Learn how to make perfectly boiled broccoli with seasonings of your choice. This post includes information on how long to boil broccoli, nutrition, and how to add flavor to make broccoli taste better. You’ll love making this super quick and easy vegetable side dish!
For a lot of people, the start of a new year usually inspires them to make resolutions regarding healthy eating or fitness. Eating more vegetables is a common goal during January, and I LOVE to see it.
This week, I’m posting REALLY simple vegetable recipes. Like the kind of recipes that anyone can make and that actually don’t take a lot of time. I’m kicking it off with this boiled broccoli, but I encourage you to check out the Microwave Carrots and Steamed Brussels Sprouts too.
When you think of boiled broccoli, mushy and bland florets may come to mind. Fortunately, this post will help you make cooked broccoli that truly tastes good. The key is to not overcook the broccoli and to season it well. Read on to learn more! And if you’re looking for more seasoning ideas for broccoli, check out the Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for best results, but you can also use frozen broccoli. I recommend decreasing the cooking time by 30 to 60 seconds if using frozen broccoli.
- Seasonings: These could include melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and/or zest, salt, pepper, garlic, or shredded cheese. There are more specific ideas in the following section.
Seasoning Ideas
If you’re wondering how to give flavor to boiled broccoli, use one of the following seasoning combinations. My Vegetable Seasoning Guide may also be helpful.
- Melted butter or olive oil + lemon juice or zest + salt and pepper
- Melted butter + minced garlic + salt and pepper
- Creamy peanut butter + soy sauce + lime juice + garlic + ginger (thin as needed)
- Olive oil + shredded parmesan cheese + red pepper flakes
- Olive oil + shredded cheddar cheese
- Toasted sesame oil + sesame seeds
- Olive oil + slivered almonds + raisins
Instructions
The full instructions and ingredients list are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s a preview of the steps, followed by frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Cut the broccoli into florets. Try to make them roughly the same size to promote even cooking.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 and ½ to 3 minutes.
Drain immediately.
Add flavor with seasonings of your choosing.
FAQ
Broccoli should be boiled no longer than 2 and ½ to 3 minutes. Drain immediately after boiling to prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy. If you like broccoli a little crunchier, boil for 2 minutes.
Boiled vegetables do lose some nutrients in the cooking water, namely water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and folate. However, boiled broccoli is still a healthy food choice that provides benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber and several nutrients. If you are concerned about nutrient loss due to boiling, try steaming broccoli or eating it raw instead.
More Broccoli Recipes
I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.
📖 Recipe
Boiled Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 small heads broccoli - about 4 cups florets
Seasoning ideas (see more in notes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut broccoli into bite-size florets of about the same size.
- Add broccoli to the boiling water and cook for a maximum of 2 and ½ to 3 minutes. Drain immediately.
- Mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss the broccoli in the seasonings and enjoy! See notes for more seasoning ideas.
- Leave a rating or review by tapping the stars on this recipe card (above) or in the comments section (at the end of the post)!
Notes
- Nutrition facts include the example seasonings written on the ingredients list. Nutrition will vary based on what seasonings you use.
- Boiled broccoli is best enjoyed right away, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Reheat in the microwave.
- Other seasoning ideas:
- Melted butter + minced garlic + salt and pepper
- Creamy peanut butter + soy sauce + lime juice + garlic + ginger (thin as needed)
- Olive oil + shredded parmesan cheese + red pepper flakes
- Olive oil + shredded cheddar cheese
- Toasted sesame oil + sesame seeds
- Olive oil + slivered almonds + raisins
Nutrition
Enjoy this EASY way to eat more vegetables! – Lizzie
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