How to Blanch Broccoli

Here’s how to blanch broccoli perfectly! Use it as a quick side dish, for salads or veggie trays, or to prep for freezing.

Here’s a kitchen skill that’s risen to the top of our list: how to blanch broccoli! Now, typically we choose to sauté or roast these green florets. But here’s a secret: blanched broccoli is unexpectedly irresistible. Those tender florets, salted to perfection, are much easier to eat than raw: we couldn’t resist devouring an entire 4 servings in a few minutes. It’s ideal as a side dish, perfect for veggie trays or bowl meals, and it doubles as the first step of freezing broccoli to preserve it for later. Ready to get started?

The method: blanching

Blanching is a cooking method that involves boiling vegetables until they’re crisp tender, then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. The ice water helps to keep the veggies colorful by locking in a beautifully bright green color. Blanching also stops enzyme activity that results in deteriorating the texture, color, and flavor of vegetables: making them last longer.

This handy method can be used for many vegetables, like asparagus, green beans, and more. It’s great for making raw broccoli more palatable: our kid doesn’t love it raw but gobbles it up when it’s blanched. It’s great for veggie trays, or in green salads or pasta salads.

How to blanch broccoli (and how long)

Blanching broccoli is quick and easy: the cook time is just 2 ½ to 3 minutes! This method makes bright green florets that are perfectly tender. Here’s what to do:

• Prepare the water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
• Chop the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into medium florets.
• How long to blanch broccoli? Add the florets to the boiling water and cook for 2 ½ to 3 minutes, until just tender but still bright green (taste a floret to assess doneness).
• Place in the ice bath. Right when the florets are tender, remove them from the boiling water with tongs and transfer them to the bowl of ice water. After 2 minutes, remove them to a colander to drain.
• Season. Add salt, or use in recipes as desired.

How to freeze broccoli after blanching

Making blanched broccoli is the first step to freezing it, as it is with other vegetables like green beans and asparagus. Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes, then you can freeze it. Here’s what to do (or see more at How to Freeze Broccoli):

• Place the blanched broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer. This way, the broccoli doesn’t freeze into a solid block.
• Freeze for 2 hours until the florets are solid. 
• Place the broccoli in a freezer safe container or storage bag. It lasts for up to 6 months frozen (or more, but it’s best within a few months).

Storage info

How long does blanched broccoli last? Store it for 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Or, freeze the broccoli for up to 6 months.

Ways to use blanched broccoli

Blanched broccoli is one of our new favorite ways to eat it! The crisp tender texture is irresistible seasoned simply with salt. A few ways to use blanched green beans:

• Easy side dish: Throw the broccoli in a skillet with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then squeeze with lemon before serving.
• Veggie tray: Use blanched broccoli on a tray with raw veggies and Veggie Dip.
• Green salad: Add it to green salads like a simple Tossed Salad.
• Pasta salad: Add it to Classic Pasta Salad for a little green.
• Bowl meals: Throw into bowl meals like Easy Power Bowls, Hummus Bowls, Quick Burrito Bowl, Simple Salmon Bowl or Easy Grain Bowl.

More broccoli recipes

Broccoli is one of our top veggies for healthy meals. Here are some favorite broccoli recipes for preparing it:

• Try crispy and tasty Roasted Broccoli
• Go for simple Pan Fried Broccoli
• Opt for tasty Broccoli Stir Fry
• Try Best Broccoli Salad or Broccoli Slaw

01

Epic Roasted Broccoli

02

Pan Fried Broccoli (That We Make Every Day)

03

Broccoli Stir Fry

04

Broccoli Slaw

This blanch broccoli recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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