Fitness / May 9, 2024

How to Blanch Broccoli

Level up your chef skills, and your dinners, by properly learning How To Blanch Broccoli.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Learning How To Blanch Broccoli is a valuable cooking skill that will make your broccoli come out perfectly cooked and vibrantly green every time. Also, once you master this cooking method, you can use it with many other veggies, such as this easy recipe for Blanched Asparagus. The term “blanch”, in terms of cooking, was recorded for the first time in the late 1300s and referred to the process of whitening or removing the skin from hazelnuts.

When we Blanch Broccoli, we boil or steam it briefly and then plunge the broccoli into a cold-water bath. This technique gives the broccoli a velvety texture and prevents it from getting overcooked and mushy. I still love Sauteed Broccoli and Steamed Broccoli, but Blanched Broccoli elevates your meal and your cooking skills. Also, the only ingredient you need here is broccoli. It doesn’t get simpler than this!

Is Broccoli Healthy?

Yes, broccoli itself is healthy. It contains vitamin C, is great for your immune system, and even helps heal wounds. Another serious bonus, IMO, is that broccoli promotes collagen production! Yes, please!

It’s also prepared in a healthy manner. Blanching is a great method since the broccoli is only cooked briefly so it does not lose its vitamins and minerals.

Blanched Broccoli is a perfect vegetarian and vegan dish. It is also keto friendly, whole 30–approved, and gluten-free.

What is the Point of Blanching?

When you blanch broccoli, submerge it in boiling water or steam it for just a couple of minutes. Then you immediately place the cooked broccoli into an ice bath. This will prevent the broccoli from cooking any further and provide a nice texture and bright color. The process of blanching also reduces bacteria, enzymes, and foodborne pathogens. Blanching is commonly used before freezing and preserving vegetables.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds broccoli florets
2 teaspoons salt (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.

Blanch

Add broccoli to boiling water and cook until bright green and tender-crisp.

Chill

Transfer broccoli to an ice bath to cool down quickly.

Drain

Remove broccoli from the ice bath, drain, and pat dry before serving or using in other dishes.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I store blanched broccoli?

Blanched broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days and up to a YEAR in the freezer. Cool, right? You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or in the microwave using the ‘defrost’ option.

Do I need to use fresh broccoli?

Yes. When blanching broccoli it does need to be fresh. Frozen broccoli has actually already been blanched, so there is no need to repeat the process.

Can I blanch the stems of Broccoli too?

Yes! The stalk of the broccoli is packed with nutrients. I would recommend peeling the stalk before blanching though.

How Do I season Blanched Broccoli?

Blanched broccoli is delicious, nutritious, and very versatile. You can add it to a stir fry, salad, or pasta dish, or you can keep it simple and serve it with a fresh squeeze of lemon and some salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve Blanched Broccoli with Sauteed Shrimp. It is such a simple dish, but so healthy and visually appealing. Another favorite to serve it with is this delish, sweet, and spicy Firecracker Pineapple Chicken. The Blanched Broccoli can be served on the side of these dishes or mixed in with the sauces.

For a kid-friendly, gluten-free meal, pair your Blanched Broccoli with Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders.

Finally, try adding your Blanched Broccoli to a refreshing salad or bowl, like this delectable Citrus Tuna Ceviche Bowl.

How to Blanch Broccoli

Level up your chef skills, and your dinners, by properly learning How To Blanch Broccoli.

Course pantry

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 51kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

2 pounds broccoli florets
2 teaspoons salt optional

Instructions

Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and add 2 teaspoons of salt if desired. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
While the water is heating, prepare a large bowl with cold water and ice for an ice bath.
Once the water is boiling, gently add the broccoli florets and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer the blanched broccoli from the boiling water to the ice bath to halt the cooking process.
After the broccoli has cooled in the ice bath, drain it well and pat the florets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
DEVOUR!