How to Blanch Broccoli So It Stays Crisp and Bright Green

Blanching is an essential technique for parcooking vegetables so they retain their color and crispness. Blanching broccoli is useful before freezing and necessary to get those bright green, crisp-tender florets. It's a quick and easy cooking technique—the key is getting the timing just right to avoid overcooked vegetables. We spoke with experts to learn how to blanch broccoli and tips for doing it properly.

What Is Blanching?

Blanching is a cooking technique that involves briefly scalding vegetables in boiling water, then submerging them in ice water. The second step shocks the vegetables and stops the cooking process.

It's a crucial step for preparing vegetables, including broccoli, for freezing. First, it deactivates enzymes (i.e., proteins that trigger chemical reactions) that deteriorate vegetables over time, per the experts at the University of Minnesota. Otherwise, without blanching, these enzymes will reduce the color, texture, and flavor of the vegetables while they're stored in the freezer, says Nathan Lyon, chef, cookbook author, and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen. This can affect the overall quality of the frozen vegetables, even if they're stored correctly.

It's possible to freeze broccoli without blanching it first, according to Ann Ziata, chef and cooking teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education. However, for the best quality and shelf-life, blanching is a crucial step.

"Another benefit of blanching is that it improves food safety," says Lyon. That's because the hot temperature of the water will kill bacteria on the vegetables, including those that may cause foodborne illness.

How to Use Blanched Broccoli

Freezing isn't the only use for blanched broccoli. The process improves the color, texture, and flavor of the vegetable—blanched broccoli can be a delicious swap for raw in charcuterie boards or crudités.

"You can also use blanched broccoli in stir-fries; they'll keep their bright color longer than unblanched [broccoli]," says Ziata. You can quickly add the blanched broccoli at the end of cooking without worrying about under- or over-cooking it, she says. It can also be used in salads, slaw, or as a simple side dish.  

How to Blanch Broccoli

Before blanching broccoli, you'll need to cut it into florets. From there, you can blanch the vegetable using boiling water or steam. The method you choose depends on your preference and the equipment you have on hand.

Boiling in Water

Blanching broccoli in boiling water is fast. How long the broccoli boils depends on the size of the florets, but it typically only requires about one minute of cooking in boiling water. Follow these steps from Ziata:

1. Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt; the pot should be at least twice as big as the volume of broccoli. Place it on the stovetop.
2. Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil.
3. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath in a bowl by combining equal parts water and ice. Set aside.
   
4. Add the broccoli to the pot—do not overfill.
5. Boil for about 1 minute, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. You can periodically stir the broccoli while it's blanching.
6. When the broccoli has reached the desired degree of doneness, use a slotted spoon to transfer it into the ice bath.
7. Strain the broccoli and transfer it to a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
8. If you are blanching multiple batches, bring the water back to a rolling boil before starting the next round.

Steaming

The other method for blanching broccoli uses steam. It takes longer than the boiling water method, typically about 4 minutes, but is still fast and retains more nutrients, says Lyon. Here's how to blanch broccoli with steam, according to Lyon:

1. Fill a pot with water. The water should not touch the vegetables or steamer basket when you place it in the pot, but there should be enough water so it doesn't evaporate as it boils.
2. Prepare an ice bath in a bowl by adding equal parts water and ice. Set aside.
3. Add your broccoli florets to a steamer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
4. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully place the basket in the pot.
5. Cover the pot and steam for 4 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
6. When the broccoli has reached your desired doneness, use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli into the ice bath.
7. Strain the broccoli, then place on a towel to remove excess moisture.
8. If necessary, repeat the process with additional batches, adding more water so the pot doesn't dry up.

5 Tips for Blanching Broccoli

Wash Broccoli First: Although the hot temperature of the blanching process will destroy bacteria on the broccoli, it's still important to wash it first to prevent cross-contamination across your work surfaces, per the experts at the University of Minnesota.

Cut Broccoli into Equal-Sized Pieces: When preparing broccoli for blanching, do your best to cut it into equal-sized florets. This will ensure even cooking during the blanching process, says Lyon.

Include the Stems: To reduce food waste and make the most of your broccoli, don't toss the stems. "They're too fibrous to enjoy raw, but blanching makes them perfect for crudité or as prep for further cooking in a sauté or roasted [dish]," says Ziata.

Avoid Blanching for Too Long: "Blanching broccoli for too long can [make it] mushy or soft," says Lyon. It also increases the likelihood of nutrient loss.

Prepare the Ice Bath in Advance: Submerge broccoli in ice water the moment it comes out of the boiling water. If you wait to do this while the vegetables are cooking, they might stay in the water too long and overcook.

How to Freeze Broccoli After Blanching

After blanching broccoli, follow these steps to properly freeze it, says Ziata:

1. Dry the blanched broccoli by patting it dry with a clean paper or cloth towel.
2. Place the broccoli on a sheet pan in a single even layer.
3. Transfer the sheet pan to the freezer until broccoli is frozen, about 1 or 2 hours.
4. Put the frozen broccoli in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, then return to the freezer.
5. Label the container with the date. Use the frozen broccoli within one year.