I don't have the necessary equipment to steam or else that would be my first choice and I refuse to do it in the microwave.... I want semi- al dente broccoli that still keeps its color and flavor... Should I boil on high, low, medium?? and how long?
2006-10-18 10:06:46 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
ok. bear with me for just a minute. I work in a restaurant and we take out fresh broccoli, wash it. toss it in a light butter sauce and portion it into individual sized plastic baggies. we then steam in it the bag in the microwave for 90 seconds and the broccoli is perfect. I know you dont want to use the microwave, but this produces the best flavor, most al dente, fresh steamed broccoli that i have tasted. All of our guests rave about it, and when i tell them how we cook it they are astonished. I have had a few try it at home and come back and tell me how easy and delicious it is. If you just flat out refuse to do so. I would then put about 1/2 of water in a pot. add a small rack if you have on that will fit, place the broccoli inside once the water is steaming and steam for abot 4-6 minutes. I use my rice cooker to make broccoli also sometimes and it too works well, however, you need to watch it closely as it can go from perfect to mush in seconds.
2006-10-18 10:11:39 · answer #1 · answered by kimberc13 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you have a metal strainer for pasta, you have the equipment to steam. Put it over a larger pot with some boiling water and put the broccoli into the strainer. Put a lid over it to capture the steam or put alluminum foil over it. Steam it just until it is bright green, sort of soft but still has a crunch.
The other thing you could do is stir fry it in a pan with a small amount of oil and a little water until it's cooked. Use some sesame oil if you want an Asian flavor.
2006-10-18 10:16:32 · answer #2 · answered by Mimi Di 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boiling broccoli is sure to take away at least some of the color & flavour, no matter what, bot to mention the vitamins you'll lose...
But if it's the only choice (I see nothing wrong with microwaving, it would definitely be way better than boiling) then only put a little water in the pot, bring it up to a boil, and WATCH CLOSELY! Get the broccoli out of there just about as soon as it changes color, or it will be too late.
I like my broccoli still kinda crunchy, I HATE when it gets mushy.
2006-10-18 10:13:31 · answer #3 · answered by Maddy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.Add a little bi carb to the water, this keps the colour good. When the water boils add brocoli and lower the heat to medium. The only way to see if it is cooked to your palate is to take a piece out and taste it. Also try to make sure that the sprigs are of a similar size or some will be cooked and some wont. Boiling on too high a heat will losen the tips and you will end up with more brocoli in the water than on the sprigs As for steaming if you have a large sive you could use that
2006-10-18 10:23:07 · answer #4 · answered by ann.inspain 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put about an inch of water (or chicken broth if you have it) in the bottom of a pot. Put a coffee cup upside down in the bottom of the pot and then put a plate that is smaller in diameter than the pot on top of the cup (you're leaving room for the steam to rise and cook the broccoli). Put the lid on it and steam it. There's really no other way to get good-tasting broccoli. Do you have a strainer? If so use that in the pot.
2006-10-18 10:11:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's no problem to boil broccolli without a steamer! All you have to do is add about 1- 2 cups water,and add a little bit of salt. Turn the heat on medium- high and let the water boil. Once it starts to boil, put your broccolli in the pot and place a cover on it so it will cook faster, and sitll have taste. Broccolli usually steams anywhere from 15- 45 minutes depending on how you cook it. It will be ready for you to eat once it's soft, just pirce a fork through it. ps- ranch dressing on broccolli tastes great! : )
2006-10-18 10:12:28 · answer #6 · answered by ~*`ArLeNe`*~ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Broccoli pairs nicely with a little balsamic vinegar. If you don't like the flavor of the vinegar straight out of the bottle, you can try cooking down on the stove until it reduces by about half. That will sweeten it up a bit naturally, without having to add any extra sugar or fat. Another one of my favorite veggie dishes is just plain old yellow and white corn. I happen to like the SteamFresh variety, which you steam in your microwave. It's naturally sweet and has a nice crunch.
2016-03-17 05:04:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you boil your water first. Once it's super hot then add in the broccoli and let it steam until it gets soft. Poke it with a fork to make sure it's cooked through and through then add a pinch of salt to preserve flavor. The darker the color, the more flavor and nutrients you'll have
2006-10-18 10:10:22 · answer #8 · answered by Ms. H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't you place it in a pan with a tight fitting lid on the stove? If so, then place about one-half inch of water in the pan with the broccoli and steam that way. One doesn't need a steamer or special equipment for that.
You have to watch until it turns a kind of bright, light green and stop. Otherwise, it will overcook.
2006-10-18 10:10:03 · answer #9 · answered by Coffeyvillian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would put a small amout of water in pan with butter(if like) and put heat on low. Watch it very carefully. No steamer thats a pain. Try also placing a pot of water on stove and than another pot a little smaller on top of it with just broccoli it it and cover it up usually steam will cook through other pot. Good luck
2006-10-18 10:10:37 · answer #10 · answered by sabbycat76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋