How to Microwave Broccoli (My Lazy, No Cleanup Method)

Can you microwave broccoli?

Yes — and this is honestly my lazy way of cooking broccoli.

I used to think cooking broccoli was a lot of work- it had to be steamed or boiled in a pot, but microwaving it is much faster and requires almost no cleanup.

What makes this method even easier is that I cook the broccoli directly in the bowl I’m going to serve it in.

That means no extra pot, no strainer, and no transferring the broccoli to another dish afterward.

For me, it’s probably the fastest and easiest way to get broccoli on the table.

I recently made broccoli using a bag of Costco broccoli florets, and the only real prep I had to do was cut some of the larger pieces into smaller florets.

I just used kitchen scissors so I didn’t have to wash a cutting board!

How to Microwave Broccoli

Here’s exactly how I do it:

1. Put the broccoli florets directly into a microwave-safe serving bowl.
2. Cut any very large pieces into smaller florets.
3. Add a small amount of water.
4. Cover the bowl.
5. Microwave until the broccoli is tender.
6. Carefully remove the cover because hot steam will escape.
7. Add a little salt and serve it right from the same bowl.

That’s it.

This is why I call it my lazy broccoli method.

There’s no pot of water to boil, no colander to wash, and no extra serving dish.

Why This Is My Favorite Lazy Way to Cook Broccoli

For me, the biggest advantage is how little work it takes.

I can put the broccoli directly into the serving bowl, microwave it, season it and put the same bowl on the table.

That means there is almost no cleanup.

It’s also much faster than waiting for a pot of water to boil.

When dinner is already cooking and I suddenly realize we need a vegetable, this is one of the easiest things I can make.

How Much Water Do You Need?

You do not need to fill the bowl with water.

You only need a small amount.

The water heats up and creates steam inside the covered bowl, which helps cook the broccoli.

I just add a little water before covering it and microwaving.

How Long Should You Microwave Broccoli?

Microwave times can vary depending on:

• How much broccoli you are cooking
• How large the florets are
• How powerful your microwave is
• How soft or crisp you like your broccoli

I recommend starting with less time and checking it.

If the broccoli is still too firm, microwave it a little longer.

It is much easier to add more cooking time than to fix broccoli that has become too soft.

Cut Large Costco Broccoli Florets First

If you’re using Costco broccoli florets, you may notice that some of the pieces are pretty large.

I like to cut the biggest ones smaller so everything cooks more evenly.

You can use a knife, but I usually just grab kitchen scissors and cut them directly over the bowl.

That’s another little shortcut that keeps cleanup to a minimum.

Do You Need to Cover Broccoli in the Microwave?

Yes, you should cover it.

Covering the bowl helps trap the steam inside, which is what cooks the broccoli.

Use a microwave-safe lid or another microwave-safe cover.

Be careful when you remove it because the steam can be very hot. Open the cover away from your face and hands.

How I Season Microwave Broccoli

I keep mine very simple.

Usually, I just add a little salt after it’s cooked.

You could also add:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

But if the rest of dinner is already flavorful, I’m perfectly happy with just salt.

Is Microwaving Broccoli the Fastest Way to Cook It?

For me, yes.

There’s no preheating and no waiting for water to boil.

You put the broccoli in a bowl, add a little water, cover it and microwave.

And because I use the same bowl for cooking and serving, there’s hardly anything to wash afterward.

That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this method.

Can You Microwave Costco Broccoli?

Yes.

Costco broccoli florets work very well in the microwave.

Because some of the florets can be large, I recommend cutting the biggest ones into smaller pieces first.

Then put them directly into your microwave-safe serving bowl, add a little water, cover and microwave until tender.

Season and serve from the same bowl.

It really doesn’t get much easier than that.