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close up broccoli in a colander.

How Long Do You Boil Broccoli

Dani
Ever wondered how long to boil broccoli perfectly without making a mess of it? Boiled broccoli makes a perfect side dish for any meal, all you need is a little seasoning, a knob of butter, and you are done.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • sauce pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 broccoli head
  • Water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • First, cut the broccoli into florets and discard the stems.Place the broccoli florets in a colander and rinse under cold water.
  • Fill a pot with water that will be enough to cover the broccoli, add salt to taste, and place it on medium-high heat, let it boil for about 3 minutes.
  • Afterward, carefully put the rinsed broccoli in the boiling water and bring it to boil for 4-5 minutes. Check it at this point if it is tender enough for your liking, if not, cook for another minute or two or until tender to your liking
  • Drain the broccoli in a colander, transfer to a bowl, and season with black pepper. add a knob of butter and toss until melted, finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve and enjoy!
    PS: the main determinant for how many minutes to boil the broccoli would be the size of the broccoli florets. Too small, it's easy to overcook; cut it too big and you risk undercooking it, which may also lead to uneven cooking.
Keyword broccoli, how long to boil broccoli, how to boil broccoli