How long does it take to cook broccoli in the microwave?

Is it bad to cook broccoli in the microwave?

Is microwave broccoli healthy? Yes, it is healthy to microwave broccoli. Like most other foods, broccoli needs to be cooked for the nutrients to become available for digestion, the microwave is a safe and effective way to cook it.

Is it better to boil or microwave broccoli?

“There’s really no place for nutrients to go. … But the microwave method is better than steaming the veggies over boiling water, Souza said, because it’s still possible for some of the nutrients to leach into the water. Plus, it’s much quicker to microwave the broccoli than wait for a pot of water to boil on the stove.

What is the most nutritious way to cook broccoli?

What’s the healthiest way to cook broccoli? Steaming, sauteing, stir-frying, microwaving, and roasting retains the most nutrients because the cooking time is brief and exposure to water is at a minimum.

Does microwaving broccoli destroy nutrients?

One study published in The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture in 2003 found that broccoli cooked by microwave — and immersed in water — loses about 74 percent to 97 percent of its antioxidants. … THE BOTTOM LINE Microwave ovens generally do not destroy nutrients in food.

Is it better to microwave or steam vegetables?

Since vegetables don’t come in contact with cooking water during steaming, more vitamins are retained. … Microwave ovens use less heat than many other cooking methods and involve shorter cooking times. If you use a minimal amount of water and don’t overcook your vegetables, microwave cooking is a nutritional win.

What is the best way to cook broccoli without losing nutrients?

As a general rule, keep cooking time, temperature and the amount of liquid to a minimum when cooking vegetables. That’s why steaming is one of the best ways to maximize nutrients. It turns out that’s especially true for broccoli.

Is it bad to microwave vegetables?

But the truth is that cooking in microwaves is not only perfectly safe, it is one of the best ways to cook vegetables to preserve their nutrients. When it comes to cooking vegetables, exposure to heat causes the breakdown of some nutrients, such as vitamin C. … The microwave does both.

What is the healthiest way to cook vegetables?

Healthiest Ways to Cook Vegetables

1. Microwave Steaming. Microwaving not only provides a quick cooking option, it may also help foods retain more nutrients. …
2. Stovetop Steaming. Steaming vegetables in a metal or bamboo steaming basket is another ideal option. …
3. Sauteing. …
4. Boiling. …
5. Roasting. …
6. Frying.

How long does broccoli take to steam?

Add the broccoli florets to a steamer basket, and place it in a saucepan filled with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pan. Let steam for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green.

How long do you microwave frozen broccoli?

Microwave Frozen Broccoli



Pour a bag of broccoli into a microwave-safe dish with a lid and add about 1/4 cup water. Microwave on high five minutes or until broccoli is as tender as you like it, then drain and season with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt. Scatter with toasted nuts or drizzle with cheese sauce.

How do I Steam broccoli in the microwave?

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

1. Cut up the broccoli into bite-size florets. …
2. Put all the broccoli in microwave-safe bowl and add water. …
3. Cover tightly. …
4. Microwave on HIGH (regular power) for 3 to 4 minutes. …
5. Remove lid carefully!