Broccoli typically takes about 2 to 5 minutes to boil, depending on the size of the florets and your desired texture:
- Small florets take about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Medium florets take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Large florets take about 6 to 8 minutes.
For tender but still slightly crisp broccoli, boiling for 2 to 3 minutes is usually sufficient, especially for medium-sized florets. If you want the broccoli softer, you can boil it a bit longer, but boiling too long will make it mushy and dull in color
. If you are boiling broccoli stems, they generally need about 2 minutes longer than the florets, so you can boil the stems first for 2 minutes, then add the florets for another 2 to 3 minutes
. For Tenderstem broccoli, a similar cruciferous vegetable, boiling for about 3 to 4 minutes is recommended to retain some crunch
. In summary, boil broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes for bright green, crisp-tender broccoli, adjusting time slightly based on floret size and whether you include stems. Drain immediately after boiling to prevent overcooking
