How to Blanch Broccoli (2024)

FAQs

How to perfectly blanch broccoli? ›

To blanch broccoli, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, submerge chopped broccoli florets into the pot. It does not take long to blanch broccoli – only about 30-60 seconds, so keep an eye out for when the color changes from dull green to bright green.

For blanching, fill a large bowl with ice water and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, add the trimmed broccoli to the boiling water and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the ice bath with a slotted spoon.

Blanching stops enzyme actions which otherwise cause loss of flavor, color and texture. In addition, blanching removes some surface dirt and microorganisms, brightens color and helps slow vitamin losses. It also wilts greens and softens some vegetables (broccoli, asparagus) and makes them easier to pack.

Cooking Method #2: Steaming in the Microwave

Place the broccoli florets and stems in a microwave-safe dish and pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of water over top. Cover with a dinner plate and microwave on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the lid carefully and check if the broccoli is tender.

Bring 4 quarts water and 2 teaspoons salt to a rapid boil. Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Carefully lower the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just barely tender.

Just before blanching the vegetables, add couple of tablespoons of salt to the boiling water. Salt helps to maintain color and improve flavor, but it may be omitted if you wish. Add the vegetables to the pot in small batches so that the water continues to boil.

Food safety and quality

All vegetables should be blanched and quickly cooled before freezing, drying or dehydrating. Exceptions: Diced or cut onions, green onions, leeks and peppers do not need to be blanched before preserving. Some pressure canning recipes also require vegetables to be blanched.

Lack of nutrients in cooking water, high energetic costs, high water consumption and recycling are some drawbacks of vegetable blanching.

Steam blanching is preferred because more water-soluble vitamins and minerals are preserved. In steam blanching, vegetables or fruits are placed in a colander that is suspended above boiling water and heated by the steam. In water blanching, the vegetables of fruits are placed directly in the boiling water.

Healthiest Way to Cook Broccoli

Lightly sauteed with garlic and a splash of water. It's that simple. Cooking broccoli in this way retains most of its colour, nutritional value along with that crunch that results in a delicious side dish that even my youngest and pickiest eater enjoys.

How do you keep broccoli green when blanching? ›

I stick with exactly 5 minutes. Immediately drain it in a colander, and serve. If you aren't serving it immediately, or if it's going into a salad to be served cold, dip it into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and ensures that the broccoli stays that gorgeous green color.

Frozen broccoli is an incredible timesaver. After all, it's already cleaned, cut, blanched and ready to use, making it easy to get some extra green into your diet. On top of that, it's got just as much nutrition as fresh broccoli, lasts six to eight months in the freezer and is more economical.

During blanching, vegetables are typically exposed to hot temperatures to kill off the bacteria. They could lose some vitamin B and C in the process, but for the most part, their nutritional value remains intact. General nutrient loss from blanching averages 10-20%.

Option 2: Steam without a steamer basket

Add just enough water to cover the bottom of a large skillet (about 3/4 cup for a 12-inch skillet). Add the broccoli in an even layer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat until just tender and bright green, 6 to 8 minutes total.