Blanching Broccoli

Blanching broccoli is the best way to make it! Ts so delicious because it preserves SO much flavor and settles the raw, bitter taste. It ensures that your broccoli is nicely cooked but also still has a nice crunch to it. It  goes well with just about anything! This 10 minutes side dish is the perfect addition to any weeknight meal. 

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

• You literally can have this side dish on the table within 10 minutes. 
• This recipe goes great in just about anything like stir fries and crockpot meals. 
• The balancing process ensures the broccoli is well cooked while still having a nice crunch to it. 
• You can eat broccoli plain with a little bit of salt or top it off with one of my favorite dressings like this Steakhouse Ginger Dressing or my go to Tahini Dressing. 
• This recipe is naturally dairy free, gluten free, soy free, nut free, vegan, paleo friendly and Whole30 friendly. 
• If you love simplifying cooking check out my other broccoli recipe- Cooking Frozen Broccoli In The Air Fryer. 

Recipe Ingredients

• Broccoli florets- When you cut the head of broccoli apart into smaller pieces and remove the thick stock, you have broccoli florets. You can use a knife, however, I find it easier to twist and pull the pieces apart into smaller pieces; AKA florets. The thick stock (or trunk) is edible, however, it takes longer to cook this portion so you want to cut this down. The trunk does have nutrients in it too so I do not like to waste. If you prefer not to eat the trunk part, make sure you still save it-you can use it in smoothies like my Broccoli Smoothie.
• Sea salt- This prevents the broccoli’s natural sugars and salts from draining into the blanching water preventing your broccoli to lose any flavor.

How To Make

• Step 1

  • Bring 4 quarts of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water too and set to the side. 

• Step 2

  • Put the broccoli florets in the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just barely tender. 

• Step 3

  • With a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli and immediately plunge in ice water. 

• Step 4

  • When the broccoli is completely cool, drain it from the ice water and pat dry with a paper towel.

 

Recipe FAQ’s

• What Is Blanching? 

  • A super simple cooking method! It is most often used with different fruits and vegetables. First, you place the food item in boiling water for a few minutes. Then, you “shock” the food item by placing it in ice cold water. This prevents the item from overcooking and leaving you with a mushy product. Blanching will ensure the perfect taste, texture, and color. 

• Can I Save Leftovers? 

  • Yes. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

• Can I Freeze Blanched Broccoli? 

  • Absolutely. First, place in the freezer on a parchment lined sheet pan. Once the broccoli is frozen, you can transfer to a Ziplock bag and freeze for up to 9 months. Remove and reheat any portion size at your convenience. In fact most frozen broccoli that you buy is already blanched, it helps preserve it!

• What Kind Of Pot Do You Use For Blanching?

  • I love the caraway pots and pans. They are non-toxic and so easy to clean!

• Is Blanching Broccoli In The Microwave A Thing?

  • Absolutely! Put the broccoli, water, and salt in a microwave friendly bowl covered (either a microwave friendly ceramic lid or plastic wrap) on high for 3-4 minutes. Then follow the same instructions as you would if you used boiling water. Once the broccoli is cooked, drain the water and shock it with an ice bath. 

• Can You Blanch Cauliflower?

  • Yes! You would follow the exact same recipe for balancing cauliflower. 

• Can You Blanch Broccoli Without Ice?

  • You can but I do suggest using ice. If you do not have ice you can run the broccoli under cold water. 

Chef’s Tips

• Have your bowl of ice water ready while the broccoli is in boiling water. You want the transfer to be quick, to make sure that the broccoli stops cooking. 

If you like this recipe, you will LOVE

• Frozen Broccoli in the Air Fryer
• Instant Pot Zucchini
• Lemon Garlic Asparagus
• Air Fried Green Beans

If you enjoyed this recipe it would mean the world to me if you rated it and left a comment below. It helps others find it on google.xoxo-Allianna