How To Cook Broccoli
Tips On How to Cook Broccoli
If you’ve stopped to take a look at this, then you are wondering how to cook broccoli. To a broccoli-serving pro, this may seem like a pretty silly question, but the fact is that many people don’t know how to cook broccoli! The most common scenario is that we tend to steer clear of the food we didn’t like as kids—until we try finally stumble across it as an adult and think, “Man, look what I was missing all this time!” So, for whatever reason, you want to know of all the ways you can cook this terrific vegetable, so we’re going to go over some detailed descriptions of how to prepare and cook broccoli in several different fashions.
First, I’d like to go over a few of the health benefits that you can reap from eating broccoli. You may choose to keep these benefits from your children (since many children stubbornly refuse to eat anything that is good for them), but at least you will be able to savor the overall good feeling of eating something that not only tastes good but is also good for you! Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, folic acid, and fiber. It is also a great way to top up your calcium—especially if you don’t consume many dairy products. The A and C vitamins are chock full of antioxidants that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, eye problems, and even heart disease. Also, due to its high fiber content, it can help to regulate and ease bowel movements.
Now that you’re up to par on the benefits of broccoli, let’s delve into the process of preparing broccoli to be cooked. Before I start with this section, I’d like to make a note that while broccoli is delicious cooked it can also be enjoyed raw (particularly with some veggie dip!). As you’ve probably noticed, broccoli grows in a bunch. Everything from the stem to the florets (the bushy green bits) can be eaten as long as it is thoroughly prepared first. Start by washing off the broccoli under cold running water. You will only need to prepare what you are going to eat right away.
You may notice little leaves attached to the stalk of the broccoli—these can be trimmed off by running the sharp side of a knife down the stalk. For the traditional florets, as commonly served as a side dish, in soup, or in stir fry, you will need to cut the stalk about two inches away from the bushy green “heads” of the broccoli. Now trim each floret branch so that one large cluster of broccoli florets has become several smaller ones. Each floret should easily fit onto a fork in bite-sized form. If you would like to cook the stalk as well, which is still highly nutritious and flavorful, go ahead and peel the tough outer layer from the stalk using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Chop the stem into bite-sized chunks.
How to Cook Broccoli in the Microwave – Yes, broccoli can easily be steamed in the microwave. To do this, simply throw the broccoli pieces into a microwave-safe container (I prefer glass). Add a tablespoon of two of water to the dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Be sure to create a “vent corner” about the size of a quarter to allow the steam to escape. Microwave on high for about three or four minutes. This time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Stab a piece of broccoli with your fork. If the fork is able to pierce the broccoli without having to apply much force, then it is ready. It should remain light in color and should not bend or appear wilted. If so, then you have overcooked the broccoli.
How to Cook Broccoli by Boiling – Boiling is a very popular method for cooking broccoli. It does cause the broccoli to lose a lot of nutrients, and can sometimes lead to a lack in flavor, but I have a trick to put both of those back into your meal. Throw the broccoli into a small saucepan and fill with water until the broccoli is totally submerged. Bring the water to a boil and cook for about six minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but not floppy. If you are preparing a dish that requires some sort of sauce—like gravy or alfredo—substitute the amount of water called for in the sauce with the water used to boil the broccoli. For instance, if your gravy directions call for one cup of water, replace this with a cup of the boiled broccoli water. This is a great way to recycle the vitamins lost in the boiling process and put them back into your food.
How to Cook Broccoli by Stir Frying – This is a great way to get nice, crisp broccoli without losing any flavor (similar to steaming). Put half a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan or wok and heat over a medium-high heat. Throw in your broccoli and cook for about four or five minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. You can also throw in a bit of minced garlic or fresh ginger to zing up the taste. If you are including other vegetables in the stir-fry process, you may have a longer cook time.
I hope you have found this broccoli cooking how-to guide helpful in understanding just a few of the methods that can be used to prepare broccoli. Thanks for reading and bon appétit!