How to cook broccoli: 4 easy recipes to enjoy this vegetable

Fancy a bit of broccoli? It's a really versatile veg, packed with goodness. Read on and find out how to cook broccoli to perfection. You might just be surprised by this little green powerhouse!

Broccoli properties and varieties

Broccoli is a vegetable from the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae family—the same family as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. 

It is one of the most vitamin C-dense foods out there and has a very high fibre content, making it tremendously nutritious and filling. In addition, it is high in antioxidants and beta-carotene, which strengthen the immune system and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Bonus fact: Some studies even suggest that when consumed regularly, it can help prevent some types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Types of broccoli

Something that not many people know is that there are many different types of broccoli. Some of the most common are:

Calabrese Broccoli. This is the classic we all know and love. It is characterised by the little green florets and is perfect for side dishes or mains, such as broccoli rice.

Bimi. A fancy little number that’s longer and thinner, making it an ideal accompaniment to meat or fish.

Romanesco. This type of broccoli has a crispier texture and is great for stir-fries. It is easy to identify by its curious fractal shapes.

• Purple broccoli. A slightly less common variety than the others, which adds a splash of colour to your plate while maintaining the same delicious flavour

Regardless of which type of broccoli you choose, they all contain very similar properties and nutrients. Now that you know a little more about this versatile cruciferous vegetable, it's time to look at the basics of how to cook broccoli.

How to cook broccoli

Many people think that boiling broccoli is the healthiest way to cook this versatile veggie, but in fact, this is a big misconception. Boiling broccoli makes it lose many of its nutrients, and the resulting texture is not the most pleasant on the palate, to say the least.

The best way to cook broccoli to retain all its nutrients and flavour is to steam or eat it raw. Yes, raw! It stays crunchy and is great for crudités, for instance. Here are our 4 favourite ways to cook broccoli while keeping all its flavour and nutrients. 

Also, if you want to start including broccoli in your diet, we recommend using the Steam Cookers, which will make it much easier for you to prepare this and other vegetables on a daily basis. Let’s look at how to cook broccoli for maximum taste, health and crunch.

1. Broccoli and rice

Broccoli and rice is a popular combination, as the flavors work well together. It’s also a healthy, filling dish, great for hot packed lunches or quick bites in the evening.

Ingredients:

• 50 g broccoli

• 50 g white rice

• 300 ml water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Oregano

• Salt

Preparation:

1. Wash the broccoli florets and place them in the Microwave Steam Cooker. Add a tablespoon of water, one tablespoon of oil, and a little salt to taste. Cook everything in the microwave for 4 minutes at maximum power (800 W).

2. Remove the broccoli and set aside in a separate bowl.

3. Cook the white rice in the Quick Quinoa & Rice Cooker according to the instructions on the packet.

4. Drain the rice, add the broccoli and season with pepper and oregano to taste.

5. Enjoy!

2. Fake broccoli rice with egg

Who knew you could make “rice” without grains? It's a clever dish that's low in calories and can be used as a base for all sorts of meals. 

Ingredients:

• 100 g broccoli

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Wash the broccoli florets well and chop them to obtain a rice texture.

2. Place the broccoli in the Steam Cooker and cook for 4 minutes at maximum power (800 W).

3. Heat water in a saucepan, but don’t quite let it reach a rolling boil.

4. Crack the egg into the Egg Poacher and place it in the pot of hot water. Leave to cook for 3 minutes.

Tip: Grease the product with a little oil to make it easier to get the egg out.

5. Place the egg on top of the broccoli rice, add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy this delicious combo.

3. Steamed broccoli

Knowing how to cook broccoli in the microwave is a great help if you want a quick, easy and healthy way to eat vegetables in 3 minutes. With this broccoli and vegetable recipe, you'll have a quick snack or starter ready in no time. It's like magic!

Ingredientes:

• 150 g de brócoli
• 30 g de cebolla en julianas
• 40 g de miel
• 40 g de salsa soja
• 1 cayena
• 20 g de aceite de sésamo
• Sésamo

Elaboración:

1. Corta la cebolla en juliana y los arbolitos de brócoli de forma uniforme.
2. Introduce en la base del Estuche de Vapor la soja, pimienta de cayena y la miel.
3. Coloca la bandeja y, sobre esta, el brócoli y la cebolla. 
4. Cuécelo en el microondas 4 minutos a máxima potencia (800 W).
5. Pasado este tiempo, deja reposar 1 minuto con el Estuche de Vapor cerrado y sirve el brócoli y la cebolla.
6. Para terminar la salsa en el Estuche de Vapor, añade el aceite de sésamo y las semillas de sésamo. Mezcla bien y sirve sobre el brócoli.

4. Brócoli crujiente al horno con zumo de limón

Asar las verduras al horno es una forma de obtener texturas crujientes. En esta receta, se combina el brócoli con un toque de limón que le aporta frescura y lo hace más agradable al paladar. Prueba a sustituir la variedad de brócoli común por bimi o brócoli morado o, mejor aún, ¡mézclalas todas!

Ingredients:

• 150 g broccoli

• 30 g onion, sliced into julienne strips

• 40 g honey

• 40 g soy sauce

• 1 chilli pepper

• 20 g sesame oil

• Sesame seeds

Preparation:

1. Cut the onion into julienne strips and the broccoli florets into even pieces.

2. Place the soy sauce, chilli pepper and honey in the base of the Steam Case.

3. Place the tray on top, and place the broccoli and onion on top of the tray.

4. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes on full power (800 W).

5. Leave to stand for 1 minute with the Steam Case closed, and serve the broccoli and onion.

6. To finish the sauce in the Steam Case, add the sesame oil and sesame seeds. Mix well and serve over the broccoli.

4. Crispy oven-baked broccoli with lemon juice

Roasting broccoli is a crunch-lover’s dream! In this recipe, we’re adding a squeeze of lemon, which gives it a lovely fresh taste and makes it even more enjoyable. Why not try swapping regular broccoli for tender stem or purple sprouting broccoli, or even better, use a mix of all three!

Ingredients:

• 100 g broccoli

• 1 clove of garlic

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Black pepper

Preparation:

1. Wash and chop the broccoli so you have little trees of similar sizes.

2. Place the broccoli in a bowl and dress it with olive oil, pepper, lemon juice and chopped garlic.

3. Place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

4. Set the air fryer to 200 °C (390 °F) and cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is golden and slightly crispy on the edges.

5. Remove from the air fryer and serve.

Now that you've got a whole host of ways how to cook broccoli and keep all that lovely flavour and goodness locked in, we reckon you'll be adding it to your meals regularly! Let the culinary adventures begin and remember you can get all the kit you need right here with Lékué. Which delicious method will you try out first?