How to Steam Broccoli

1. Cut the bunch of broccoli off of the stalk and into bite size florets. Discard the stem, save it for another use, or you can steam it as well. If you choose to steam the stalk, use a potato peeler to peel away the tough outsides of the stalk, then slice it into bite size pieces.

In a steamer basket:

1. Add 1 inch of water to a medium saucepan. Place the steamer basket into the pan. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
2. Then place the broccoli florets into the steamer and cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and steam for about 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender. The timing will depend on how big you've cut the broccoli, but it should still be a vibrant green color. If it is not vibrant green, it has cooked too long, so watch the time closely.
3. As soon as it is tender, remove the broccoli from the steamer and place it in a serving bowl so it does not continue steaming.
4. Top with your desired toppings and serve.
5. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Without a steamer basket:

1. Follow the instructions above, except place the broccoli florets directly in the water instead of in the steamer basket. Cover and steam for about 4-5 minutes. I find the broccoli cooks slightly faster this way, so watch it closely.

In the microwave:

1. Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl and pour about 4 tablespoons of water over the top of the broccoli. Cover the bowl with a microwave safe lid or plate.
2. Cook the broccoli for about 2-4 minutes (shorter time if the florets are small, more time if they are larger), then check it to make sure it is tender. If it is not yet tender, cook for an additional minute at a time until tender. Be very careful when removing the cover of the bowl. It's very, very hot and the steam can burn as well.
3. Drain off the water and serve.

In the Instant Pot:

1. Place 1 cup of water in the insert of the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket or the wire rack into the insert.
2. Place the broccoli in the steamer basket (or on top of the wire rack).
3. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal.
4. Set the timer to pressure cook on high for zero minutes. Allow the pot to come to pressure, then when the timer goes off, open the valve to quick release the steam. This is important to use the quick release method so the broccoli stops cooking.
5. Once the pressure has released, open the pot, pull out the steamer basket or wire rack and place in a serving bowl.

To serve the broccoli:

1. Top with your favorite toppings such as a drizzle of olive oil or butter, squirt of lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.