoli sautéing is one of the best methods of course if you want your broccoli to be filled with flavors while cooking. Additionally, it helps in avoiding bitterness from broccoli.

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Frying Pan
3. Ladle or wooden spoon or spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board 
6. Seasonings of your choice
7. Oil of your choice

Steps to sautéing Broccoli:

1. Heat the pan on a high flame 
2. Add 2 tablespoons of  Olive oil or any oil you like and heat it (avoid smoking the oil)
3. Place the broccoli in the pan without overcrowding it
4. Add some salt and pepper
5. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes while you occasionally toss them 
6. Check the doneness by poking it with a fork, they should be crisp yet soft and a little brown 
7. Optional: you may add chilies, chicken broth, or garlic too
8. Remove the broccoli from the pan and serve it with some cheese or nuts

One of the fastest and most practical ways to prepare this vegetable is by microwaving it. It retains nutrients, so it’s a good choice for busy people or those who have limited cooking equipment in their homes. This is a complete guide on how to microwave broccoli:

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Microwave-safe bowl
3. Oven mitts
4. Knife
5. Cutting board 
6. Seasonings of your choice
7. Oil of your choice

Steps to Microwaving Broccoli:

1. Wash the Broccoli, dry them with a cloth, and cut them as desired
2. Marinate or add seasoning of your choice like salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil 
3. Place them on a microwavable dish in a single layer 
4. Place the microwavable dish in the microwave and cook them for 2-3 minutes occasionally tossing them in between
5. Check the doneness by poking it with a fork to test tenderness
6. Once done, let the broccolis sit for 1-2 minutes
7. Toss some cubes of butter and garnish it with some herbs
8. Serve it as a main or a side dish

Broccoli can be air-fried to make it delicious crispy, healthy and modern! A detailed guide on operating air fryers for broccoli:

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Airfryer
3. Knife
4. Parchment or baking paper
5. Cutting board 
6. Seasonings of your choice
7. Oil of your choice

Steps to roasting Broccoli:

1. Wash the broccoli, dry them with a cloth, and cut them as desired
2. Preheat the Air fryer to 400°F - 450°F
3. Marinate or add seasoning of your choice like salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil 
4. Place a parchment or baking paper
5. Place the marinated broccoli in the air fryer in a single layer to cook them evenly
6. Cook the broccoli for 8-10 occasionally toss in between
7. Toss it occasionally in between
8. Check the doneness by poking it with a fork to check the tenderness
9. Serve it as a main or a side dish

Blanching is very important for keeping the deep green color and crunchy feel of the broccoli before it is fully cooked. Let's learn how to blanch broccoli:

Ingredients and Utensils needed:

1. Broccoli
2. Water
3. Pot 
4. Bowl 
5. Seasoning of your choice
6. Ice cubes

Steps to Blanch Broccoli:

1. Wash the Broccoli, dry them with a cloth, and cut them as desired
2. Boil enough water to submerge broccoli in a pot
3. After the water comes to a boil place the Broccoli in it 
4. Boil the broccoli on a high flame for 2-3 minutes
5. Pierce it with a fork or any pointy object and make sure the broccoli is soft yet tender-crisp when pierced
6. Remove the broccoli immediately and toss them in a bowl full of ice water
7. Place them for 2-3 minutes or until completely cooled
8. Take the Broccoli out of the ice water bath and pat dry 
9. Season them with some salt and pepper and serve

The cooking duration for Broccolis differs according to what preparation style you choose. For instance, in most cases, preparing broccolis takes about 4 to 5 minutes.

• Boiling: Add the broccoli to boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and shock them with ice water so that cooking stops.
• Steaming: With boiling water underneath them, place a steamer basket containing the broccoli inside it. Cover and steam for about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Sautéing: Heat oil in a pan then add the broccolis while cooking it should take approximately 3 to 4 minutes stirring frequently between each stage.
• Roasting: Toss together some oil and broccolis then spread out onto repeatedly shaken baking sheets for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Microwaving: A little water in a microwave-safe bowl containing broccolis that needs covering up needs microwaving on high for 2 or 3 minutes. You can test if they are done or not by piercing them with a fork. There are many seasoning ideas like adding salt and pepper.

In Salads: When included in salads, they provide nourishment along with texture to your food. Broccoli finely chopped stems combined with shredded carrots drizzled in creamy dressing are among the popular options. It produces a crunchy refreshing side ideal for picnics or barbecues.

In Main Dishes: There are many main courses where broccoli can serve as a leading component such as deliciously prepared broccoli and cheddar quiche popular choice for both brunches or light dinners made by combining earthy flavor from vegetables and rich delicate melting cheese enveloped within its flaky crust.

In Soups: Broccoli works wonderfully in soups of all sorts, whether creamy or brothy. One of its most enduringly popular forms is creamy broccoli and cheese soup, which contains this vegetable blended into a velvety base enriched with sharp cheddar.

As a Snack: Broccoli, especially when steamed or boiled, is a perfect health snack. It preserves the needed nutrients and is fun to eat along with some hummus, cheese, or even nuts!