The Easiest Steamed Broccoli in 15 minutes
Steamed broccoli is a favorite in my house and is easy to make. As a mother, I love that everyone will eat something this healthy! They don’t care because they like the taste too.
We prefer making it on the stovetop over buying the bags. Partially because it saves us money but also because we can determine how it turns out. Some of our family likes it crunchier than others- so we take theirs out a bit earlier and continue steaming for the rest of us!

Equipment
I didn’t even know that a steam basket existed when I was younger. We finally bought one when we moved to Texas eleven years ago.
If you don’t have one, I recommend this one because the inner pickup handle is not metal, meaning it is cooler to the touch after being in the steamy pot.
Ingredients
- Broccoli
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Put water in the pot. Turn the stove eye on the medium setting.
- Add the steam basket to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid.
- Cut your broccoli to the desired length (we like ours a bit on the shorter side).
- Place in the steam basket, and add the lid back on.
- Cook for ten to fifteen minutes, depending on your desired texture. Be sure to check occasionally that the water doesn’t deplete.
- Taking tongs, add the steamed broccoli to a bowl. Cut up the butter into the bowl, and add seasoning to your desired taste; toss to combine until butter is fully melted.
- Enjoy!
What To Eat Steamed Broccoli With
We like to eat ours with many dishes- from steak and mashed potatoes to chicken and rice. Another great side dish to go with broccoli is macaroni and cheese. Steamed broccoli is a very versatile side dish!
If you want to fancy it up, there is always the option of adding chili flakes, lemon zest, truffle oil, or even toasted almond slices.
Nothing completes a meal quite like sweet tea, too!
PrintThe Easiest Steamed Broccoli in 15 minutes
Steamed broccoli cooked in a basket steamer is the epitome of simplicity and health. The florets turn vibrant green, retaining their natural sweetness and slight crunch. The steaming process gently cooks the broccoli, preserving its nutrients and delicate flavor without added oils or fats. The texture is tender yet firm, with a satisfying bite.
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. It’s perfect for complementing hearty mains or as a base for a healthy bowl meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 heads of broccoli
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Put water in the pot. Turn the stove eye on the medium setting.
- Add the steam basket to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid.
- Cut your broccoli to the desired length.
- Place in the steam basket, and add the lid back on.
- Cook for ten to fifteen minutes, depending on your desired texture.
- Taking tongs, add the steamed broccoli to a bowl. Cut up the butter into the bowl, and add seasoning to your desired taste; toss to combine until butter is fully melted.
- Enjoy!