How to Steam Broccoli Perfectly Every Time

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of broccoli
• Olive oil, butter, or mayonnaise
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon zest or juice, balsamic vinegar, seasoned rice vinegar
• Toasted almonds, toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Trim the broccoli by separating the crowns from the large stalks. Pull or cut the crowns into small florets, then rinse them well. Remove the tough exterior from the stems and throw it away, then slice the tender centers or quarter them lengthwise.
2. Pour 3/4 to 1 inch of water into a saucepan fitted with a steamer, then heat it until the water boils. If there is no steamer handy, the broccoli can go straight into an inch of boiling water instead.
3. Transfer the broccoli to the steamer, put the lid on, lower the heat to medium, and cook for 5 to 6 min. Steam for 5-6 minutes, just until a fork can slip into the broccoli. The moment it reaches that point, take it off the heat and move it to a serving dish.
4. Broccoli and other green vegetables can shift from bright green to dull olive at about the 7 minute point, so pay attention to the clock and do not let it go too long.
5. Finish it however you like: butter, olive oil, or mayonnaise; lemon zest or juice; seasoned rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar; freshly ground black pepper; toasted almonds; or sesame seeds.