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How to Boil Broccoli

10 MINUTES and it’s ready! Delicious, Tasty, Healthy, low calorie, low fat, low carb Broccoli! How To Boil Broccoli.

This boiled Broccoli is ready to use for, Broccoli cheese casserole or just to add butter, salt, pepper and enjoy just like you do with Boiled Cauliflower! This is similar in taste to our frozen broccoli recipe. You’ll want to use fresh broccoli for our broccoli opposite salad.

Why This Recipe Works…

  • EASY!
  • FAST! Ready in under 30 minutes total time.
  • Prepares you for so many other recipes OR ready to eat as is! 

Here’s How To Boil Broccoli…

STEP 1. 

Cut the florets from the main stalk.

Photo of broccoli chopped and ready for blanching BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

Blanche your broccoli for your casserole

STEP 2. 

Place those in a sauce pan and cover with enough water to cover . Bring to a full boil and boil till fork tender 5-7 minutes. 

broccoli in a stock pot boiling on stove eye

What Is the Healthiest Way to Cook Broccoli?

Boiling broccoli is the healthiest way to cook broccoli. Boiling adds no calories but can add immense flavor if you use the appropriate seasonings.

Shrimp White Sauce with Broccoli being dipped in for the post Japanese White Sauce

Broccoli is good in Shrimp Sauce

Frequently Asked Questions about How To Boil Broccoli (FAQ’s)

How To Boil Broccoli

Place the Broccoli florets into a medium sized saucepan and cover with 1 quart of water. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the Broccoli is fork tender. Drain Broccoli. Top with butter or flavored oil. Add seasoning. Serve hot.

How Long To Boil Broccoli? 

Boil Broccoli 5-10 minutes depending on how big the pieces are and how tender you want your Broccoli. Boil Broccoli florets 5 minutes and boil large pieces (1/4 – whole head) for 10. When fork tender, it’s done. 

Does Boiled Broccoli Lose Nutrients? 

Any boiled vegetable can lose nutrients if you boil it to death! Only boil broccoli as long as it takes to make it tender, then remove it from the hot water. You can submerge it in cool water to stop the cooking if needed. 

What Can I Use Boiled Broccoli For? 

Use Boiled Broccoli for…

What IS Broccoli Anyway?

Broccoli is a vegetable that is related to cauliflower,  brussel sprouts and collard greens. (Thanks Wikipedia!)

How Long To Boil Broccoli?

This depends on several factors….

Fresh Broccoli…

  • A WHOLE HEAD of Broccoli will be ready when fork tender 10-15 minutes.
  • Florets of Broccoli will be done in 5-10 minutes. 

Frozen Broccoli…

  • Florets will be ready in about 5 minutes. 

Can I Boil a WHOLE Head of Broccoli?

Sure!

  • Cut the green parts off and the biggest part of the stalk.
  • Place in a large boiling stock pot of water with enough water to cover. 
  • Boil for about 10 minutes until completely fork tender. 

How To Boil Broccoli in the Microwave

  • Cut the Broccoli into florets
  • Place in a large microwave safe bowl of water. 
  • Microwave on high for 2 minutes. 
  • Stir
  • Repeat at 1 minute intervals until fork tender. 

What About Those Spots on My Broccoli Head? 

  • A few light yellow spots on the surface of the Broccoli head are normal. 
  • Simply use a sharp knife to cut that area off. 

How Can I Tell If My Broccoli Is Bad?

  • If the spots go through the Broccoli, then the Broccoli is bad.
  • Do you notice a rotten smell and does the Broccoli feel slimy? Then, it’s bad. 

What Can I Serve with Boiled Broccoli? 

Broccoli is a great side dish to almost any meal! 

Try this crockpot pot roast or this garlic rosemary pork loin!

You could also eat it as your main dish if you are going lighter and it tastes excellent with Tennessee Onions and Broccoli

A close up photo of a bowl of broccoli

How to Cook Frozen Broccoli

Tips & Tricks for Boiled Broccoli.

  • If you plan to eat right away, then you will want your Broccoli more tender (so that the fork easily goes through the entire piece). 
  • Are you using it in a recipe that will be cooked more? Then only boil it until a fork can pierce the Broccoli but doesn’t want to go completely through. 
  • Broccoli is hard when raw, it can not be pierced with a fork at all.
  • You will notice that it turns a slightly different color when cooked, a bright green color. This is normal. 
  • Save the water you boiled Broccoli in if you are making a sauce, it can be used to thin and flavor the sauce.

PRO TIP: The smaller the pieces of Broccoli are, the more quickly they will cook, no matter HOW you are cooking them. Be careful so as not to overcook the Broccoli. Drain it well to remove the extra water. 

If You Enjoyed This Recipe for How To Boil Broccoli, You Might Also Enjoy…

How to Cook Canned Green Beans

How to Cook Canned Pinto Beans

Frozen Carrots

OR try ANY of our DELICIOUS Side Dishes!

Need MORE Broccoli Info? 

How to Freeze Broccoli

Blanch Broccoli

How to Cook Frozen Broccoli

Broccoli Opposite Salad

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

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broccoli in a stock pot boiling on stove eye

How To Boil Broccoli

READY in LESS THAN 30 MINUTES! Boiling broccoli is an essential skill for many recipes.  Learn how right here PLUS, in case you didn't know, it's delicious just eaten this way too! 
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: boiling broccoli, how to boil broccoli
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 105kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1 quart water or enough water to cover the cauliflower
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Remove the florets from the broccoli and set the stalks aside for some other use.
  • Place the broccoli into a medium sized saucepan and cover with water.  Add more water if 1 quart doesn't cover all of the pieces. 
  • Add 1 tbsp of salt to the water.  Heat on high for 5-7 minutes until the water is simmering. 
  • Allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes, then check by piercing it with a fork.  If you are using this for another cooked recipe, then the fork should barely pierce the exterior.  If you plan to eat the as is, cook it until a fork goes easily through the entire piece (10 minutes or so). 
  • While is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan and add the garlic powder and onion powder to the butter, stir well. Turn the heat off when the butter is fully melted. 
  • When cooked the way you want, pour into a colander to drain initially and then place on paper towels to drain on paper towels.  
  • Once drained, place in a bowl and pour the melted butter mixture over the top. Taste and add salt and pepper.  Serve hot. 

Notes

  • If you plan to eat right away, then you will want more tender (so that the fork easily goes through the entire piece).
  • Are you using it in a recipe that will be cooked more?  Then only boil it until a fork can pierce but doesn't want to go completely through.
  • Raw Broccoli is brittle when raw, it breaks easily and can not be pierced with a fork at all .
  • You will notice that it turns a slightly different color when cooked, a bright green color.  This is normal.
  • Save the water you boiled  in if you are making a sauce, it can be used to thin and flavor the sauce.
PRO TIP: The smaller the pieces  are, the more quickly they will cook, no matter HOW you are cooking them.  Be careful so as not to over cook.  Drain it well to remove the extra water. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How To Boil Broccoli
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 1857mg77%
Potassium 480mg14%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 1124IU22%
Vitamin C 136mg165%
Calcium 79mg8%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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A VERSE TO SHARE

I’ve struggled with myself today. Sometimes it is hard to sit down and work because of interruptions but most of the time, it’s all because of me. I pray for some help with this struggle with myself. 

Proverbs 24: 33-34

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




kate g

Monday 13th of July 2020

told me everything I need to know about broccoli and beyond...thank you and great job...

Wendi Spraker

Tuesday 14th of July 2020

Hi Kate, Thanks so much for the kind and sweet comment as well as the stars. I'm glad you found everything you needed to know!

Wendi Spraker

Friday 15th of November 2019

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