Learn everything you need to know about how to cut broccoli crowns into florets and small pieces and broccoli stems, with the help of step-by-step photos and a short video. This tutorial will teach you the best ways of cutting broccoli before cooking to use in salad, soup, pasta, stir fry, and more!
Broccoli can be tricky to cut. For some recipes, you may want pieces with longer stems, while for others, you may want pieces that are small but not falling apart. Read on to learn the best techniques for how to cut broccoli!
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Washing Broccoli
First, run the head of broccoli under water to wash it. Flip it upside down and let the water run through the crevices between the florets for about 20 to 30 seconds. Then, turn it up and down to shake off any excess water.
Cutting Into Florets and Small Pieces
Broccoli typically comes in crowns, made up of a head of florets attached to a long stem. Crown and head are often used interchangeably. To cut broccoli into florets when you’re starting with a crown, first slice off the florets where they meet the stem/stalk.
If you want pieces that have longer stems, slice each floret in half lengthwise, cutting through the stem as you go.
You will be left with two pieces with long stems. Repeat until you have sliced through every floret. These broccoli pieces are often used in soups, stir fry, and pasta, but some people prefer to use smaller pieces in these dishes too.
To cut florets into smaller pieces, trim off more of the stem, right where it meets the base of the floret.
Then, pull it apart into small pieces. You can also chop them up, but pulling them where the pieces of the floret naturally breaks apart usually keeps them intact and prevents them from falling apart into teeny tiny pieces. Small broccoli pieces are good for broccoli salad, but can of course be used for other dishes too.
Cutting the Stems
Broccoli stems, also referred to as the stalk, can also be used in recipes! However, they tend to have a slightly bitter flavor and tougher texture. To remove some of the bitterness and toughness, peel the stalk before cutting it. You can use a knife or vegetable peeler. Cut the stalk in half crosswise before peeling to have smaller pieces if desired.
Then, cut the stalk into ½-inch planks. Put the planks on top of each other and cut into ½-inch matchsticks. Cut these into smaller pieces to add to stir fries or soups, or you can keep them as is to enjoy with veggie dip!
Broccoli Recipes
Now that you know how to cut broccoli, there are so many wonderful ways to cook with it! Here are some of my favorite recipes using this vegetable:
- Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan
- Homemade White Pizza with Broccoli
- Kale and Broccoli Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing
- Spaghetti Squash Stir Fry with Broccoli and Edamame
- Broccoli Soup with Potatoes and Peas
- Peanut Soba Noodles with Roasted Broccoli
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Broccoli Salad
If you have a lot of broccoli and want to freeze some for later use, see my tutorial on Freezing Broccoli.
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📖 Recipe
How to Cut Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
Instructions
- Wash the head of broccoli under running water, turning it upside to let water run between the florets, until clean. Shake off excess water and pat dry.
- Start by slicing off the florets where they meet the long stalk.
- If you want florets with longer stems, cut each one lengthwise through the center and all the way through the stem. Some people prefer to use pieces with longer stems in stir fry, pasta, and soup.
- For smaller pieces, trim each floret to remove most of the stem. Then, break it apart into smaller pieces. You can also chop it into smaller pieces, but tearing it apart with your hands where the pieces of the floret naturally breaks apart will help prevent the florets from falling apart into pieces that are too tiny. Some people prefer smaller pieces for salads, but they can be used in any recipe.
- To cut the stalk/stem, start by slicing it in half crosswise if you want shorter pieces. Then, remove the outer layer by peeling it with a knife or vegetable peeler.
- Slice the stem lengthwise into ½-inch planks. Stack the planks on top of each other and slice into ½-inch matchsticks. Enjoy the pieces as is with veggie dip, or cut them into smaller pieces if you want to add them to a stir fry or soup.
Video
Notes
- Keep freshly cut broccoli in an airtight container or sealed bag in the refrigerator. Use within 2 to 4 days for best results. It won’t be as fresh after this time period.
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