How Long to Boil Broccoli

You might be wondering how long it takes broccoli to boil, if you choose this cooking method. Broccoli is a healthy, green vegetable that can be served in a variety of ways including:

• In a casserole
• In a salad
• In stir-fries
• In homemade soups
• As a side dish for any kind of protein
• …and many more!

Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber and pairs nicely with all kinds of dishes and cuisines. It also tastes great by itself, finished off with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, or topped with butter and shredded cheese.

How Long Does it Take to Boil Broccoli?

Although there are different ways to prepare broccoli, such as frying, sautéing, grilling, microwaving and steaming, we are going to focus on boiling as a cooking method, since this is quick and easy. And if you know how long to boil broccoli, you can expect perfect results.

Another benefit of boiling broccoli is that you can check on its progress by piercing it with a knife to see how tender it is and tell right away whether or not it is done or if it needs a few extra minutes.

So, if you’re wondering, “How long does fresh broccoli take to boil?” the following table should be helpful. This table assumes you are boiling broccoli broken into bite-size florets rather than whole or in tiny pieces.

Blanched (parboiled)	2 minutes
Al dente	3-4 minutes
Tender	5 minutes
Very soft	6-8 minutes

• If you’re going to be using the broccoli in a recipe, such as baked broccoli with cheese sauce, you will want to blanch (parboil) it, since it will finish cooking in the oven. You will also want to do this if you are going to use the broccoli in a casserole or salad.
• Al dente means crisp-tender, or cooked but still with a little “bite” to it.
• Once the broccoli reaches the texture you want, drain it in a colander.
• Some cooks like to immediately submerge it in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, help it stay crisp and bring out its bright green color.

How Long to Boil Fresh Broccoli

Fresh broccoli can be eaten raw or boiled until it reaches the preferred texture. To check the doneness, pierce the broccoli with a sharp knife. If it pierces easily, it’s tender. If there is some resistance, it’s al dente. If it’s hard to pierce, it needs more cooking time.

Bear in mind that the larger the florets, the longer the cooking time. The smaller you break or chop the broccoli, the faster it will cook. Also, it is possible to overcook broccoli; if you do, it will fall apart and be mushy, which is not likely to be the result you are looking for.

Since a broccoli stalk is dense, some cooks prefer to give them a minute or so in boiling water before adding the rest of the broccoli; however, this is completely optional, and you can get great results by cutting the broccoli into florets and adding them to boiling water without separating the florets from the stalk.

How Long to Boil Frozen Broccoli

The time for cooking frozen broccoli is not the same as cooking fresh broccoli. Cook frozen broccoli for 2 to 4 minutes, checking the doneness by piercing a piece with a knife. There is no need to thaw frozen broccoli before boiling. You can add the frozen florets to boiling water and it will be perfectly cooked in just a few minutes.

How Long to Boil Broccoli and Cauliflower Together?

Because it is denser, cauliflower has a slightly longer cooking time than broccoli. If you want to boil them together, follow these steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 2 or 3 minutes, or until both are tender.
5. Drain using a colander, or remove the cooked broccoli with a slotted spoon or skimmer.

How Long to Boil Broccoli Rabe

What is broccoli rabe and how long do you boil it? Broccoli rabe, sometimes known as rapini, is not the same as broccoli. It resembles broccoli but with long stems and is actually a member of the brassica rapa family, which means this vegetable is more closely related to turnips than to broccoli.

So how long to boil broccoli rabe? Let’s take a look at how to cook it, step-by-step:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Trim ¼ inch off the tough base of each broccoli rabe stalk.
3. Remove the leaves if you wish (this is optional since they are edible).
4. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
5. Add the broccoli rabe.
6. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Drain using a colander, or remove the cooked broccoli rabe using a slotted spoon or skimmer.

Broccoli rabe is hard to overcook (unlike broccoli), and it actually tastes better when cooked until very tender.

Some cooks like to boil it for about 5 minutes and then finish it off in a skillet or on the grill. Boiling is a great cooking method, though, and it means you only need to use one pan.

In Conclusion

Knowing how long to boil broccoli means you can use it in so many delicious dishes, whether you are planning to serve it with other vegetables and your favorite meat or fish, or use it as a component in another recipe, such as a soup, casserole or even pair it with cauliflower to make a cheesy side dish.

One delicious way to serve broccoli is as a simple side. Once it has boiled to your preferred level of doneness, drain it, season with a little salt and black pepper and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Another tasty serving idea is topping it with a little butter and some shredded cheddar cheese.