Perfectly Steamed Broccoli with Butter
This delicious and vibrant steamed broccoli recipe is a family favorite, inspired by the tender and flavorful dish served at the Outback Restaurant. My son absolutely loves it, often opting for broccoli over fries! This method ensures the broccoli florets are cooked to perfection, maintaining their bright green color and crunchy texture. The secret ingredient, sugar, helps the water boil faster without adding extra saltiness, allowing the natural flavors of the broccoli to shine through. Paired with rich, melted butter, this simple yet satisfying vegetable side dish complements any meal and brings joy to the dinner table.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh broccoli florets
3-4 cups (washed and cut into florets)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (for boiling)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Water
As needed (for steaming)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the sugar at the bottom of a large pot. Insert the steamer basket on top of the sugar.
2
Add enough water to the pot so that it just reaches below the steamer basket. Turn the heat on high to bring the water to a rapid boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the fresh broccoli florets to the steamer basket.
4
Cover the pot with a lid to trap steam and allow the broccoli to steam for 7-8 minutes, checking for your desired level of tenderness.
5
While the broccoli is steaming, place the butter in a microwave-safe serving bowl and heat it in the microwave until melted, approximately 30 seconds.
6
Once the broccoli is done steaming, carefully remove it from the pot. Add the broccoli to the bowl with melted butter and toss gently to coat the florets evenly in butter.
7
Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
Perfectly Steamed Broccoli with Butter.
How many ingredients are needed for this dish?
There are 4 main ingredients: fresh broccoli florets, sugar, butter, and water.
What is the secret ingredient in this broccoli recipe?
The secret ingredient is 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Why is sugar added to the boiling water?
Sugar helps the water boil faster without adding extra saltiness, allowing the natural flavors of the broccoli to shine.
How long should the broccoli be steamed?
The broccoli should be steamed for 7-8 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
What restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the tender and flavorful broccoli served at the Outback Restaurant.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
1/4 cup of butter is used.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4-6 servings.
What should the texture of the broccoli be?
This method ensures the broccoli florets maintain a crunchy texture and bright green color.
Where do you place the sugar in the pot?
Place the sugar at the bottom of a large pot before inserting the steamer basket.
How much water should be added to the pot?
Add enough water so that it reaches just below the steamer basket.
What heat setting is used to bring the water to a boil?
The heat should be turned on high to bring the water to a rapid boil.
What heat setting should be used during the steaming process?
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium before adding the broccoli.
How do you melt the butter for this dish?
Place the butter in a microwave-safe serving bowl and heat it in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds.
How do you combine the broccoli and butter?
After steaming, add the broccoli to the bowl with melted butter and toss gently to coat the florets evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that children often enjoy even more than fries.
What type of dish is this classified as?
It is classified as a Vegetable side dish.
Should the pot be covered while steaming?
Yes, cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam.
When should the broccoli be served?
It should be served immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors.
How much broccoli is required for this recipe?
You need 3-4 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
No, this specific recipe uses sugar instead of salt in the water to enhance the process.
Does the sugar make the broccoli taste sweet?
No, it is used to help the water boil faster and allows natural flavors to shine through.
How should the broccoli be prepared before cooking?
The broccoli should be washed and cut into florets.
What tool is necessary for steaming the broccoli?
A steamer basket is required for this method.
What color should the broccoli be after steaming?
The broccoli should maintain a bright green color.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include steamed broccoli, vegetable side dish, easy recipe, and family favorite.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with only 7-8 minutes of steaming time, it is considered a simple and easy cooking method.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes enough for 4-6 people, though a specific serving size in weight is not provided.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead?
The recipe specifically calls for 3-4 cups of fresh broccoli florets for the best texture.
What makes this broccoli recipe stand out?
Its ability to mimic a popular restaurant dish while keeping the broccoli vibrant, crunchy, and buttery.