Step 1

Put 1-2 inches of water in the bottom of a pot. Put a steamer basket in the pot. (If you do not have a steamer basket you can cook the broccoli directly in an inch or two of water in the pot.)

Step 2

Put the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

Step 3

Meanwhile, cut the broccoli into florets.

Step 4

Once the water comes to a boil, add the broccoli to the steamer basket (or right to the water in the pot), cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 3-4 minutes for crisp-tender broccoli or 5-7 minutes for softer broccoli.

Step 5

Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, immediately remove it from the heat and take the lid off of the pot. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. Serve broccoli with salt and pepper, lemon wedges, or Parmesan cheese, or as desired. See more seasoning ideas in the notes below.