Step 1

Place broccoli florets in a microwave safe bowl or container.

Step 2

Add water and tightly cover with plastic wrap or a plate that covers the top of the dish.

Step 3

Microwave for 3 minutes. Very carefully lift the lid to check if the broccoli is bright green and crisp tender.

Step 4

Microwave an additional 1 to 2 minutes if needed.

Step 5

Fill a medium pot with enough water on the bottom to not touch the steamer basket.

Step 6

Add the steamer insert and then the broccoli on top.

Step 7

Cover and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Once the steam builds in the pot (this will take a few minutes), cook the broccoli until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 9

In a large pot add water and salt, and then bring water to a boil over high heat.

Step 10

Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green in color and crisp tender, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 11

Transfer broccoli to a bowl filled with 4 cups water and 4 cups ice to stop the cooking process, about 5 minutes. If eating right away this step can be skipped.

Step 12

In a medium bowl combine broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 13

Heat a large 12-inch saute pan or wok over medium-high heat, then add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 14

Carefully add the broccoli to the pan in a single layer. Allow to cook for 2 minutes without stirring. The broccoli should begin to brown.

Step 15

Add the water and cover, cook until broccoli turn bright green and crisp, 2 minutes.

Step 16

Carefully take of the cover and saute until water has evaporated and broccoli has a crisp-tender texture, about 2 minutes.

Step 17

Taste broccoli and season as desired. Serve warm.

Step 18

Set the oven rack to the center position. Preheat to 500ºF (260ºC).

Step 19

Place a sheet pan in the oven to preheat before adding the broccoli.

Step 20

Cut the florets into about 2-inch wide and long florets. Remove some of the tough outer peel from the stalks.

Step 21

In a medium bowl toss broccoli with olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 22

Remove the hot pan from the oven. Carefully and quickly transfer the florets to the sheet pan.

Step 23

Roast until the stalks and crowns are tender and browned, 9 to 11 minutes.