Steamed broccoli and carrots make a quick, healthy side dish that's ready in minutes. Steaming is one of the fastest cooking methods and helps the vegetables stay tender, colorful, and full of nutrients.
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If you're used to boiling vegetables in water, consider steaming them in a steamer basket for a few minutes. It takes the same amount of time, and no nutrients are lost in the cooking water.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Taste: Steaming vegetables help retain their natural flavors. The
- carrots are as sweet as sugar! You will love them cooked this way!
- Texture: Steaming preserves the crispness and vibrant color of vegetables. Steamed broccoli and carrots often have a desirable tender-crisp texture, making them enjoyable to eat.
- Versatility: Steamed broccoli and carrots goes well in salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish. I cook a lot of fish and steamed vegetables are such an easy side that goes well with everything.
- Nutritional Value: Broccoli and carrots are low-calorie, high-fiber options for your healthy diet.
This recipe checks all the boxes: gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, low sodium, kosher, paleo, low carb, and it tastes great!
What You Need
All you need is a steamer insert for a medium-sized or small saucepan, fresh vegetables, and some water.
- Broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- Fresh carrots (You can sub baby carrots)
Equipment Needed
A steamer basket is a useful kitchen tool. There are many options to choose from, like collapsible metal and silicone steamers. Any steamer basket will work with this recipe, provided it fits in your pot with the lid securely closed.
To use, simply expand the steamer basket, allowing it to unfold. Place the expanded basket inside a pot, and it will take the shape of the pot. This ensures that steam circulates evenly around the vegetables.
You'll need a saucepan or a big pot and a steamer basket.
How Long Do You Steam Vegetables?
The cooking time can change based on how tender you want them. It usually takes about 5 minutes for the best texture.
How to Steam Broccoli and Carrots
- Wash the broccoli and trim the stalks with a paring knife. Cut broccoli florets into bite-size pieces. Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. Cut into ½-inch slices.
- Place a steamer basket in a pot, making sure it sits above the water level. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can improvise by using a metal colander.
- Place the cut broccoli and carrot slices into the steamer basket. (There should be an inch between the water and the basket. Make sure there is no water coming through the holes of the basket.)
- Bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and steam the veggies for 5 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Remove broccoli and carrots from the pot.
- Season as desired.
The Best Seasonings for Steamed Vegetables
You don't have to, but adding salt, pepper, olive oil, or herbs can make your dish taste better. Try different combinations to discover your favorite mix. Seasoning can make your carrots and broccoli taste better. You can use just salt and pepper or try more complex flavors.
Classic Seasonings:
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for healthy Omega-3 fats.
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil and toss it with the steamed vegetables.
- Add chopped fresh parsley mixed with dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for Italian flavors.
Additional Flavors:
- Grate lemon zest over the vegetables for a little kick.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and a few drops of sesame oil for a nutty crunch.
What Goes with Steamed Vegetables?
Everything goes with steamed broccoli and carrots! This is a great side for chicken and steak dishes plus all our fresh fish recipes.
Add steamed carrots and broccoli to stir-fries, and rice bowls. You can also fold them into your morning eggs and omelets.
These dishes pair well with steamed vegetables:
Nutrient information
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps preserve the nutritional content of vegetables. Broccoli and carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and steaming helps retain these nutrients more effectively than boiling or frying.
Storage and Reheating
To store steamed vegetables, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can reheat them in a small skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil for a minute or two.
Summary
The simplest method to cook broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and other veggies is through steaming.
Using a steamer insert with a cup of water lets you steam your favorite vegetables. This method keeps their natural flavors and does not add fat.
Steamed broccoli and carrots make a healthy veggie side in 10 minutes!
They are an excellent option when you need a quick addition to your meal, ready in just a few minutes.
Store the steamed vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended.
FAQ
Yes, you can steam cauliflower. Simply add the frozen cauliflower to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the cauliflower is piping hot and fork-tender.
Yes, you can. Put the vegetables in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Add a little water. Microwave on high in short intervals until they are tender.
While you can freeze them, the texture may change upon thawing. It's generally recommended to consume steamed vegetables fresh or refrigerate them for short-term storage.
This recipe for Steamed Broccoli and Carrots has 85 calories per serving.
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound fresh carrots
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli and trim the stalks with a paring knife. Cut broccoli florets into bite-size pieces.
- Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. Cut into ½-inch slices.
- Place a steamer basket in a pot, making sure it sits above the water level. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can improvise by using a metal colander.
- Place the cut broccoli and carrot slices into the steamer basket. (There should be an inch between the water and the basket. Make sure there is no water coming through the holes of the basket.)
- Bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and steam the veggies for 5 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Remove broccoli and carrots from the pot. Season as desired.
Notes
-
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
-
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added healthy Omega-3 fats.
-
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil and toss it with the steamed vegetables.
-
- Add chopped fresh parsley mixed with dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for Italian flavors.
-
- Grate lemon zest over the vegetables for a little kick.
-
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
-
- Garnish with sesame seeds and a few drops of sesame oil for a nutty crunch.
Dana P says
My family loved this!