Quick & Easy Microwaved Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

Get a side of broccoli on the dinner table in minutes with this easy microwaving technique.

  • By Jess Dang
  • November 4, 2013

I am a vegetable evangelist, and it’s likely a result of my upbringing.

I grew up at a dining table where there were vegetables for dinner every single night and you had to eat them. Even my picky little brother (who has luckily grown out of his pickiness) had to eat all his veggies.


One way that my grandma and mom ensured that vegetables were always a part of dinner was by utilizing the microwave.


And today the microwave definitely helps me continue this vegetable tradition. If you are part of our meal plan service, you’ve seen the microwave used every so often.

Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables to microwave. It’s quicker than bringing a pot of water to boil, steaming, and definitely sauteing or stir-frying. Tossed with a little bit of lemon, garlic, salt, and butter, you would never think that this healthy and tasty side dish was made in the nuker. Go give it a try!

Do you use your microwave to cook vegetables? Share your tips in the comments below


Prepping Smarts

  • Learn how to chop broccoli efficiently, and then watch how I execute one of my favorite vegetable cooking formulas – the microwave and saute!
Video

How to Chop Broccoli

Watch this video to learn how to chop broccoli for a variety of tasty uses.

Video

The Microwave & Saute Cooking Formula

The microwave can be a great shortcut tool to making sure vegetables make it onto the table for dinner every night.

Equipment Smarts

For more kitchen and equipment and tool smarts, visit our Essential Kitchen Cookware and Tools

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Lemon & Garlic Broccoli

Get a side of broccoli on the dinner table with this easy microwaving technique. Lemon and garlic add some flavor and pizzazz.

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 5 min

Total time: 10 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Broccoli – 1 head, chopped
  • Butter – 2 Tbsp
  • Lemon – 1/2, juice of

Instructions

Prep

  1. Garlic / Broccoli – Prep as directed. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)

Make

  1. Place broccoli, garlic, and butter in a microwave safe container or a glass Pyrex dish. Add 1 Tbsp of water and sprinkle with salt. Cover with a lid or wet paper towel and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Cook until broccoli is tender but still crunchy. When done, add a squeeze of lemon juice and toss so that the melted butter coats it all.

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