3 Ways To Boil Broccoli - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Food and Entertaining
• Food Preparation
• Basic Cooking Skills

How to Make Perfect Boiled Broccoli Download Article Serve tender and fresh boiled broccoli like a pro Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: May 22, 2025 References

Download Article

• Cleaning and Cutting
|
• Boiling
|
• Blanching
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 232,268 times.

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable from the cabbage family. Nutritionists recommend that you avoid boiling it for too long, since it takes away many of the anti-carcinogenic properties. You can boil broccoli until it is soft, or blanch it to preserve nutrients and texture. Blanching broccoli removes its bitterness but maintains texture and taste similar to raw broccoli.

How long do you boil broccoli?

As a general rule, boil broccoli for at least 6 to 7 minutes. Boil the stalks first for around 2 minutes. Then, add the florets and boil for another 4 to 5 minutes. The broccoli is done when it can easily be poked with a knife.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning and Cutting

Download Article

1. 1 Purchase fresh broccoli. Look for broccoli that is uniformly green, without a lot of brown or yellow areas. Feel the stem and crown to make sure they are firm and not limp. Check that the florets are in a nice, tight bunch.[1]
   • You can store raw broccoli in your refrigerator drawer for at least a week. However, its nutritional properties will begin to decline after three days.
2. 2 Clean the broccoli with vinegar and water. Fill a spray bottle with three parts water to one part white vinegar. Spray the broccoli well.[2] Alternately, soak the broccoli in vinegar water before cooking it, which will also drive out any insects that may be in it.[3] Rinse the vegetables under cold tap water.
   • You can wash produce with water alone, but using the diluted vinegar method first removes about 98% of surface bacteria.
   • To make rinsing easier, place the broccoli in a colander inside of a clean sink basin. Use the spray setting on your faucet to rinse the vegetables.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Cut the stalks away from the florets. Use a sharp knife to cut through the vegetable stem about two inches below the crown. Break the crown apart into big florets. Slice each floret’s trunk to get bite-sized chunks.
   • Remove any damaged or wilted leaves.[4]
   • If desired, save the stalks to add to stew, salad, or stir-fry.[5]
   • You can leave the stalks on if your recipe calls for it. Just peel back and remove the outermost layer, which is tough to eat, with a knife or vegetable peeler.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Boiling

Download Article

1. 1 Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pour enough water in a pot that it will completely submerge your broccoli. Add a sprinkle of salt to the water. Set the heat to high.[6]
   • You can use regular table salt or sea salt.
   • If you’re unsure whether you’ll have enough water in the pot to cover the broccoli, you can put the broccoli in the pot and cover it with water. Then take it back out and set it aside.
2. 2 Cook the stalks first. Wait until the water has reached a rolling boil. If you want to cook the stalks, add them to the pot. Cook them for two minutes.[7]
   • Broccoli stalks take longer to cook then florets.
3. 3 Add the florets. Lower the florets gently into the boiling water with a slotted spoon.[8] Cook them in the pot with the stalks, if applicable, for four to five minutes. Don’t overcook them, or they will lose texture and taste.[9]
   • The broccoli is done when it is tender enough to easily insert the tip of a knife.
4. 4 Cool the vegetables. Remove them with tongs or drain them with a heat-safe colander. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet. Allow it to cool down at room temperature.
   • If you believe you may have cooked the broccoli too long, you can place the baking sheet into your fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Blanching

Download Article

1. 1 Boil water. Put a large pot of water over high heat. Add between a sprinkle and a tablespoon of salt to the water, if desired. Allow the pot of water to come to a boil.
   • Adding salt is optional. The advantage is that it will enhance the broccoli’s flavor. The disadvantage is that, over time, the sodium will cause the broccoli to be mushier.
2. 2 Prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Use a container that is at least five quarts. Alternately, you can use a clean sink basin with a drain stopper.
   • Skipping this step will affect the color and texture of your broccoli.[10]
3. 3 Cook the broccoli in boiling water. Lower the broccoli into the water with a slotted spoon. Let it cook for about three minutes.[11]
4. 4 Test the doneness with the tip of a sharp knife. If the vegetable clings onto the knife, it’s not yet done. If the knife goes in and out with ease, the broccoli is done.
5. 5 Plunge the broccoli into the ice bath immediately. Take the broccoli out of the water with tongs or a slotted spoon. “Shock” it by putting it into the ice bath.
   • Shocking vegetables cooks them moderately, then cools them rapidly so they stay crunchy.
6. 6 Leave the broccoli in the ice bath to cool. Allow the broccoli to sit in the ice bath for about five minutes. Don’t remove the broccoli from the ice bath until it is entirely cool, or it will keep cooking from the inside out.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question Is there a good way to boil broccoli without blanching? Constance Matic Community Answer After boiling the broccoli, you can cool it on a baking sheet (in or out of the refrigerator) instead of plunging it into an ice bath. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 7
• Question How long do you boil Tenderstem broccoli? Community Answer You can simmer tenderstem broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure that you simmer the water; don't bring it to a roiling boil, or you'll overcook the broccoli. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 7
• Question How long does it take to boil broccoli? Community Answer This depends on what part of the broccoli you are cooking. You should boil the stalks for 6 to 7 minutes, and the florets for 4 to 5 minutes. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 4

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

• Blanching vegetables maintains more flavor and nutrients than fully boiling them. Blanch broccoli if you plant to freeze it. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toBlanch Broccoli How toCook Broccoli How toBoil Vegetables How to Store Broccoli So It Stays Fresh How toCook Fresh Broccoli How to Perfectly Cook Broccolini in the Microwave, Stove, & More How toCook Frozen Broccoli How toClean Broccoli How toSteam Broccoli Without a Steamer DiscussionHow do you steam broccoli? How toClean Broccoli Rabe How toBlanch Cauliflower Signs Your Broccoli Has Gone Bad & How to Store It Safely How toBlanch Green Beans Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-broccoli-5-ways-167323
2. ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/5677-washing-produce
3. ↑ http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1410/how-to-cook-broccoli.asp
4. ↑ http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1410/how-to-cook-broccoli.asp
5. ↑ http://www.howtoboil.net/how-to-boil-broccoli.html
6. ↑ http://www.howtoboil.net/how-to-boil-broccoli.html
7. ↑ http://www.howtoboil.net/how-to-boil-broccoli.html
8. ↑ http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/brilliant-broccoli/
9. ↑ http://www.howtoboil.net/how-to-boil-broccoli.html

More References (2)

10. ↑ http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/common-mistakes-while-cooking-vegetables/
11. ↑ http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/broccoli.html

About This Article

Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been viewed 232,268 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 22, 2025 Views: 232,268 Categories: Basic Cooking Skills Article SummaryX

Boiling is an easy way to cook broccoli. First, clean the broccoli by spraying it with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Rinse it again with cold tap water. Cut off the stem about 2 inches (5 cm) below the crown and break the crown up into smaller florets. Fill a pot with enough water to completely submerge the florets and add a sprinkle of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and add the florets. Boil the broccoli for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it’s tender enough to easily pierce with a knife. Remove the broccoli from the water with tongs or pour it through a strainer, then spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Italian Spanish Chinese French Russian Indonesian

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 232,268 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Laura Thompson

  Nov 27, 2017

  "We are cooking broccoli for the first time. Just found your article, fab!" Rated this article:

Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 22, 2025 Views: 232,268 100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Laura Thompson

Nov 27, 2017

"We are cooking broccoli for the first time. Just found your article, fab!" Rated this article: Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

What Veggie Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toBlanch BroccoliHow toCook BroccoliHow toBoil VegetablesHow to Store Broccoli So It Stays Fresh

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

How toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizTake QuizChat, Am I Cooked QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Food and Entertaining
• Food Preparation
• Basic Cooking Skills

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --538