If you hate microwaves (some people do, no judgment), grab a small saucepan. Add about an inch of water to the bottom. Put the broccoli right into the water—it doesn’t have to be suspended above it. Trust me.
Cover the pan with a snug lid, and let it simmer on medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. The water creates steam, and the broccoli cooks perfectly. No basket, no fancy insert, no hassle.
I do this when I’m making pasta. While the pasta boils, I toss the broccoli into a small pan right next to it. Two things at once, zero extra effort.
The “Weird but Works” Glass Bowl Trick
Here’s a pro tip that sounds crazy but is pure gold. Take a large glass bowl, add your broccoli, and pour in about a quarter cup of water. Cover it tightly with a microwave-safe plate, and zap it for 4 minutes.
The glass bowl gets hot, the plate traps the heat, and you get a perfect little steam sauna. The first time I tried this, I was skeptical. I stood there, watching through the microwave door like it was a science experiment.
When I lifted the plate, steam billowed out, and the broccoli was the best I’d ever made. Bright, crisp, and sweet. My kids actually asked for seconds. That’s a miracle, people.
Broccoli Instant Pot Without Steamer Basket at Shanna Ornelas blog
