Want to know the secret to cooking broccoli and keeping all its bright colors intact? Let me show you how in this breakdown of how to blanch broccoli. It's one of the simplest ways to cook broccoli pieces for meal prep or to store in the freezer.
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 2 minutesminutes
Cooling time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 12 minutesminutes
Servings 6servings
Calories 39kcal
Ingredients
1 ½poundsbroccoli florets
1teaspoonsalt
Water and ice
Instructions
Check the timetable in the notes section for how long to cook broccoli.
Cut the broccoli up into similar-sized pieces. If you are using florets you may need to cut the larger ones in half.
Fill up a saucepan with water. Heat water to boiling over medium high heat.
Combine water and ice in a large bowl for an ice water bath.
When the water boils, add the salt, followed by the broccoli florets. Add the broccoli to the pot one cup at a time to keep the water boiling.
Cook for one minute, then remove one piece from the pot and plunge into an ice water bath. Check if it’s cooked to your liking. Continue cooking in 30 second increments until the broccoli is the tenderness you prefer.
When the broccoli is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked broccoli to the ice water bath and allow it to fully cool.
Remove from the ice water bath and lay out on a towel lined baking tray to dry.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer once the excess moisture has completely drained.
Notes
How Long To Cook Blanched Broccoli
Freezer: 0 - 1 minute
Store and Add to Other Cooked Dishes: 1-2 minutes
Salads or Side Dishes: 3+ minutes
Expert Tips:For freshest flavor and best quality. Buy broccoli close to the time you plan to cook.To ensure even cooking. Cut the broccoli into similar-sized pieces.Test the broccoli while it cooks. So it cooks to a texture you prefer!Don’t cook the broccoli too long. Leave it with a little bit of crisp bite to it! Otherwise, it might get too mushy when you cook again.Prepare the ice water bath prior to cooking. You want it ready to add the broccoli as soon as it finishes cooking.Don't skip the salt. When blanching it helps the broccoli keep its bright color while also adding some flavor.