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How to cook long-stem broccoli

How to cook long-stem broccoli

Lulu Grimes

Discover how to cook long-stem broccoli by steaming, simmering or frying. This long-stem vegetable makes a perfect side and can also be served raw in salads.

Long-stem broccoli varieties can all be cooked in similar ways. They are tender enough to be eaten raw in salads and benefit from being cooked quickly to keep their colour, texture and more delicate flavour (they are hybrids of broccoli and gai lan, or Chinese broccoli, so slightly sweeter than the standard type).

You shouldn’t have to do any more than trim the ends to prep this veg, then it can be cooked in any of the following ways:

Steam it in a steamer for 2-3 mins
Simmer in a small amount of water for 3-4 mins (don’t fiercely boil it as you may overcook it)
Pan-fry it in olive oil to add an extra burst of flavour
Stir-fry in a small amount of flavourless oil with garlic for 2 mins
Griddle on all sides to add char marks and a smoky flavour
Roast in the meat juices of a joint for the final 10 mins
Dip in tempura batter and deep-fry

Quick long-stem broccoli recipe

Serves 4

400g long-stem broccoli
extra virgin olive oil or melted butter

1. Trim the ends of the broccoli spears and cut any long ones into lengths. Put a little water into a pan and bring it to a boil.

2. Put the broccoli into the pan, cover and turn down to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 mins or until you can pierce the stem easily with a sharp knife. Drain well and steam dry in the pan for 30 secs. Tip onto a serving plate, season and dress with olive oil or butter.