Q: My family hates broccoli enough as it is, let alone when it turns out mushy. Is there anyway to steam broccoli without it getting super mushy that doesn’t involve a double boiler. Right now I am just boiling it.
A: Yuck! Mushy broccoli will turn away even the most avid lovers of this fun little vegetable. Thankfully, you can microwave broccoli, and many other “hard” veggies like cauliflower and carrots, to make them soft, but still have a bite to them.
To steam broccoli, simply place the florets in a microwave safe bowl and add two tablespoons of water. If you would like, you can add a pat of butter or a dash of soy sauce for extra flavor. Next, cover tightly, you can use a lid, but a plate that is just as big as the bowl works just as well.
Microwave for 2 and a half minutes on high heat. Carefully remove the lid and check for doneness. It will be softer, but still hold up to mixing. If you need it softer, microwave for an additional 45 seconds.
Doing these short interval checks ensures that you don’t overcook the broccoli, and you avoid mushy broccoli situations.
Fresh vegetables are often seen as a daunting task to prepare. But when we bring in our kitchen technology, preparing healthy, flavorful meals for the whole family has never been easier.